Editor’s Advice on NETWORKING

All of us college students have asked the following question: what will help me get the foot in the door of an internship or my dream job? Experience, resume, and a good demo reel are solid answers and super essential aspects to keep in mind. However, many students do not realize that the critical element that will help you be successful in your career (especially a creative career) is networking. This term can sound overwhelming, and if you are an introvert, it might be challenging to break the ice; but there is no need to worry. This is a matter of learning and growth. There are plenty of resources at SCAD that will help you develop a good networking base. This article breaks down the top 5 ways to start creating your professional network. 

Connect with your classmates and professors:

This is the best and most basic way you can start developing connections. There is a high chance that your current college friends and classmates will end up being your coworkers in the future. Start doing projects with peers outside of class and develop your skills with them. They might refer to you for working on future projects because they know you and your potential. 

In addition to this, talk with your professors and discuss your goals and aspirations with them. They will always give you a hand to reach what you want to do in your career. Professors at SCAD are industry professionals that know what employers are looking for. By showing them your interest and potential in and outside of class, they can help you connect with the industry and land an internship or your dream job. 

Put your work out there!

Everyone is on the internet and social media these days. We should all take advantage of this and share our artwork through platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, ArtStation, and beyond. There are multiple platforms where you can share your work and build connections. If you are shy or an introvert in real life, maybe you can start breaking the ice by connecting virtually and moving forward from there. Social media is the best tool to network with anyone, anywhere.

Get involved in SCAD by joining clubs and student organizations:

https://www.scad.edu/life/student-involvement/student-clubs

Clubs help you develop a community within your interests. They are a source to meet people from your major and beyond in a fun environment. These connections will later help you develop project collaborations. Many clubs also provide workshops to learn about the industry. In addition to this, you can learn about projects that you can work on through the club’s social platforms. 

Other student organizations will also help you connect and learn about your career. For example, by being part of student media, you can put yourself out there by interviewing professionals researching and writing about events in and outside of college.

Start a Linkedin account:

Linkedin is the social media for professionals. The primary usage of this platform is for networking and career development purposes. Many employers can post jobs and recruit employees here, in addition to people sharing their resumes, cover letters, and projects within this social platform. In addition to establishing a network through LinkedIn learning, there are plenty of tutorials and videos that will help you develop your professional and artistic skill sets. Linkedin is an excellent place to start working on your professional network!

Attend SCAD Extracurricular events

https://www.scad.edu/guests-and-gusto

Throughout the year, SCAD hosts multiple workshops within Guest and Gusto and SCADextra. Attending these events is not only beneficial for your class ELOs, but they are also a place to meet people and professionals. You can learn new skills in the variety of lessons that these events provide. In addition, active participation in these events can help you make connections by asking questions and developing a conversation with the people around you. 

These five tips are just a few of the many ways you can develop connections here at SCAD. No matter how intimidated you may feel with the networking idea, it is crucial to face your fear and put yourself out there. SCAD is the beginning of your professional life. Take advantage of all the resources and opportunities present in your college experience, do your best, work hard and enjoy seeing how your career unfolds.