LCD Graduate FellowWe all know networking is a key component in any job search. A recent article on the topic suggested that, “Just about every article on job-hunting you’ll read on any career site says the same thing—rendering this maxim a virtual job-seeker mantra: ‘the most effective method for finding a new job is through networking.’”
The problem is that networking scares a lot of people to the core of their job-searching beings. It’s awkward, uncomfortable, and scary. Walking into a room full of strangers to ask for a job is the last thing I want to do.
However, I have something that makes networking a little easier: I have a networking buddy.
A networking buddy is simply a friend I go to networking events with. We graduated together, and we have been friends since we were in the same section together as 1Ls.
Here’s how it works: The week before—or early in the week—I email him a list of the networking events I want to attend that week. I get this list from the right-hand side of the webpage you are reading now, under the heading “Upcoming Networking Events.” Additionally, you can search the calendar pages of any Bar Association in your area. You can view some of those here, here, and here.
Once my buddy has the list, he tells me which events he’s interested in or what days and times work for him. We decide on one, or two, or sometimes three events that we want to hit that week. Many of the events are in the city and during lunch, which is easy for both of us because we live and work close to BART. Other events are in the evenings and all over the Bay, from San Jose to Napa and eastward in Contra Costa County. We either take BART or drive to these events, depending on the location.
Then we hit the event together. Some events are just lectures or panels on various topics, so we arrive early to these and talk to anyone who is hanging out beforehand. Sometimes we see GGU alumni from our graduating class—and it’s great to catch up and see what everyone is doing. We listen to the lecture or panel, and after it’s over, we’ll stay and network if we have the time.
Other events are more straight-forward networking events, in which food or drinks are provided and the sole purpose is to talk to one another.
Once you are at this kind of event, there are a variety of strategies for the actual networking component. LCD Career Counselor Tammy Dawson recently penned a great piece here about how to approach networking. Her thesis is that, rather than taking the mindset of finding a job, you should approach networking as a way to meet people in your field, learn what they do, and find out what advice they have for you. Actually scoring a job is secondary to making contacts and getting advice.
For me, I find that simply approaching people and introducing myself is enough to get going. Usually, a person will ask what I do, and I’ll explain, “I just passed the Bar last November and I’m working a few different contract attorney jobs right now and trying to land my first full-time job.” If I’m lucky, the person will light up and say, “Oh, I know someone who’s looking for a new attorney!” If not, they’re certain to ask you about your specific legal interests and where you want to take your career. From there, you can continue this line of conversation, or ask them what they do, or talk about any number of conversational topics.
You can read about another recent GGU Law grad’s experiences at a networking event here.
Also, during the networking event, you should try to acquire even more networking buddies. If you hit it off with someone at an event, suggest attending a future event together. Say, “I’ll meet you at the SF Bar Association event next Tuesday. Let’s meet up ten minutes before the event outside the front door.”
As you can see, there are definite advantages to having a networking buddy. First, it’s easier to walk into a room full of people you don’t know if you have someone at your side that you do know. This eases anxiety and allows you to feel more comfortable in a situation that many people find severely discomforting. Also, having a buddy there doubles the chances that one of you will know someone already at the event, which eases anxiety even more. Further, with another person there with you, if there are any lulls, you can talk to your buddy instead of standing around with your hands in your pockets looking anxious.
Having a networking buddy also adds accountability to your job search. If you are consistently checking in with your buddy and emailing each other about getting to upcoming events, then going to the events and discussing the event afterwards, you are more likely to continue going to future events. And even when my networking buddy cannot go to an event with me, I go to the event anyway and then tell him all about it afterward.
The point is to get out as much as possible and make contacts with people in the legal field.
Having someone along on your journey makes the process easier and less stressful—and you’re therefore more likely to get out and network even more.
