The Career Brief
Make networking work for you
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Does the word “networking” make your palms sweat and stomach turn? You are not alone. For many of us, the idea of networking congers images of a very slick, self-promotional marketing performance - someone wearing a suit, shaking hands and handing out business cards seamlessly while working the room. But that’s the TV version.
The real version of networking looks exactly like what you have already been doing for your entire life - making connections with people around you who share common interests. That’s it. Nothing fancy or rehearsed. Just meeting and getting to know people and showing up as yourself.
In law school and throughout your career, other members of the legal profession and larger community will be a part of your network of mutual support. You will discover incredible opportunities for learning and growth in your career through the people you meet, and you will return support in a multitude of ways. You may doubt what support you, as a 1L at the start of your career, would have to offer that senior partner who has been an attorney for thirty years. It can be helpful to reframe the idea of networking as relational instead of transactional - the purpose of networking is to make the human connection, not to get a job. What you are offering to everyone you meet is your time, interest, attention, and care. Imagine how you would feel if a young child reached out to you and asked if you could tell them more about your path to law school because they were interested in being a lawyer someday too. That energy is what you have to offer even the most experienced attorney, and your connection can be meaningful and even inspiring for them as well.
Many attorneys are glad to share their knowledge, insight, and personal experience in the profession with law students and new lawyers, often times because they are grateful for the people who they connected with when they were just starting their legal careers.
You can find ways to make networking comfortable and even fun. Yes, even you, introverts. Here are some tips for coming up with a strategy to make the connections that you want to make.
- Think about who you want to meet. Are you interested in exploring a particular area of law? Learning more about a particular nonprofit organization or law firm? Connecting with attorneys who practice in the city you want to work in when you graduate? Finding attorneys who have a similar lived experience or cultural connection to you? Looking for people who have successfully navigated a legal career while balancing family responsibilities?
- What kind of opportunity to meet works best for your preferred style of interaction? Do you prefer to meet somewhere quiet to talk one-one-one? Do you feel more comfortable in a group setting? Do you find it easier to interact with new people when you are engaged in a shared activity, like a volunteer project? Do you like to attend larger events but only if you have a buddy or two to go with you for moral support? There is no right or wrong way to do this - be honest with yourself and assess your specific needs. But don’t be afraid to push yourself a bit and try new things too.
- Research opportunities to interact with those people. Is there a bar group or specialty organization where those people are already networking? Is there a student group where you can connect with your classmates who share common interests? Are there events or activities that people with those interests/commonalities might attend? Or are there specific individuals who you could reach out to directly, like alumni who are associates at the firm you’d like to learn more about? Are there on campus networking events that meet your interests? Check the Events section of Career Connect for events held throughout the school year.
- Make a plan and act on it. Now that you know who you want to meet, what style of interaction is best for you, and when there are opportunities to connect with those people, put it on your calendar that you WILL attend that event or email that attorney to ask for a coffee chat or informational interview. If you need a friend to attend that event with you for comfort or accountability, put it on both your calendars! The hardest part of networking is actually showing up or putting yourself out there. No matter how that interaction turns out, congratulate yourself for doing the thing. And it does get easier every time you do.
- Remember - many attorneys are introverts too! You never know who is really good (or maybe just ok?) at faking social confidence. No one will know if you are faking it either, I promise. So many awkward nerds in this profession … so so many.
Wondering what to say when you meet someone new? Check out this Career Brief for tips on crafting your Elevator Pitch.