Reframing Networking as Exploration

At First Round, we're turning students into explorers.

One primary way we're doing this is helping students re-envision what networking can be.

The Perception of Networking

If you've ever tried to encourage a student to network, you probably feel an urge to remind them that these conversations don't need to be transactional. A big reason for this is that most students avoid networking until they really need to find jobs. What underclassmen see and hear from from upperclassmen is that networking is what you do when its time to get a job.

This culture of networking to get a job is a big part of what keeps underclassmen from buying in until they're ultimately forced to do so later in college. It creates a vicious cycle.

In our previous article, we shared from our research that near every student already sees themselves as having started their professional journey.

But when we layered on top of this the number of conversations students were having with professionals, we discovered a big disconnect.

Here's a quote from a Wheaton senior, admittedly now networking, about her original perception:

I kept hearing from upperclassmen, 'You need to network to get referrals.' I told myself, I'd never be like that.

Underclassmen are disillusioned by the transactional networking they see from upperclassmen. Before they know it, they are thrust into the same behavior to find jobs themselves, without having take the steps to develop this skill earlier in college.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

What if younger students could see networking as a way to learn about the possibilities that lie ahead of them?

Reframing Networking as an Opportunity for Exploration

At First Round, we decided at the outset that our pilot, an in-depth guide to networking, would be entirely focused on career exploration. We want to help students see that developing relationships grounded in a desire to learn can create unimaginable possibility.

Our guide culminates with a module called Build Lasting Relationships.

We share a handful of perspectives of young professionals who built a habit of connecting with and staying in touch with professionals. Here are two from Caroline and Jeremy.

The idea is to spark inspiration. Networking is about so much more than referrals. It can be a portal to incredible life mentors, unique sources of advice and encouragement, and a discovery that there is so much more out there that's possible.

Converting Inspiration into Action

Inspiration is one thing. But it's only one dimension. If you want to see students take on new behaviors, you need to also help them increase their ability to take bold steps forward.

Through our guide, we're helping students build inspiration and skill.

In our next article, we'll go into more depth as to how we are systematically breaking down "networking" into smaller skills that students can quickly cultivate.