MISA Senior Insights: Networking

Figuring out the right approach to networking can be extremely difficult. There is no definite structure when it comes to making a good first impression. As young professionals, we strive to create the ideal image of ourselves to appeal to recruiters and other industry professionals. To get some advice, we spoke to two MISA seniors who shared their networking strategies during a pandemic. These tips can help you take the first step in successfully expanding your network.

MISA’s President Suhasini Appalla shares:

“Networking is golden! It is extremely crucial to build your professional network during your 4 years of college. Not only is it important to reach out to industry professionals, but it is valuable to network with your professors as well as your SJSU colleagues. I personally love setting up informational interviews with people that I look up to and strive to be. Just doing a simple Linkedin search and sending a personalized message goes a long way!”

- Suhasini Appalla

Senior VP of MISA Nicole Baranchuk says:

“Networking has always been really difficult for me, but I find it way easier to do when I’m genuinely interested in someone’s work and life. For example, instead of reaching out to absolutely everyone that might be “good” to network with, I focus on talking to the people whose background excites me and instills instant curiosity within me.

A tip I have when it comes to networking is don’t be shy! The worst thing someone will do if you reach out to schedule a chat with them is saying no. A great way to network on campus is by joining student-run organizations and getting to know people who are in the same boat as you are. Networking during COVID was tough for me due to my very consistent lack of energy, but I found it much easier to network during club events. “

- Nicole Baranchuk

Networking can be stressful and difficult, even for the officers in MISA. Just like anything else, the first step is to reach out to the people we are genuinely interested in. There are no repercussions when it comes to networking, and the worst thing a person may reply with is the word, “No”. These networking tips from MISA’s graduating seniors will help you expand your network. Our days in college are numbered, so we should build our network while we still have the time! We often forget that other students are also future professionals with huge aspirations, so networking can become a great asset for us in the future.