Building Connections: The Essential Role in Success

Caroline Ahearn '20, a graduate with a major in English and Political Science, has some valuable advice for students looking to network and build their career.

Networking, the process of building and maintaining relationships with people in a job, organization, or career field of interest, can be a powerful tool for learning about day-to-day responsibilities, skills, knowledge, and current trends in a field.

One of Caroline's top tips is to always send a follow-up thank you email after a conversation. This email should refer to any particularly interesting or useful information discussed during the meeting, and express gratitude for the alumni's time and advice.

Holy Cross alumni are known for their desire to help students, and there are several resources available to make networking easier. The Center for Career Development (CCD) offers assistance with various career-related topics, and the Pam Ahearn Center for Career Development provides additional support. The How to Videos on CCD on Demand offer guidance on conducting informational interviews and connecting with alumni on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn is also a great resource to identify people with whom you might want to connect and converse. The HC Network, a platform containing thousands of alumni who have volunteered to answer questions about their industry, career progression, and liberal arts education, is a valuable tool for Holy Cross students.

It's important to show up for scheduled meetings and phone/Zoom calls with alumni, and to keep track of your conversations in a spreadsheet. This spreadsheet should include the date of the meeting, helpful comments, names of any referrals, and the date that you sent your thank you email.

Caroline's life can be summed up as "Local Girl Physically Incapable of Keeping Her Opinions to Herself." Despite her outspoken nature, she has built a strong network of connections and has found success as a copy editor.

Remember, the goal of networking is to establish an ongoing relationship to build your network and potentially identify mentors. With the right approach and the right resources, you can make the most of your networking opportunities and set yourself up for success in your career.