Written by: Coach Alison Lake
It’s never too early for students to start networking, even at a young age.
Networking is a natural offshoot of impression management. For young people, it's about showing curiosity, asking questions, gathering information, demonstrating care for others, and forming productive relationships.
Students who seek out more face time with teachers, coaches, and other leaders and show interest in classes and activities are more likely to succeed in school and be considered for opportunities. Networking also extends to connections outside of the school campus--in the community, the neighborhood, and even family gatherings.
Building those relationships over time can lead to a more positive overall impression of the student. This comes in handy when it's time for college recommendations, for example. But the more meaningful benefit is that the student is enriched by these interactions and projects a lasting impression of being a good citizen and member of the community. And it's good preparation for life beyond middle and secondary school.
As students become more active in extracurriculars and move to a schedule of multiple teachers, they interact with a greater number of school leaders. And as they mature, they are also thinking more about what's next--the next grade, summer jobs, college applications. Networking and careful impression management will help them gather support and build a solid foundation for success.
Adopt a Sincere Attitude
It's important for students to avoid creating the impression of seeking brownie points or special preference over other students. Instead, they should earnestly approach each personal interaction as an opportunity to learn more, and apply what they learn in those conversations to their studies, course choices, and academic, professional, and personal plans.
If these conversations don't come naturally, particularly for introverts, students can jot down a short list of questions they want to ask when they know a meeting is coming up. Sometimes, all it takes to start is a simple question: How did you get into teaching? What do you like best about working with young people? What advice would you give someone of my age? What do you wish you knew back then? How can I improve?
In fact, coming prepared with a list of questions is a good idea in any situation, because this shows preparation, thought, and consideration for the other person's time.
Teachers
Teachers really appreciate when students show interest in their work and expertise. After-school help can lead to conversations about real-world applications of the material, potential career paths, and different ways of thinking about challenging concepts. It's also a chance to engage someone smart outside of their classroom routine, and learn something new from them.
Teachers know their students well, and are used to working with a variety of different personalities and skill levels. They might share a unique suggestion that will work well for that student. And they often recognize students who appear willing to improve and learn and put in extra time.
Coaches
Sports is an ideal environment for building leadership skills and learning to navigate different challenges. And students can learn things from their coaches that they might not get in the classroom.
While it might not always be easy to get one-on-one time with a coach, players can maximize the time they have before, during, and after practice to ask for advice, ideas, and recommendations.
Conversations can be about the sport, about setting and achieving goals, about creating a disciplined plan for practice. Even if a student doesn't want to go on to become a professional athlete, lessons learned from coaches are invaluable in all areas of life.
Older Students
Graduates and students in the next grade or two can answer questions about difficult course material, share their academic experience and impressions of teachers, and provide a glimpse of college or the working world.
These interactions might be more comfortable for students, since they often happen informally with peers and are spontaneous. And they make a big impact, because students can often implement what they hear in their own lives.
Neighbors/Family Friends
Students often consider potential career paths and college majors during the last two years of high school. Friends of their parents who work in different fields can be a goldmine of information, ideas, and contacts.
It's important to schedule time with these busy individuals and be punctual, coming with a list of questions. Professionals are often flattered to be approached by a young person and are more than happy to be helpful and share anecdotes about their work and backgrounds.
Relatives
This might sound strange, but even relatives who are in college or the workforce have a wealth of experience that's worth tapping into. That uncle who's worked in IT for many years, or the cousin who's a chef, would probably be happy to describe their jobs and what they enjoy. And they likely still remember clearly what worked for them back in school, and what didn't. Hindsight provides useful lessons.
Networking is an important life skill that is productive and rewarding at any age. The more students network, the more comfortable they will become with asking questions and learning from others. The process of networking often uncovers new avenues and information, and may open doors that wouldn't have been available otherwise.