Networking Opportunities

Hello again, Jury of Peers! I cannot believe we only have a few weeks left of 1L! I truly did not think it would fly by so fast. Today’s post is about career development since summer internships are on the brain.

If you’ve read some of my other posts, you’ll know that networking is a challenge for me. I’m fairly shy so going up to people can be a bit daunting for me. However, I’ve attended some lunchtime events put on by the Career Development Office. I attended the Interview Workshop and plan to go to the Networking Workshop as well (because I need all the tips I can get).

As a 1L, I think it can be hard to network when you’re unsure of what type of law you want to go into. That’s currently my dilemma. I’m at a place where I haven’t figured out where to start. And I know attorneys’ time is precious, so I don’t want to waste their time with questions I think they will think are dumb.

One thing I’ve learned through my own experience, however, is that people love to give advice. Even if it’s a simple thing, I love to share my experience with others (a la this blog right here). Law students and lawyers alike love to give “pro tips” to those coming up after them.

Something I’m really interested in doing is Brown Bag Lunches because they are smaller events focused in one area of law put on by the CDO. I much prefer smaller gatherings than large fairs so something like this really fits what I am looking for in a networking event.

Truly, as a 1L I haven’t taken every advantage that the CDO has provided, but I think after this summer as my interests become more cemented, I will take more advantage. Because, believe me, there is never a week the CDO isn’t hosting or offering something for students to do.

Networking is key to career development, and it can be tough but there are so many ways to network nowadays that there is bound to be a way that you can find something that works for you and your style.

See you in the next one,

Kelsey

Kelsey’s Club: Tips for Networking

· Wear something that makes you feel confident.
· Bring resumes and business cards, just in case.
· Fake your confidence until it becomes real.
· Ask people about themselves, their career, their advice (don’t pressure yourself to do all the talking).
· When in doubt, just be nice. It can get you a long way.