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Overlooked Forms of Networking
Generally
There are many different ways to network that most students don’t even consider
other than official networking receptions and events. Guess what? You already have
connections that you probably don’t even realize you already have. Wherever you are
currently working or have worked, the people at your job are potential connections.
Someone knows somebody whose cousin (etc.) is a judge, paralegal, legal secretary,
headhunter, or attorney.
Overlooked Forms of Networking
Balance
You absolutely owe it to yourself to lead a somewhat balanced life by pursuing
other interests while in law school. For a number of reasons! You’ll be less stressed
about law school, having a chance to step away from it. Thus, decreasing your chances
of burning out. You’ll have a wealth of experiences to talk about. No one wants to work
with or talk to a boring-stick-in-the-mud-homebody! Do not underestimate the value of
networking at social events. You could more easily develop a more personal rapport
with someone at a cocktail reception, ballgame, or even while getting your hair cut. It's
important not to dwell on career-related discussions if it's putting the other person off.
But you can walk up to someone, introduce yourself, and ask what it is that they do.
You just never know when you may meet someone that will be able to help you in your
career so you should have your business cards and a pen on you at all times. It says to
that other person that you are a professional and important enough to have business
cards at the ready. By not networking, you may be inadvertently curtailing your chances
for success. Operate under the assumption that for every one person that you know or
meet, they know at least one other person that could help you in your career or that
you'd want to meet, so on and so forth. By networking with more people, you are
increasing your chances of finding at least one source that can lead to a job, another
networking event, mentor, etc. Remember all you need is one! But you will probably
find more than just one.
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