Networking is a term that everybody has heard before. The concept of meeting people and getting your name out there is an important one, after all. That’s especially true if you’re looking to build a career on the air or behind the scenes in TV, radio or film, where competition for even entry-level positions can be stiff.

There’s more to networking than simply going to parties and carrying business cards, though. Keep reading to learn a few basic networking tips for aspiring media students that can really make a difference in your career.

Join Everything You Can

When you’re in school, you have an incredible opportunity to build a network of people who are at the teaching level and student level that may be able to help you down the road. From clubs to social events with people in your field, joining in as much as you can and making valuable connections can help you in the long run.

You never know whose name you’re going to find on the front door, or who will be answering the phone for interviews when you’re looking for a new position. Knowing the right people can help you get jobs that aren’t always announced to the public.

Use Social Media Wisely

Social media is a major facet of almost every person’s life these days. If you’re under the age of 35, your media career likely wouldn’t be the same without it. That’s why it needs to be a major part of how you network when you’re looking to take the next step.

Using social media wisely isn’t always easy though. Unlike a completely personal account, you need to focus on making sure your best foot is forward at all times with your professionalism. That means removing negative or inappropriate posts and highlighting the good work that you do.

Even including things like charities that you work with, as well appropriate pictures and text related to your personal life can help you stand out and make lasting connections.

Build a Social Life

Going out to the bar with your buddies isn’t networking in any real sense, but going out and being amongst people in your industry can be helpful. In many cases, groups of people in the same field gather together for social events that really don’t have anything to do with work.

How will going to these events help you? They’ll help you build relationships with people in the industry. When it’s time to talk shop, you’ll be included in the conversation as a friend instead of as an outsider or, worse, not included at all.

Media Schools

Contact our network of Media Schools to learn more about how you can use networking to help you move forward with your career. Get the education you need to be the front-runner when it’s time to apply for that media job you’ve always dreamed of and get the training you need to succeed in it.