This is just a small example of the Networking module.

MODULE 4: NETWORKING

Networking Starts Before You Need Something

Networking can sound like asking strangers for jobs, but most useful connections grow from ordinary moments when someone sees how a student works, learns, and follows through. Teachers, coaches, relatives, neighbors, volunteer coordinators, customers, and former coworkers may know opportunities the student never sees online.

The goal is not to collect powerful people. It is to become known for genuine interest and reliable behavior. A connection becomes stronger when the student also listens, says thank you, and reports what happened after receiving advice.

TEACHING EXAMPLE: Jasmine is 16 and thinks she might be interested in healthcare, but she does not know anyone who works in a hospital. She mentions her interest to her biology teacher.

The teacher has seen Jasmine arrive prepared, complete her work, and ask thoughtful questions. The teacher offers to introduce Jasmine to a former student who now works as a medical assistant.

Jasmine does not begin the conversation by asking for a job. She prepares a few questions about the work, listens carefully, and sends a thank-you message afterward. She also follows the medical assistant’s suggestion to take a CPR class.

A few months later, the medical assistant hears about a summer program for teenagers at a local hospital and sends the information to Jasmine.

Then explain:

Jasmine’s biology teacher was the first connection. The medical assistant became a second connection. Neither person guaranteed Jasmine a job, but together they helped her learn about an opportunity she probably would not have found on her own.

INTERACTION: What did Jasmine do that made people comfortable continuing to help her?

Take two or three quick responses.

Students may identify that Jasmine:

· Had already shown her teacher that she was responsible

· Asked for information instead of immediately asking for a job

· Prepared thoughtful questions

· Listened to the advice

· Said thank you

· Followed through by taking the CPR class

DISCUSS: How might the conversation have felt different if Jasmine’s first question to the medical assistant had been, ‘Can you get me a job at the hospital?

Take one or two responses.

Then explain:

Someone who has just met you may not know enough about you to recommend you for a job. Asking for information or advice gives the person a chance to learn about your interests and see how you prepare and follow through. That relationship may eventually lead to an opportunity, but the relationship comes first.

LAND THE LESSON: Networking starts by letting people know what interests you, asking for advice, and showing through your actions that you are someone they can feel comfortable helping.