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The Importance of Networking

It is likely you’ve heard that most people find their jobs through education, interests, and career direction while connecting with
networking, not researching on Internet job boards. In fact, the networks and associations in your area of geoscience interest.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that 70% of all jobs are
gained through networking. But what is networking really, and How should a student prepare to network?
more importantly, how do you get started?
Every student, whether close to graduating or not, should start
GSA’s career manager recently spoke with Patrick McAndless, to build a marketing plan that will lead to a successful career in
P.Geo, FGC, career coach and founder of the online career the geosciences. It is a fact that employment opportunities are
resource Geodude Corner (http://geodudecorner.com) to ask acquired through a well-thought-out and organized networking
some questions about networking. What follows are some of strategy. Effective networking is the best way to draw attention to
his responses. those attributes employers are looking for: passion, a strong work
ethic, persistence, and always improving. Plan to communicate
Is networking really as important as others suggest? your interests, experiences, skills, and abilities through
connecting with others in a face-to-face setting at networking
Employers are looking to hire people with passion, a strong events, conferences, and industry nights. Prepare a student busi-
work ethic, persistence, and the ability to always improve them- ness card with a geoscience picture, your contact information, and
selves. These attributes are important because they are the indica- your areas of interests or geoscience experience to hand out at
tors that show that an individual has the potential to add value events. Remember to always be prepared by conducting research
and make a difference to an organization or company. The only on the companies you are interested in beforehand and prepare a
way an employer can see whether a candidate has these attributes set of engaging questions to ask.
is through networking.
To learn more about networking, and to see examples of
Networking allows you to connect with others, no matter what student business cards and other marketing tools, go to http://
their background, and to gain insights into employment opportu- geodudecorner.com. McAndless will also be facilitating the
nities while getting your own interests, experiences, skills, and GeoCareers in Industry: The Pathway to a Successful Career:
abilities communicated to the right companies. Networking can Building Value Workshop to be held at the GSA 2015 Annual
provide powerful insight into how a potential employee can add Meeting & Exposition on Sat., 31 Oct., and hosting a Résumé
value to a company. Clinic on Sun., 1 Nov.; see community.geosociety.org/gsa2015/
science-careers/careers.
Where can a student begin networking?

There are many ways and places to practice networking and
communicating your interests, experiences, skills, and abilities to
potential employers. Conferences, like GSA’s Annual and Section
Meetings, are arguably the best networking opportunities simply
because you can expand your network considerably in one place.
Conferences provide opportunities to learn not only about
different aspects of geoscience, they also offer specific networking
events. Your university can also be a great place to expand your
network through organized career fairs and student-industry
nights where students can meet potential employers and gain an
appreciation of how a company operates.

Other networking opportunities can be created by volunteering
in the geoscience department of a university or in the community
with non-profit organizations. Volunteering shows your commit-
ment to an organization and can provide valuable insight into
how you will perform on the job. Through volunteering you may
also meet new people that you can add to your existing network.
LinkedIn is also a great resource, where you can showcase your

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