7:30 pm – I left WayUp HQ on a mission: to network. I was off to a networking event in NYC.
8:07 pm – The inevitable happens: I see the event through the window, don’t want to go, walk halfway down the block, call my mom, turn around and go inside.
8:12 pm – First stop: the bathroom. I look in the mirror and tell myself I’m awesome. Now I’m ready to face the throng of strangers.
8:15 pm – In the crowd of people, I know I have to talk to someone, but how? I see a woman standing alone. We lock eyes. I step closer. We both know what’s coming next: “Hi, I’m Sophie.”
8:17 pm – Once I know her name (Kate), I ask, “What do you do?” I know it’s cliche, but I have to start somewhere.
8:27 pm – During a lull in the conversation, a man standing nearby inches closer and says, “Hi, I’m sorry but I’m going to crash this conversation if that’s ok.” Bold move. I was so happy he joined because Kate and I were running out of things to talk about.
8:35 pm – As the conversation comes to a natural stopping point I say, “Well, it was great to meet both of you.” I give the handshake I’ve practiced on every member of my family: firm, eye contact, a slight smile and just the right amount of hand sweatiness.
8:45 pm – In another conversation (that I initiated in the same way as the last) the woman blurts out, “I normally have a filter, but I can’t help commenting that you look 12. You must have used a lot of a sunscreen as a kid.” I don’t think it’s crossed her mind that I am indeed closer to age 12 than to her age, 27.
8:50 pm – After a pause in the conversation, I announce that I’m going to head home. The woman hurriedly asks for my contact info, which feels forced. Regardless, I’m feeling pretty good. I successfully made it through my first networking event.
9:15 pm – I take the subway triumphant. I realize that networking events aren’t so scary and that I’m capable of holding my own. Actually, networking events are kind of fun.
What I learned on my mission:
- Crash the conversation. Even if you see a group of people in conversation, it’s ok to introduce yourself. This is your career and you have to be proactive to get the advice you need.
- Conversations will come to a natural stopping point. When that happens, don’t feel the need to drag it out: Give a firm handshake, say “It was great to meet you,” then move on.
- Your main focus shouldn’t be to get a lot of emails. It was apparent to me (and everyone else) when someone’s primary goal was to collect contact info. Engage with people for the sake of conversation. Networking should be as genuine and organic as possible.
This article was written by Sophie Houser, a rising freshman hired on WayUp!
