Networking

In my field of study and career goals, networking is the one thing that will open all different types of doors for me! Networking is about building connections, not just with friends or family, but also about gaining different perspectives. I thought I knew what networking was since my professors explained the importance of it throughout my entire year of college, but there were a few things I didn’t take into consideration.

1.    You’re going to talk about yourself many times!

I have my 30 second pitch memorized by heart at this point. I used to think that it was impossible to explain your backstory and goals in such a short amount of time but being with NMSHSA taught me otherwise. Of course, elevator speeches are a longer version of a pitch. My nerves were on fire during my first elevator speech at the Public Policy Forum for NMSHSA, but the immense amount of support I felt was uplifting.

2.    Keep those business cards.

The practicality of LinkedIn makes it so that most people do not carry business cards around, but I’ve still received many during my time here! It is important to keep those cards, and to always follow through. Send an email, plan a one-on-one conversation, the possibilities are endless. You never know who is going to help you in the future. I’m working on keeping these opportunities close to me, especially since I’ll be ending college soon.

3.    Confidence is key.

It can be intimidating meeting people who have achieved much more. They may be CEOs, VPs, they may even have three different PhDs. Imposter syndrome is my biggest enemy, as it may be for other Latinos or first-generation students, but we belong there. We belong here, and we are going to achieve so much because we will gain the proper networking skills. 

As my second week begins, I feel ready than ever to take Washington D.C. head on!