Getting involved: why starting your professional network at university matters

When you’re at university, it’s easy to think that joining a professional organisation, attending industry events or building your network is something to worry about once you graduate. But getting involved early can open doors you may not even know exist.

That was one of the key messages from a recent API Powerful Women Leadership Program session, 'Getting Involved: Building Your Network, Influence and Industry Impact'

, featuring Celeste de Mezieres from Engineers Australia, Ria Sheryl Belisario from EESA and Felicity Galluzzo from CIGRE Australia. For Celeste de Mezieres, getting involved with Engineers Australia began while she was still at university. She became a student ambassador at Engineers Australia, not because she had mapped out where it might lead, but because an opportunity came up and she was curious enough to say yes. That first step eventually led to committee positions, broader professional networks and her current involvement on the Young Engineers Shadow Board.

You don't need to have a plan her experience is a great reminder that you don't needo know exactly where you're heading.

Attend the event. Join the organisation. Introduce yourself. Ask someone about their job. Apply for the opportunity that looks interesting.

Sometimes the value only becomes clear later.Networking doesn't have to feel like “networking”, if the idea of walking into an industry event and networking makes you uncomfortable, you're definitely not alone.

Felicity Galluzzo shared a refreshingly simple way to think about it:

“Networking is not some mysterious sort of out there thing that has a secret formula.” 

It's really just about talking to people. Introduce yourself, ask what they do and be genuinely interested in their answer. You don't need an agenda, and you certainly don't need to walk away with a job offer. Those small conversations build relationships. Over time, the people you meet can become colleagues, mentors, collaborators and friends.

Membership is a great first step, but the real value comes from showing up.

Attend an event or webinar. Volunteer. Join a committee. Ask about mentoring programs. Connect with someone on LinkedIn after you meet them.

As Ria Sheryl Belisario put it,

"Influence comes from the contribution, not the position.”

You don't need a leadership title to contribute or build your professional reputation. Even as a student, you bring a different perspective and can learn enormously by getting involved.

Start while it's free, one of the best things about starting at university is that there are opportunities designed specifically for students, including free student membership with professional organisations.

• API student programs and opportunities: Power UP Program | The Australian Power Institute

• Engineers Australia student membership: Student | Engineers Australia

• EESA student membership: Free student membership - EESA

• CIGRE / Next Generation Network information: Membership-Benefits-Individual-I.pdf

So, set yourself one small challenge this month, attend one event and introduce yourself to one new person.  You never know where that first conversation might lead