By Alyssa D. Humbles
It is often said, but truthfully never really understood until well after the fact, that college is just as much about what you learn in the classroom as it is outside of the classroom.
The wealth of knowledge that can be found walking the campus is truly a richness that, if you’re not careful, could pass you by. Take advantage of the lessons not listed on a syllabus by exercising and strengthening your networking abilities. You can enrich your overall college experience through intentional and authentic connections. Here are five types of individuals every college student should have in their campus-network:
The Navigator- College is a system in and of itself. The policies, procedures, key stakeholders, rhyme/reason for decisions, and even potential work-arounds are all part of the complexities within this system. Understanding and successfully navigating this nuanced system is not always easy or intuitive. One of the best resources on campus that you could tap into is a ‘cultural navigator’. This is someone who understands these varied aspects of the college while taking into consideration your perspective and needs. Someone you could turn to and trust their guidance. Cultural navigators can expose you to internal and external opportunities, match you with unique experiences that engage students who are eager to leave their mark on campus, provide you with a voice before administration and faculty, remind you of deadlines, and notify you of potential funding. Having someone like the navigator in your circle is not just important, but essential.
The Financier– College has its fair share of challenges without having the additional frustration of paying for it. While there are federal and state systems in place, such as FAFSA, these processes have a tendency to change, even in subtle ways, which could have a detrimental impact. With a financier in your network, things like approaching deadlines or deadline changes, verification processes and appropriate submission of documents will no longer catch you by surprise. The financier can help you prevent or navigate unfortunate predicaments like trying to find a way to pay for books or being unable to register for an upcoming term due to a financial hold.
The Career Coach- Most campuses have a career center or designated professionals intended to assist students in understanding life after college. Their expertise includes exploring which courses shed light on a potential career path, internship opportunities that would prove helpful in making final decisions, or setting up meetings with career professionals to share more about their journey and provide insight to the work. While some may don the title specific to this area, any person on the campus could serve in this capacity. Each person has a story as to how they ventured down their career path. Some may share that their passion came out of experiencing hardships themselves. They often hope to alleviate that same frustration for those who would follow them. Others may share they always knew their field was for them. These unique journeys can add much needed insight and result in you trusting your own process. There are professions you can explore through shadowing. It helps to connect with a career coach early on. Use this time intentionally, to explore all avenues. It poses minimal risk and harbors maximum reward.
The Employer- On-campus employment is one of the most enriching experiences to be obtained in college. It is a unique blend of flexibility, professional grace, and meaningful exposure. However, having the right opportunity is crucial. The right employer will cultivate you not only professionally but also personally. The right employer will challenge the professional you are to ensure you can become the professional you want to be. The right employer will provide you with experiences that will shape you for the rest of your life. Finding the right employer is not the easiest task. You may have to assert yourself in uncomfortable ways at times. One suggestion is to be observant, first and foremost. If you notice someone who operates in integrity, challenges you to be better in the classroom, holds you accountable, etc., they may be a wonderful avenue to pursue for on campus employment. When you find a person who has taken an interest in the success of students, holistically, ask if you can serve as their student employee. If not, find out if they can refer you to any campus opportunities that could afford you the chance to grow in the ways that drew you to them in the first place. Don’t be ashamed to tell them you value their mentorship and would like to work more closely with them and/or their like-minded colleagues.
The Relator– There is nothing new under the sun. While the concept of college may be stagnant, there are certainly challenges that face present-day collegians that were not present 10-15+ years ago. As a result, some of the people in your immediate support system may not be able to fully relate. The balance of empathy and understanding of the current challenges and circumstances in your day-to-day experience can be found in a relator. Connecting with relators who work with students every day, and understand how the organization at large impacts students is imperative. It is easy to feel alone or misunderstood when the only form of success is measured by end of the term grades. A relator, however, knows there are many things that happen between day one and the final. Find a relator who can speak with you candidly, challenge you, and support you.
The process of identifying these five types of individuals must be intentional. The same approach used to find the right employer can be applied to all of these individuals. Being observant, patient, and assertive can land you an unbreakable network. Having a strong network has short-term as well as long-term benefits, such as letters of recommendation and references. Over time these individuals will get to know your character, interests, opportunities for growth and more. Who better to speak on your behalf than someone who has watched you persist, overcome, problem-solve, and succeed?
Having a strong network adds to your net worth. Pray and ask God for your divine connections. Start early. Establish meaningful connections. Strengthen those relationships throughout your time at school and beyond.