Guide to Networking in High School

Anchal Lamba - Board Member

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During summer, socialization seems to be expanding by the day. When you sit at home and scroll through your Instagram feed or Snapchat stories, friends are out meeting others at parties, their jobs, summer programs, etc. Unknowingly, the demand to network and establish yourself at a social gathering is increasing, not just to make more friends but for career opportunities in the competitive academic environment that the Bay Area presents.

However, the summer isn’t the only time that networking occurs. As a high school student at a competitive school, I have personally experienced the need to network with students, teachers, and adults outside of school for extracurricular opportunities. With most of the students finding something to do for a strong resume, the only distinction is how well-connected one is. With the following five tips, you will learn how to effectively communicate and network with others, giving you a head start among your peers.

1. Find a person you know: While talking to strangers can be terrifying, bring or find someone that you know to a social gathering. It is understandably difficult to initiate a conversation with someone and make a good first impression. With someone that you know at your side, you will feel more comfortable as their support is with you. This makes it easier to talk and who knows, you may have fun!

2. Know all your facts: A huge cause of nervousness while networking is not knowing what to say. Before attending such meetings, prepare a little “elevator talk” and understand the answers to potential questions that the other person may ask. Confidence is key to a successful conversation and knowing what you are talking about fosters such behavior.

3. Have a positive mindset: It is incredible how your mind can play games with you under stress. With a mental block and a negative outlook to a conversation with another person, it is almost impossible to approach someone and talk to them in a positive, confident manner. Keep telling yourself that “You can do it!” and accordingly present yourself with a smile. You would be surprised how much a change in your mindset can make a lasting impact.

4. Time your entry: Walking up to a group of people who are having a lively conversation can be intimidating. In such a situation, it is necessary to not push your way into the conversation and blurt out an opinion. It kills the flow of the conversation and gives a bad first impression. Instead, ease your way in with a smile and pose a question when the time is right. Whoever is talking to you would be happy to answer and you can share your thoughts as well.

5. Listen to be heard: In How to Win Friends by Dale Carnegie, Carnegie makes a fascinating point about people loving to talk about themselves in a conversation. For shy people, this is the best tip! While it is surprising, many people don’t listen to the other person while they talk, as they are quietly waiting for an opportunity to talk again. Therefore, become a good listener. Actively listen to another person with sincere interest. They will remember having a great conversation with you when you did not need to say much at all.

Networking is an essential part of living in a communicative society that governs your work and social life. Regarding FLAME and the purpose of this program, I’ve seen many high school girls have insecurities, low self-confidence, or a lack of understanding to communicate their ideas well in a classroom, eventually translating to the workforce environment. The ability to communicate well is essential for tangent tasks such as public speaking and presentations required in a typical occupation as well. With these five tips, I hope you break your barriers and find your “inner flame”.

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