Network to Learn How to Network

As some quick background about me, I'm a senior at a non-target interested in restructuring. I'm currently going through the full-time recruitment process which, as you all know, is a highly competitive process.

I wanted to provide some insight I recently came upon regarding networking. My advice, although simple, is to network with everyone and never stop networking. I know I'm not the first to stress this, but I don't think this can be stressed enough.

Take phone calls with anyone willing to speak, even if you aren't interested in their position, city, firm, or whatever it may be. If you do connect with someone who is not of interest to you career wise, make it clear that you would like advice on how to approach a situation. Ask for advice on how to phrase things, how to address certain responses, and what advice he/she may have for you after having gone through such situation before. Furthermore, from continuously jumping on the phone with others, you will develop better social skills, become more comfortable, and learn the ins-and-outs to how networking works.

I recently sent some a connection responses I received from my invitations for coffee chats. They advised me to be more direct. "It won't come off as rude," they said. Name a time and a place, and you'll get a definite response. I did as suggested, and it produced the results I was looking for.