Keep Your Social Activities Up Outside the Classroom

You’ve read the blog posts, the advice, and you know the drill — you need to engage in meaningful activities while you are still in school and network with people in your field of choice.

When you are no longer in school, these activities may be a little more difficult. Since I have been home, going to a job fair means I have to factor in driving and parking, as opposed to walking across campus. Because I went away to school, socializing and networking requires a little extra effort.

Most cities have sports activities or volunteer groups for young professionals. I highly recommend joining. I just sent in my deposits for both the Baltimore Sports and Social Club and the Baltimore Kickball League. This was a big step. I had to join by myself and I am not athletic, so flag football could potentially be embarrassing.

But participating in a sports team is useful, even in a job hunt. For one, it gives you an excuse to do physical activity outside of the gym. For another, joining a team gives you a new network of friends and young professionals across the city. Not only are you making new friends, but you are going to be in direct contact with people who can provide you with new leads and even information about possible career paths.

If you are like me, taking part in these activities is a little troublesome. I went to school six hours from home, and I grew to enjoy the comfort of my new “school family.” These friends are no longer in the area, so being a social butterfly requires me to do some extra work. It is not impossible, but it does mean I have to swallow my fear and put myself out on the line.

Don’t forget, being engaged in your community and with people your own age doesn’t stop when you leave the comfort of campus.