"Networking." The word alone tends to strike fear into the hearts of many English majors. The awkward networking events, the struggle of figuring out where to begin (especially if you are unsure of your precise career path); it can all become overwhelming for even the most outgoing English major. However, whether we like it or not, networking is crucial to developing and growing a successful career today.
If you're not entirely convinced of the importance that networking can play in your career, read these 13 experiences from English majors who networked their way into the careers they have today:
1. "I ended up at my current job via good old-fashioned networking."
Click here to read the complete interview with Chelsea Phipps, Community Management Lead at a Social Media Marketing Agency.
2. "I found my current job through my personal network. You never know which friends will be able to help your career..."
Click here to read the complete interview with Jack Neary, Head of Community at Lithographs.
3. "...Internships and networking are invaluable."
Click here to read the complete interview with Amanda M. Karby, eBook Developer at The MIT Press.
4. "In this field, it is extremely important to network and find your niche."
Click here to read the complete interview with Hannah C. Coffman, Grant Writer & Writing Specialist.
5. "The ability to contribute to discussions in a thoughtful way—that's been so important in my career..."
Click here to read the complete interview with Judi Ketteler, Freelance Writer.
6. "...Never underestimate the power of showing up in person and having a good conversation."
7. "And the biggest thing that stuck with me? My incredible relationship with my supervisor, who I still speak with on a regular basis."
Click here to read the complete interview with Alaina Leary, Social Content Curator & Freelancer.
8. "People will look you up on LinkedIn when you're interviewing and a strong profile can make or break you."
Click here to read the complete interview with Lauren Pope, Copywriter & Social Media Marketing Manager.
9. "Having a good group of go-to peers can be encouraging."
Click here to read the complete interview with Marianne M. Chrisos, Content Developer.
10. "...It's so important to develop good working relationships and never burn bridges."
Click here to read the complete interview with Jill Overmyer, Senior Marketing Communications Manager.
11. "..Recognizing those opportunities and seeing each job as a learning experience will open up more doors than you realize."
12. "Those connections will help you in one way or another, often in unimaginable ways, once you've graduated."
Click here to read the complete interview with Casey Brown, Institutional Grant Writer.
13. "My manager really advocated for me to be able to extend me an offer to come back as a full-time contractor after graduation—which proves how important your network is."
Click here to read the complete interview with Rachel Grate, Content Marketing Specialist at Eventbrite.
