BYU–Hawaii students and alumni said putting time and effort into networking with peers and teachers can help students discover what they want to do professionally and help them secure jobs or find internship opportunities. They also encouraged students to take advantage of networking platforms, like the Ohana Network, LinkedIn and Handshake.
Viliami Fifita, a Fall 2020 graduate from Tonga who majored in interdisciplinary studies, said the best way to network is by simply talking to people around you. Through networking, he said students can receive answers to their questions from experienced people.
Fifita said he had always wanted to do an internship with Disney and work for the company after graduation because of his passion for theatre. He explained networking showed him questions he didn’t realize he needed to ask before, and he was referred to the right people through his friends.
Eventually, Fifita said he achieved his goal. “Networking isn’t easy, and it’s going to take time and a lot of scheduling. But my passion pushed me to continue networking and talking to people to make my dream happen.”
Camille Condie, a junior from Utah majoring in marine biology, said expanding their network can help students better understand the field they chose. Through networking, Condie said she found out she had to switch her focus in her major and figured out what to study after her graduation. “Networking can broaden your view of your major and your knowledge of what you want to do with it,” she commented.
Condie also stressed the importance of doing internships with sincerity, which can lead to further employment. “Getting to know people in your internships and letting them know your work ethic is very important. Otherwise, it might come around and bite you later.”
Diana Westergard, a junior from Colorado majoring in molecular biology, said networking has helped her find scholarships and jobs on campus. Through the network she created, she said she was referred to the Daniel’s Fund Scholar organization and was also connected to other students in the United States who led her to more opportunities in her field.
Westergard said, “Networking opens up your options. A big part of networking is not just talking to people, but is a way to open up doors into different areas.” She explained networking is a tool to explore different opportunities within your field you can use to take advantage of additional connections, resources and knowledge.
She urged students to ask questions and not be afraid to talk to people. “If the opportunity presents itself, you better take it. If you are more bold, you are going to stand out from the crowd, and that’s what moves you forward.” Through platforms like the Ohana Network, LinkedIn and Handshake that are supported by BYUH, she said students can find people who have worked in similar fields and can extend their networks.
Westergard said these platforms can help students find people with specific skill sets and similar interests, and can help students market themselves to employers.
She described networking as beneficial in two ways. As students are investigating opportunities, they are also presenting themselves to those who they may work with later, she added.