Northeastern Networking

So, since this class I have really started to pay attentions to networks in my life. I noticed how much networking plays a role in job searching, particularity at Northeastern. With Northeastern's co-op program establishing connections and ties is an essential part of school. This really helps Northeastern students have a step ahead of students from other universities because Northeastern students will have more connections in the work world upon graduation from college.

This year I applied for my first co-op. It seems that the reason I got this co-op offer had to do with networking. I am in a pharmacy group on campus that is well known to many pharmacy schools. The woman who interviewed me had also belonged to this in college and is still very active in it today. I felt like my whole interview revolved around her asking me questions and talking about the organization, more so than the actual job. This company offered two co-op positions and both positions went to people in this organization. I'm thinking that being in this group is why I got the co-op offer. The woman who interviewed me made the connection between us and realized that we had a shared network, which gave me an advantage over others.

Another one of my friends is graduating this year and just secured a job because of a past co-op. She was able to make a good impression with a company on her first co-op. Throughout school she made sure to keep connection with this company and worked a couple hours a week. She kept this company as a weak tie so that she would be able to use them as a resource further down the road. This proved to be a great networking tool and helped her get a career.

Co-op is an exciting part of Northeastern, but most importantly, it is a great opportunity to network. It allows students to build ties with employers that students at other schools do not have the chance to do. Connections like this give us an advantage are very helpful in getting jobs.