Why you should be networking with young professions

Networking has long been recognized as a vital tool for career growth and personal development. However, it has often been attached to the idea that it's most daunting, yet effective, to connect with higher-ups and professional leaders. In reality, younger and even newly entry-level employees, are just as crucial to network with - and sometimes easier for students. In this article, we'll explore why networking with young professionals is a largely underrated and effective demographic to reach out to, and a template you can use to send cold outreach messages!

Why Network with Young Professionals?

1️⃣ Fresh Perspectives and Ideas: Young professionals often have fresh perspectives of the workplace and innovative ideas of how to get there from personal experience. They are more likely to be up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, making them valuable sources of new insights and approaches.

2️⃣ Diverse Networks: Young professionals typically still have diverse networks from their college days, as well as other professionals in the field that can help tap you into a wider range of opportunities and potential collaborations.

3️⃣ Mentorship and Guidance: As professionals that understand the current college landscape, they are fit to help give you advice on approaching the workforce, as well as tips they wish they knew at your age.

Now that we've established the importance of networking with young professionals, here is a simple template you can build off of for cold outreach messages.

Cold Outreach Message Template 

Subject: Connecting on your experience as XXX at XXX

Dear [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. My name is [Your Name], I am a student at [XXX] studying [XXX] and I recently came across your profile. I was genuinely impressed by your [mention something specific about their profile or achievements], and I would love to connect with you to learn/talk more about [XXX].

I have experience in/I am passionate about [XXX], and with your experience as [XXX], I'd love to learn more about [XXX]. Please let me know if you are willing and available for a quick virtual chat, and we can find a good time!

Thanks for your time!

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

The key to successful networking is to be genuine, specific, and enthusiastic. Professionals are, more often than not, willing to sit down and speak to young and emerging workers - all you have to do is ask! So, don't hesitate to start networking with young professionals and seize the chance to expand your horizons and make lasting connections.