What is networking: relationship leveraging and connecting to those who can help you, but also connecting to those you can help. That may be a somewhat crude definition, but it covers the essentials. Why is networking important? I believe that a large part of being a successful leader or achieving high goals is recognizing your weaknesses and then finding people to help you patch up those holes— only then can you fully realize your potential!

I first learned the importance of networking while at university. I came into college with the drive to follow my family’s long tradition of becoming doctors, scientists, and engineers and to satisfy my need to help those around me. Once in college, however, I began to realize that the sciences were no longer fulfilling. In the interim I became interested in the field of economics and the financial and business world. The problem? I had no one close to me who could help guide me along this new path.

My first shot at networking: success!

In the fall of 2004 I attended the first annual Lehman Brothers Women’s Conference. It was here that I first heard Janet Hanson, founder of the women’s business network 85Broads, speak. Never in my life had I been so moved by a speech. Janet got it; she understood the power and importance of connecting to others. After the lecture, I approached Janet to let her know how much her speech had resonated with me. She asked me where I went to school and upon telling her that I was a Midd–girl said, “I love Middlebury, my sister went there!” In the next sentence she said, “We are having some girls from Harvard and Princeton joining us next summer, why don’t you give my assistant a call, we would love to have you.” My first shot at networking: success! And the best part…I didn’t even realize I was doing it!

What followed was an internship at 85 Broads where I had the opportunity to work with Janet Hanson and the 85 Broads network on developing a new platform to help young women better understand the world of investing. This was a defining experience in my life; I was exposed to the world of business, a world previously unknown to me. Most importantly, during that summer I had the opportunity to meet several members of the Wharton Business School admissions team. During a long afternoon meeting, I was personally introduced to both the prospect of business school and the prospect of Wharton by the Directors of Admissions. A seed of an idea was planted…

I decided to go for it!

This past fall, three years after meeting the Wharton admissions team, I realized that in order to pursue my desired career path, I needed to pursue an MBA. I knew that the position I was in (twenty-three years old with only one year of work experience) was disadvantageous in what promised to be one of the most highly competitive application years to date, but still I decided to go for it; I figured that the worst thing that would happen is that I wouldn’t get in. Early into my application process I emailed Thomas Caleel, whom I had met during my internship at 85Broads and who was still the director of admissions, letting him know that I remembered my initial Wharton experience and that I was now applying for an MBA. He took the time to write me back saying that he remembered me and that he was looking forward to my application. Now, as I am unpacking my boxes and moving into my new apartment in Philadelphia, I can see the results of being able to make the networking connection.

So how do you find these people to network with? As a graduate of any college, you are naturally thrown into a network of alums, parents, and friends of your school. Whether in my job or internship search or researching business schools, I used all available avenues to reach out to people with similar interests. I sent them emails, sometimes I called— everything to try to connect. The biggest faux pas is not trying too hard to connect, I think it is not contacting someone who you think might be interested in your undertakings or in helping you make the right decisions. Do not hesitate to contact people who you think might be helpful! Send them a quick (semi-formal) email saying how you got their name and that you would be interested in learning about a certain career or their career path or that you simply want to chat because you are measuring different options. Just like the worst thing that could happen when I applied to business school was not getting in, the worst thing that can happen when you try to contact someone is that they won’t respond. SO what? At least you tried and put yourself out there. Wouldn’t it be worse to live with the: what if?

It is easy to fall into the trap of networking only going one way: your way.

There are also organizations you can use as networking tools. Though 85 Broads is specifically for women, LinkedIn, and even Facebook, can lead to some great networking opportunities. Also see if there are programs to connect to other people in the area you live in. Formal mentorship programs or even volunteering are great ways to get involved and meet new and exciting people. Also, a lot of non-profits have junior membership programs where you can get invited to events, parties, and lectures. This is another great way to meet people and connect. You might meet a person who will help you launch your next career move or a person who becomes an amazing friend or just someone who provides a different point of view which helps you grow.

It is easy to fall into the trap of networking only going one way: your way. But don’t forget that it is also important to remember that you can serve as a networking help to others who are coming up after you.