According to Alexandra Levit of Young Money, (www.youngmoney.com), networking allows you to establish relationships that will give you valuable feedback which can help you make educated decisions. Networking can provide you with a better understanding of various careers as well as give information about numerous companies that you may not find by surfing the web. With this information, your career planning process can be based on direct information rather than rumors or biased company literature. If you would like to begin networking, here are some suggestions to get you started:

Look at Your Current Resources

You probably network without even noticing it. Often, the best networking connections begin as friendships. It's usually easier to help a friend whom you care about and trust than an acquaintance with whom you have no personal connection. So, when you want to begin networking, look around at the people you know already.

Chances are you know people who share similar interests or career goals because you've met them through classes or clubs. Attending club events or studying with friends can be the first and easiest step in establishing a connection. Try speaking with your current friends about your interests and career plans further to strengthen your bond. It also begins the process of swapping information.

Start Networking Early

It's preferable to begin networking before you begin job hunting. If you establish your contacts early, you can better prepare for job searching and interviewing. You could ask your contacts what their job hunting experience was like and what approaches worked best for them. You could also ask them which approaches were least useful. This type of information is invaluable. It can save you a lot time while avoiding a lot of frustration.

Remember to Reciprocate

A good network connection is usually a connection that allows both parties involved to benefit. Rachel Solar-Tuttle, author of Table Talk, suggests that whenever you ask for something or meet with someone who could be a helpful contact, you should be thinking about how you can help that person in return. This technique allows the connection to feel like a genuine friendship. It also makes exchanging advice and information a more comfortable situation for both involved.

For more information on networking during college, try Quintessential Careers, (www.quintcareers.com).