Building A Network

Building a network is a key factor in career success. Having a go-to connection for career advice, skill-building support, job references, and general understanding in your chosen occupation can be the difference between success and failure once you enter the workplace. Every occupation can benefit from a greater support system and making those connections can begin here at CCBC!

Attend Events

Throughout the year, CCBC offers many opportunities for students, faculty, and alumni to mix and mingle. If you missed the Humanities for All Festival back in March, you may want to check out the Center for Business Innovation‘s third annual B’more BOLD Conference for Baltimore-area entrepreneurs and innovative business owners taking place June 11-12, 2023 at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum Heights, MD. The conference is open to all CCBC students and offers the opportunity to talk to entrepreneurs across a variety of industries. The best way to learn about events happening at CCBC is to follow our Facebook page.

Make Connections with Students

The easiest way to start building your network is to connect with other students. The person sitting next to you might turn out to be an invaluable resource once you’re both in the workforce. Get to know your classmates, join a club, or attend an event! If you have a shared goal or interest, you may be able to support each other in making further connections — even if it’s just to have a buddy to attend networking events with.

Make Connections with Professors

Your professors have experience outside of the classroom and they’d most likely be happy to share what they know. Here at CCBC, we all want our students to succeed! Talk to your professors about what made them choose their career path. Ask questions about what they like and dislike about your area of interest and what they think would be best for you to focus on to achieve your goals. They may be able to offer guidance on professional organizations that offer further networking opportunities. Professors are a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips!

Connect with Alumni

Along the same lines as talking with your professors, alumni of CCBC can be invaluable resources when it comes to building your network! Reaching out to the Alumni Association can provide you with the opportunity to connect with graduates who are in your field of interest. CCBC has over 75,000 alumni making a difference in the world. By attending an alumni event as a volunteer or just checking in with the Alumni Association about other opportunities, you’ll be taking advantage of one of CCBC’s greatest assets. 

Find a Mentor

Mentorship is an amazing opportunity for skill-building and forming connections. If there is someone in your line of work that you admire, reach out to them! By asking for a first meeting you’ll have the opportunity to attach a face to your name and express your interest in their work. Share your goals and ask about their career path! Remember that this is a relationship that can grow over time. Treat your mentor with respect and show interest in their interests. Above all else, appreciate and respect the time they commit to being your mentor.

Being proactive when building your network will ensure a robust group of connections as you leave CCBC and enter into the workforce. Before you know it, you’ll have a collection of meaningful relationships that will enrich your life and career.