Finding a foot in the door: exploring the importance of networking for students
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09.12.2021

Finding a foot in the door: exploring the importance of networking for students

Networking with industry professionals is a great way to gain valuable advice, find out about new opportunities that you otherwise may not have known about, and above all find out more about careers that interest you.

Meghan Carr has been a keen media-marker and networker throughout her studies, leading her to secure a volunteer position with Student Communications Chat (check them out on Instagram @chat_comms), a wonderful student-led online program that helps students network and connect with communications professionals.

“The key motivation behind getting this role and for keeping up my social media presence, is my desire to learn as much as I can from as many people as I can. From my experience  studying at Deakin University, I have learned just as much from my peers as I have from industry professionals,” she says.

“It’s extremely motivating to work alongside students from Deakin, as we are the up-and-coming industry professionals that will one day be leading the industry. This year was my dedicated ‘sponge’ year, where I wanted to absorb as much information as I could from whoever had the time to teach me. I want to keep learning and growing, as this industry is forever growing.”

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Meg found inspiration through the people she directly networked with, opening her eyes to possibilities that she may never have considered.

“When I entered this degree, I had a clear idea of where I wanted to go. More than anything, I wanted to be a food photographer and writer,” she explains.

“However, the more I networked with Deakin students and teachers, the more I was inspired to go into content creation and social media marketing. I’ve been given so many amazing opportunities, that have opened my eyes up to the communications industry. For that, I really have my university friends and teachers to thank, especially Emily Wade and Adam Brown.”

“Jobs will be snapped up unbelievably quickly as there are so many talented and qualified individuals waiting to show off their skill set,” Meg says. 

Believe it or not, working outside of university can be a great break from studying and be quite fun. Despite having its ups and downs like most things in life, side hustling – whether it be paid or volunteering – allows you to meet new people in an exciting environment, as well as teaching you a wide variety of skills and helping you stand out from the crowd.

“Just do it,” Meg adds. “It’s all experience and knowledge that you can put on your CV and provides a valuable talking point with future employers.”

Deakin is proud to offer a suite of communication, creative arts, and design courses.  If you’re looking to build your communication skills, visit deakin.edu.au/communication-creative-arts