Hidden Key to Career Success

Importance of Social Capital

Social capital, includes the relationships and networks people have created with others. This is as crucial as human capital (skills and knowledge acquired through education) when finding employment and advancing in a career. Career experts often compare the job market to an iceberg: most job opportunities are hidden, and access to these opportunities is primarily through connections and networks.

Role of Colleges

Colleges play a vital role in creating social capital for students. They offer:

• Access to Professional Opportunities: Internships, work placements, and experiential learning programs
• Connections with Affiliated Organizations: Collaborations with businesses and community organizations.
• Alumni Communities: Networks of former graduates who can offer mentorship and job opportunities.

Network to Net Worth

Networking during college offers many career  advantages, these advantages are generally over looked by students. Benefits of networking in college include:

• Increase Your Job Prospects: Many job and internship openings never even make it online, they are filled through referrals.  Networking provides access to these hidden job opportunities and recommendations from people in your network. Moncton is a very community orientated area, networking will help you become part of our community and open up a world of possibility.
• Development of Interpersonal Skills: Communication, teamwork and leadership. These are skills that are developed through practice. Engaging  with professionals and having conversations with people improves your communication and confidence in professional settings.
• Diverse Perspectives: Interaction with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and professional backgrounds. Learn to broaden you thinking and how to become more adaptable. 
• Creating a Support Network: Relationships with peers, mentors, and professors who can offer advice and support. Networking helps you to establish your reputation, and people start associating your name to your interests, skills and potential.

Tips for Networking

• Participate in Campus Events and Activities: Student Affairs at Oulton College offer monthly student activities throughout the your studies. Start your networking with current students in a fun and safe environment.
• Attend Job Fairs and Networking Events. Oulton College encourages student to attend the many job fairs available in the area, as well as the Oulton College Career Expo held specifically for Oulton College students and alumni. The Career Expo is a huge event held with many employers from and around the Moncton area.
• Connect with Professionals on LinkedIn. In our digital world, we have access to many online resources. LinkedIn is one of these, keep you profile updates, take part in discussions and create a virtual network for yourself.
• Take Advantage of Mentorship Programs. At Oulton we host networking opportunities and we encourage students to attend these events. One of our ongoing  partnerships is with the Chamber of Commerce. 
• Maintain Your Relationships: Stay in touch with the people you meet and nurture your professional relationships. This will help establish and grow you social capital.

Campus to Career

Building a professional network is a valuable investment for students to make. Creating your social capital takes confidence, sacrifice and determination. By leveraging the resources offered by Oulton College and taking a proactive approach to networking, students be more prepared for a successful transition into the job market and maximize your chances of professional success.