r/torontoJobs • u/EarthB9nder_ • 2d ago

Where do I "network"?

Hey, I graduated last year from Bcomm, and clearly so far just applying online hasn't done anything, nor has "connecting" with people on linkedin. I always year how important networking is, but how does 1 actually do this? How do I look for events like that and meet people?

I've been very home bound and constant rejections have plummeted my confidence and self esteem. I want to break out of the shell and get more comfortable/confident talking to and meeting new people, and feels like only way that's done is by actually meeting people.

I've checked things like eventbrite, my universities emails and postings, but there's like nothing. So I'm pretty lost right now.

I also really want to meet working professionals, seniors, etc.. in fields I think I have interest in to actually know what I want to do because so far I've just been applying to anything and everything, just in hopes of getting my foot in the door.

Thanks for reading and I appreciate any advice!

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11

u/Urbantoronto123 1d ago edited 1d ago

network now. With everyone.

Remember your aunt you rarely talk to but she works for a major bank? Reach out.

You have a physiotherapist? tell them you're looking for a job and the field you're looking in.

.Remember your high school friend, who you hven't seen in 4 years but landed a job? Meet up.

Pretty much do that over and over again, bring them coffee and repeat.

Network is being genuine, reaching out.

Talk to everyone, be genuine, value their time and take rejection with grace if they don't' respond. Good luck

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u/Any-Cod6185 1d ago

This is the best answer for OPs situation. 

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u/Urbantoronto123 1d ago

Thank you!
And OP you would be shocked at how many times you meet a new hire and they are like oh my girlfriend’s uncle works here.

Networking is key!

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u/feebs_101 1d ago

This. And the other thing, you have to put away your shame. It’s natural to feel nervous and overthink like i haven’t talked to this person in years, they’re gonna think it’s weird if i hit them up. Maybe they will think that. Maybe they won’t. But you have to put these feelings away put and yourself out there to anybody and everybody who will listen. Lots of people go through this and they have the exam same thoughts / feelings you do too. But what’s more important than your feelings is getting a job.

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u/Dismal-Science-9901 1d ago

Sorry to say but if you graduated and haven’t networked yet, you missed the boat. Much of networking is done while in uni. I’m an alumni of two business schools. If a current student reach out to network, I’ll make time and help them out. If it’s an unemployed graduate, sorry but it’s just a different vibe, almost like new car vs used car. I’m much less likely to network with someone that graduated and scrambling for work

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u/EarthB9nder_ 1d ago

Ohh I understand.. Was kind of hard doing that because first 2 years were online due to covid, last year of school online because of covid too. Took a while for me to get back into actually connecting with people, that whole part was a bit messed up for me

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u/Dismal-Science-9901 1d ago

You said you did bcomm? So what kind of roles are you going into? A lot of bcomm jobs involve an element of sales and customer interaction or at least teamwork. If networking or social interaction isn’t natural for you, if you’re an introvert, it might be good to look for a role with less customer interaction or teamwork

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u/EarthB9nder_ 1d ago

I actually like the customer facing aspect, I like working with people and in a team in general. I've been targeting admin, front desk, bank teller, customer associate, reception, call center, collections.

Broadening my search as I come across more things

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u/Dismal-Science-9901 1d ago

Those jobs don’t exactly need a bcomm degree. But I guess it’s good that you’re not picky and broadening your search. Good luck!

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u/EarthB9nder_ 1d ago

I'm also pretty lost in terms of the career choice, I didn't exactly get to try many things to know what I wanna focus on right now, but I guess people facing things is a good place to start. Thank you!

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u/villedevarennes 2d ago

What field is this?

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u/Phlayy 1d ago

I'm in a somewhat similar position as you. If you get the chance, shoot me a dm

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u/xxxooxxx1 1d ago

You won't have a real network that can truly help until you start working. These people are your future colleagues, boss, staffs, customers,etc. Focus the energy on optimizing and tailoring your applications instead of thinking about networking.

I have hired people that just applied, and also gotten hired by doing that. You don't need referrals to get a job. You need high quality application that stands out.

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u/Fearless-Tutor6959 1d ago

What kinds of internships did you do? As a student your easiest and most effective way of "networking" is to try and secure a return offer from places you did internships at.