As DECA members, we are constantly encouraged to step outside our comfort zones and take advantage of new opportunities. However, I know from experience that networking and searching for internships can feel scary, especially if you are still figuring out your career path. No matter what your path may be, building professional relationships can help you create opportunities and gain experience by learning from people who have been in your shoes.
Networking Starts with a Conversation
With DECA, networking does not have to be complicated. It could start by introducing yourself to someone at a conference, asking a judge about their career, or following up with someone new that you met. Networking can happen at any level, no matter where you are. Being curious, showing initiative and being willing to learn can make a lasting impression.
During my time at Taunton High School DECA, I interviewed Jackie Bruno, the founder and CEO of Newsmaker Marketing, at our 2022 DECA induction ceremony. That opportunity led my HS DECA advisor to ask her if she was looking for interns. Little did I know that initial connection would lead me to my first internship. That internship experience showed me that opportunities can come from conversations you might not think much of at the time.
for me to findTurning Interests into Opportunities
Internships are valuable because they allow you to apply what you have learned, explore potential career paths, ask tons of questions and develop skills beyond the classroom. At Johnson & Wales University, experiential education is such an important asset and students are required to complete an internship. Professors have connections! Take advantage of those connections to create opportunities! Official internship or not, those connections can help you become the Next Big Thing.
DECA opportunities opened the door to me finding my career. I started by borrowing my school's camera to capture moments at our state conference and connect with students from other chapters. Over time, I developed my skills and built a portfolio before turning photography into paid work. From then on, I learned that the skills and relationships you build today can create future opportunities you may not have considered.
Making Your Next Opportunity Happen
When I was looking for a college internship, I applied those same lessons to my own career. After working with The Search RI, a New England-based talent show, I networked with J&R Marketing, the company that built its website. I reached out to ask about an internship and before I knew it, my outreach turned into my current internship!
My experience illustrates how taking initiative can help you pursue opportunities in your field. You do not need to follow the same path to benefit from the same approach.
Some things to remember when getting started:
- Put yourself out there. Introduce yourself to more people and prepare yourself by understanding your personal brand. Attend networking events and connect with people who share your interests. You never know which conversation could lead somewhere meaningful.
- Ask to learn. Not every connection needs to result in a job or internship. Asking for advice, industry insights or guidance can help you take the next step toward your goals.
- Follow up and stay connected. Networking is about building relationships over time, not simply collecting contacts. A thoughtful message after a conversation can help keep that relationship going. I have found that to work well for me to create retainer clients.
- Build experience wherever you can. Volunteer to develop your skills. Small experiences can help you discover your strengths and prepare for future opportunities. Sometimes that is worth more than money when starting off.
- Recognize your value. As you gain experience, learn to communicate your strengths and understand what you bring to a team (personal SWOT analysis). Be confident in your abilities while remaining open to feedback and opportunities for growth!
Your Mindset Matters
One of the biggest lessons DECA has taught me is not to be afraid of approaching people and asking for opportunities. I used to think about how many people I could learn from, and I realized that the more people I reached out to, the more opportunities I could discover, even when the outcome was simply advice or a new perspective.
A positive, confident mindset can make a difference in how you approach challenges. You will not always receive a response, land the dream internship or get the opportunity you hoped for, but every experience can teach you something. Do not let the fear of rejection stop you from trying! Stay persistent and you will become the Next Big Thing!
