Your future career may be closer than you think – and it could start with a conversation.
Building a professional network doesn’t have to wait until college graduation or your first job search. Every connection with an industry professional is an opportunity to learn from their experience, explore career paths and begin building relationships that could benefit you for years to come.
You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do to get started. You just need to be curious, ask thoughtful questions and be open to new ideas.
Whether you’re attending the Ultimate DECA Power Trip, joining a DECA Partner webinar or meeting professionals in your community, work to make the most of every conversation.
Not sure where to start? Here are five questions that could help make the most of professional connections.
1. What skills or experiences have been the most valuable in building your career?
Understanding what employers look for can help connect your experiences in DECA, extracurricular activities and part-time jobs to the professional world. Listen for skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork and adaptability and ask for examples of how these skills show up in their day-to-day work.
2. What do you wish you had known before starting your career?
Every professional has a unique journey with lessons learned, unexpected opportunities and challenges along the way. This question invites them to share advice they might not consider offering otherwise. You may discover a career path you hadn’t considered, learn about an industry from a new perspective or gain insight on preparing for life after graduation.
3. What sets someone apart who is successful in your industry?
This can help you identify the habits, skills, and mindsets that matter most. Beyond technical knowledge, professionals often point to qualities like curiosity, adaptability, communication, and a willingness to learn.
4. What advice do you have for someone interested in entering your industry?
Ask about internships, certifications, entry-level opportunities or experiences that can help you stand out. You might also learn about emerging trends and steps you can take as you prepare for college and your future career.
5. If you were in high school today, what would you focus on to prepare for this career?
You want to walk away from your conversation with actionable advice you can use right away. This question can help guide you towards the right area to focus on, whether that's gaining leadership experience, developing skills, pursuing certifications, networking, or exploring internships.5.
Make Every Conversation Count
Networking isn’t just about making connections. It’s about building relationships, staying curious and learning from the experiences of others. DECA’s career and college-focused webinars and conference workshops and exhibits offer valuable opportunities to connect with professionals across industries. Make the time to participate and take a few minutes before an event to learn something about the speaker, their organization or industry.
Remember to ask your new connections to connect on LinkedIn and follow up after your conversation to open the door to follow-up questions. You never know which conversation might inspire your Next Big Thing!
