The Power of Networking: How to Build Connections with PC Business Resources
By Griffin Lincoln ’25G
Making connections as a business major at Providence College is crucial for paving the way to a successful career. Networking opens up valuable opportunities for internships and job placements, as many positions are often filled through personal referrals. Providence College emphasizes making connections that matter, and the Friar Alumni Network can be a strong starting point for many current students looking to boost their connections.
Networking is the process of building and nurturing professional relationships that can provide support, guidance, and opportunities, making it essential for college students to connect with peers, mentors, and industry professionals to enhance their career prospects and personal growth. By engaging with professors, alumni, and industry professionals, students can gain insights into the latest trends and expectations in the business world. The Providence Business program emphasizes collaborative projects, which not only enhance teamwork and communication skills but also mirror real-world business environments. Additionally, building relationships with mentors can provide essential guidance as students navigate their career paths.
Access to resources provided through the Providence College School of Business like the Career Expo, workshops, and industry events enriches the educational experience and helps students make informed decisions about their futures. Ultimately, these connections not only create pathways to employment but also boost confidence, preparing students to excel in professional settings.
At Providence College, it’s recognized that networking is a vital part of business education, equipping our graduates with the tools they need to thrive in their careers. Sending in a resume alone will not get you the job or internship you are applying for. Making interpersonal connections allows students to get their foot in the door and connect with others to develop interview skills.
Providence College Chirico Career Center career coach, Tess White, emphasizes the importance of being well-rounded and doing so by having conversations with alumni and other people in the work force to develop interview skills, while also creating connections for post-graduate opportunities. “I think the word networking can seem daunting to many, rightfully so, which is why I work with students to approach networking from the lens of informational interviewing.”
A useful tool created for students to use for advising and career help is FriarHub, provided through the Chirico Career Center. FriarHub takes a more personalized approach to the student and is really user friendly. Career coach Tess White’s recommendation to students is that “they should make sure that their profile is updated with their information so that their pages cater to their job interests.”
When booking a career coach appointment, students can choose between numerous career coaches and appointment types, including resume and cover letter help, interviewing, and job/internship searching. Students can use Friarhub for all kinds of career help, and each student should book career coach appointments to get the personalized help they need.
If a student is looking to book an appointment but does not know where to start, select the “Get Started” appointment option to set up a meeting with Tess or one of the other great career coaches in the Chirico Career Center. It is important for students to know they are not alone in starting their career, book an appointment with the Chirico Career Center through FriarHub to get started with networking and other career advancement opportunities today!
