It’s one of the most important lessons you will need to learn in your professional career, yet many professors don’t tell you this before you graduate. Luckily, I learned about the importance of networking while in my first year of college. But whenever I tell my friends how important networking is, they tell me that they will worry about it later. Networking allows you to create connections in your industry. For me, I have many connections with people in the public relations industry, and I have spent the last year growing and expanding my network. But just how should you begin networking in college?

1. Get involved on campus.

There are countless clubs and activities to get involved in on campus. There’s everything from astrology clubs to art clubs. For me, I am active in PRSSA on campus. PRSSA is a student-led organization that helps other students connect and network with people who are already in the public relations field. I’ve had the opportunity to make connections all over Minnesota.

2. Create a strong online presence.

Creating a strong online presence goes way beyond having a strong LinkedIn. A strong online presence involves all social media platforms that you are active on. This includes Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube and anything else you are active on. When creating a strong online presence it is important to post content that is beneficial to you and your career path.

3. Maintain your network.

Maintaining your network is extremely important because this is how you will make your name heard. Network maintenance can definitely be time-consuming but it is crucial. Every time you meet someone new, whether it be at an agency tour or a job fair, it is important to send out a quick message to them. Even if they don’t answer right away due to their busy work schedule, it is a simple way to get your name out there.

4. Visit your career center.

The career center is very important because it provides information to different career paths, internships and jobs post-graduation. Remember you don’t need to be a senior to be looking for jobs post-graduation. You can attend job fairs at any time. I have attended job fairs as a sophomore and a junior, and each time I’ve had people tell me that they were impressed I was looking early.

5. Make your mark.

By making your mark you will be able to make yourself stand out above all. You can do this by sharing your accomplishments on your social media profiles and making yourself stand out. There are many ways to make yourself stand out. For me, I created a personal website. But you don’t need to make a personal website to make yourself stand out. Just be you.

Have you started networking yet? What do you think is the most important part of growing your network while in college?