As I near the end of the IMC program, I find myself thinking more about the value of networking with my fellow students and IMC faculty. Soon I’ll be cast out into the world without my familiar e-campus and my virtual friends.

I’ve done some networking throughout the program, exchanging e-mails with classmates and attending a couple of IMC weekends. Yet, networking can be more challenging in an online environment. “It takes a little more effort to do it, but it’s definitely worth it,” says IMC graduate Rebecca Andersen, who has since joined the IMC faculty as an adjunct instructor. “I really encourage students to do it.”

A good way to get started, she says, is to reach out to fellow students with whom you sense a connection—perhaps you have similar backgrounds or are traveling through the IMC program at about the same pace. “Send them a direct e-mail or talk to them about a project,” just to get a conversation started, she advises.

Getting the hang of networking while still in school yields benefits down the road.

IMC grad and adjunct faculty member Matthew Cummings, who works as director of marketing and communications for an economic and community development organization in Pennsylvania, sees the value of networking in getting things done every day.

“Although technology and creative can help facilitate communication and open doors, people still make things happen,” he says. “I’ve come to learn that all business deals, projects, and successes in an organization ultimately come down to people. Growing your personal and professional network just makes sense.”

For Andersen, it’s the Washington, D.C., metro chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, which she joined about seven years ago and recently made a three-year commitment to serve on the board of delegates for this second largest chapter of PRSA. And then there’s her primary job as corporate communications manager at Opnext Inc., a telecommunications company that tasks her with all things IMC.

Cummings serves on the board of his local American Advertising Federation chapter, is a member of the regional Chamber of Commerce, works with various small business marketing committees around northwest Pennsylvania, the International Radio and Television Society, a young professionals group, and a few other organizations in his spare time. “Active networking has allowed me to expand my social and professional horizons,” he says.

Both of these busy people still find time to participate in the professional networking site LinkedIn www.linkedin.com, which Andersen says is a useful tool not only for staying in touch with her IMC connections at WVU but also for reaching out to her own employees.

“LinkedIn is very exciting because it takes these face-to-face interactions (Chamber events, AAF events, IMC weekends) and puts them online where time and geographic limitations are completely removed,” says Cummings.

“To those not familiar with the technology, I often explain LinkedIn as wearing all of your personal and professional contacts on a sandwich board and entering a large meeting. People soon begin to connect with you based on mutual friends or colleagues and an interesting dialogue takes place,” he notes. “The IMC Group on LinkedIn is one example of how a smaller network of professionals with similar interests (and education) can be built and leveraged by both students and faculty.”

Staying in touch should become second nature to IMC students and grads. “If you think about it, WVU IMC students and faculty are interacting with professionals all day, every day,” says Cummings. “They are immersed in new ideas, new technology, and new opportunities. You never know when that might be the differentiator in a job search or business situation.”

It’s equally important to keep building your network once you’re out of school, Andersen says, through organizations like PRSA, AAF, the American Marketing Association, and the International Association of Business Communicators, to name a few. “It’s a good way to get involved with people who share the same interests,” she says.

P.S.
I’m off to the American Marketing Association’s Richmond chapter meeting this week. I joined the chapter about a year ago, and the top-notch lunch speakers each month always provide me with fresh ideas. Plus, I’m doing a little volunteer writing and editing for our Chapter Excellence Award entry. Yes, it all takes more of my precious time, but I’m getting to know people better in my chosen field. I look at it as a long-term investment.