PEPonline Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline An international electronic journal for exercise physiologists ISSN 1099-5862 Vol 3 No 8 August 2000   Securing A Job: The Answer Is In Networking Tommy Boone, PhD, MPH, FASEP Professor and Chair Director, Exercise Physiology Laboratories College of St. Scholastica Duluth, MN WE ALL WANT MORE for our students.  We want our students to succeed.  We want our students to access good jobs.  We want our friends in the public sector work with us rather than against us.  We want our co-workers to work on behalf of our students.  It isn't wrong to want our students have the best chance possible in landing a job at graduation.  Yet, some professors will tell you that such a concern isn’t logical.  It is the students’ responsibility to locate good jobs.  Yes and no!  Although our students are responsible for working hard to locate a job, they do need our support.  Getting a good job isn’t simply a function of graduating from college.  It is more complex  than that.  The key to getting good jobs is something most professors can relate to.  For many, it is networking.  That’s right!  When others help you, you have an increased chance of getting the job.  Perhaps, this isn't as it should be but it is reality. Networking is based on trust and respect and survives long after the final grade for the last course in college.  It opens doors and opportunities by directly affecting those who are responsible for hiring graduates.  It is a better way of accessing a job than going alone.  As you read this article, you will find encouragement and hope.  I believe you are surrounded by good professors who are willing to help you take charge and to do what is necessary to get where you want to be.  Ask your professors for their support and don’t underestimate their power or willingness to help.  You may doubt your ability to relate to your professors or feel that asking for their support is wrong, but you shouldn’t.  Most professors will feel honored by your request.  Those who appear disinterested may be too barraged with requests.  If so, ask the question, “Is this possible?  Do you have time?”  Don’t be afraid to be up front with your professors.  Perhaps, it is fair to say that a measure of your professor is what he/she does with the opportunity to help you.  However important teaching is, it isn’t the beginning and the ending.  Yes, it is intriguing, motivating, exhilarating, exciting, and even surprising at times.  But the job, as a college teacher, is more than just teaching, especially when there is the opportunity to influence others for good.  Professors are interconnected with their students even if they don’t realize it.  They learn to think together, work together, research together and, in a very real sense, become family (at least for a short time).  Professors, therefore, have the power and ability to influence their students.  Reflecting on this point, do you know a powerful teacher in your life?  This might be someone you learned to respect early in your academic program, someone you just met, or a teacher from a program different than yours.  However you look at it, this person is important to you because he/she has made a difference in your life. Interestingly, there are several reasons why this particular teacher may stand out.  First, it could be because the teacher makes you feel good about yourself.  Perhaps this person has the capacity or ability to engage in “heart to heart” conversations after the class is over.  Maybe its obvious the teacher works hard not to embarrass students or humiliate them in front of their friends.  Second, maybe this person stands out because he/she is popular and influential among professional colleagues.  This person has the capacity to get things done, and can provide things that you want.  Third, here again (but slightly differently), this person is believable.  The teacher isn’t smug or overly confident, but down to earth and always willing to help reduce the students’ frustration and sense of powerlessness. Networking starts with the teacher, but it requires the student to make it collectively meaningful.  Whatever the challenge, you have a choice.  Consult with your professor, however frustrating it might appear to be.  The two of you can make a difference.  You are not powerless!  There are no logical reasons to allow “unresolved” or otherwise “misunderstood” factors to squelch your intentions.  Don’t settle for less than you can get because you don’t understand the power in networking.  Have faith in the best possible outcome.  Choose to be involved with your professors.  There are many possibilities to improve your situation. Networking is neither quick nor easy, but it is necessary and it offers immeasurable results.  Get to know your professors, especially the professors who are sensitive, caring, and thoughtful.  It starts with you, yet the amazing thing is you are not by yourself.    Copyright ©1997-2000 American Society of Exercise Physiologists. All Rights Reserved. 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