Unlocking the Power of Summer Networking: A Guide for High School Students

Networking is often seen as a tool for seasoned professionals, but in reality, it’s a skill that can and should be developed early — even in high school. Building connections not only opens doors to career opportunities but also sharpens communication skills, expands your horizons, and helps you build a supportive community. In this blog post, based on insights from Coach Victor of Eagle, we’ll explore why networking matters, how to build your professional brand, and practical steps to start networking effectively.

Why Networking Matters for Students

Networking is more than exchanging favors; it’s about building and maintaining meaningful relationships that support your academic, personal, and career goals. For high school students, networking can:

• Expand career awareness: Many students only know about common professions like doctors or engineers, but networking exposes you to diverse and emerging roles such as UX designers or product managers.
• Unlock opportunities: Internships, volunteering, mentorships, and jobs often come through connections rather than public job boards.
• Develop critical skills: Early networking helps you build communication and interpersonal skills vital for college and career success.
• Demonstrate initiative: Colleges and employers value students who proactively seek knowledge and experiences beyond the classroom.
• Provide valuable life lessons: Conversations with professionals offer insights you might never find in a textbook.
• Create a support system: Success rarely happens alone; your network can include mentors, peers, family, and others who support your journey.

Coach Victor emphasizes the saying, “Your network is your net worth.” The breadth and quality of your connections can determine the opportunities available to you.

The Limitations of Job Boards and Competitive Programs

Many students rely solely on job boards or competitive enrichment programs (like COSMOS) to find internships and summer opportunities. However, these approaches have challenges:

• Lack of clarity: Students often don’t know what they really want, leading to applying widely without focus.
• High competition: Thousands of applicants vie for the same positions, making it hard to stand out.
• Strict qualifications: Many postings require skills or experiences students may not yet have.
• Limited personalization: Competitive programs often have fixed curriculums that may not align with your unique goals.

In contrast, students with strong networks create their own opportunities by connecting directly with professionals and leveraging referrals, drastically increasing their chances of success.

Building Your Professional Brand as a High School Student

Your professional brand is how you present your unique interests, skills, and values to the world. It’s your personal “signature dish” that makes you memorable and attractive to others in your network. Here are key elements of a strong professional brand:

1. Express your interests and strengths: Be clear about what you are passionate about and what you do well.
2. Create your image: Choose how you want to be perceived by others.
3. Be consistent: Maintain the same messaging across conversations and platforms.
4. Be authentic: Represent your true self, not a persona.
5. Build a positive reputation: Earn trust and leave a lasting good impression.

For example, Coach Victor is known as the college admissions adviser who attended Berkeley on a full scholarship and as a technology enthusiast. This clarity helps people remember him and think of him when relevant opportunities arise.

How to Network: Informational Interviews and LinkedIn

Networking is fundamentally about having meaningful conversations. One effective way is through informational interviews, where you interview someone to learn about their career path, experiences, and insights — not to get a job directly.

Steps to Conduct Informational Interviews:

• Research: Learn about the person’s background and their organization.
• Prepare: Write a brief introduction and open-ended questions.
• Reach out: Use LinkedIn or email to connect, be polite and clear about your intentions.
• Practice: If new to networking, rehearse with a friend or mentor.
• Follow up: After the conversation, send a thank-you note and keep in touch.

Why LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where you can:

• Build a digital profile showcasing your skills and interests.
• Search for professionals by job title or company.
• Identify first-level (direct), second-level (connections of connections), and third-level connections.
• Request introductions through mutual contacts.

Starting your LinkedIn profile early allows you to gradually build your network, which can follow you through college and into your career.

Real-Life Example: Coach Victor’s LinkedIn Networking Success

Coach Victor shared how he landed an interview at LinkedIn through networking:

1. He reached out to a college peer (a first-level connection) to learn about breaking into LinkedIn.
2. After a great conversation, the peer introduced him to another professional (a second-level connection).
3. This connection provided a referral, which led to an interview opportunity.

This story illustrates how networking can create opportunities that are otherwise inaccessible through traditional applications.

Making the Most of Your Network

• Don’t wait to be perfect: You don’t need all the skills or certifications to reach out. Many opportunities come from conversations.
• Be proactive: Reach out with clear intentions and respect others’ time.
• Maintain relationships: Networking is about building long-term connections, not one-time asks.
• Leverage referrals: People are more likely to help candidates who come recommended by someone they trust.

Additional Opportunities and Support

Eagle offers several programs to help students gain experience and build networks:

• Research Program: Work with professors on research projects, earn credit, and create impressive college applications.
• Internship Program: Get placed in virtual startups to gain real-world experience and build your resume.

Final Thoughts

Networking is a powerful tool that can set you apart, open doors, and accelerate your learning. Start early by building your personal brand, engaging in informational interviews, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. Remember, your network is your net worth — invest in it wisely.

For those interested in diving deeper, Coach Victor and Eagle offer free coaching sessions and resources to help you maximize your networking and college admission strategies.

Want to learn more?

• Get webinar notes and replay: Text 949-775-0865 with “notes and replay.”
• Free 15-minute coaching session: Available for families new to Eagle.
• Join research or internship programs: Text “research” or “internship” to 949-775-0865 for details.

Start building the future you want today by unlocking the power of networking!

Written by an Eagle Career Coach inspired by insights from Coach Victor’s Summer Networking Webinar.