It Pays to Network

Ms. Rosa Santana has worked in three different industries, from graphic design to higher education. In highlighting the different aspects of her career, you gain an understanding that your career journey may not be a straight path. She loves helping professionals, from early career to seasoned professionals with employment advice. She guides her students on how to advocate for themselves.

As the Director of Career Planning and Development, she gets to help college students at Wagner College find the path that leads to their ideal job, whether an internship or full-time position upon graduation. She assists her students with translating their past experiences into an opportunity for their future growth.  She reaches out on her students’ behalf to find job prospects and presents them to her students for follow-up.  Having a relationship with your career counselor is key.  It allows them to advocate on your behalf for major job openings from employers.

She states, “When I encounter high school students, I tell them one of the first things they need to do as a freshman is visit the career services department and meet the individuals who work there.” This allows them to learn more about you as you learn about their service offerings. So when opportunities arise, your career counselor can sponsor you. This translates with your career beyond college. Learn who the key members are in your organization and create an opportunity to meet them – from your direct management team to those who may be multiple levels above them. It pays to network.

Don’t Forget to Spread the Word!

Zaneilia Harris, CFP®, is the President of Harris & Harris Wealth Management Group in Washington, DC. Follow her on Twitter at @hhwealth.