Creating a network in your career is critical for your professional development. Here are some steps that I'd take to get started.

1. Go to networking events: Take part in job fairs and other networking events hosted by your employer, community, or university. Meet as many people as possible

2. Connect with companies you want to work for through their career website and social channels. Most employers now build brand awareness and promote events through social channels and their websites. Just try to keep up to date with any opportunities they might have for you

3. Contact alumni who work in your field of interest from your university. Alumni can be found through your university's alumni network or LinkedIn. Just look up your school and the company on Linkedin

4. Request informational interviews‍: Once you have a list narrowed down. Connect with them in some way or another. I recommend you bang out a bunch of cold emails, but phone calls and Linkedin messages work great too.

How to reach out to individuals for a “coffee chat”/informational Interview?

1. Before contacting someone, research the individual. You will show that you have done your research and are sincerely interested in what they’re doing

2. Ensure your email is concise: Introduce yourself briefly, explain why you want to reach out and suggest a time that works for you.

3. Remember to be flexible! You should be considerate of the busy schedule of the person you’re contacting. It'simportant to be flexible and offer alternative times and dates if needed

4. Remember to be respectful of their time: Keep the meeting short and to the point. After the meeting, be sure to thank them for their time and follow up with a thank-you note