The first bit of good news is that, as industries go, the media world is pretty social; there are often media events happening in the major media cities.
Media parties, especially for those job hunting or just getting started in the industry, are good because they expose you to other people in your field. Not only will you meet potential colleagues -- i.e. others who, like you, are looking to get their foot in the door -- but you have the potential to meet industry veterans. And the veterans might be able to help you get that first (or second or third) job.
Locating the Parties
There are listings for media gatherings of all kinds on all different sorts of websites. True, it's tough to show up to an industry party when you're not yet in the industry but, often, these things are petty open. You should never crash a private event but there are events in major cities around the country designed for people just starting out.
- Mediabistro has a page dedicated to industry parties which is good to refer to.
- Ed2010.com also has some listings here but, right now, the collection isn't that robust. The site managers do promise this will change, though.
Another way to find out about parties is to ask friends and people you know in the industry. Never be pushy but, if you know anyone who does have a job in media, you can mention that you would love to attend any industry parties happening.
Working a Room
There are good and bad ways to approach parties. First off, you need to remember that you should never be pushy or overbearing. Even if you're looking for a job, don't approach these events as a conduit to getting work. Nobody wants to be bombarded with questions about job openings at their company when they're out to have a good time. And, if you strike someone as a desperate job seeker who's at the party expressly to find work, no one will want to talk to you.
Instead, try to be yourself and make small talk. Think of these events as a way to get to know other people in your field and in your situation. Making friends with similar interests, who might also be in your situation, is invaluable. These are people who understand exaclty what you're going through so, if nothing else, you can comiserate.
When you start general conversations with people, the talk will quickly turn to what you do. This is when you casually say that, actually, you're a recent grad looking for a job. It's at this point that you can work in a little of your background and your interests.
The Art of the Mingle
Mingling isn't for everyone, but some people love to do it. If it's not for you, don't worry -- you don't have to be a social butterfly to get a job. But, if you like talking to people, and you're ok chatting up strangers, you can probably get some good out of your outgoing nature. Here are some articles and tips on mingling:
- An amusing story from NPR about the do's and don'ts of holiday party mingling
- A more general take on how to mingle at parties
- Susan RoAne is a well-known guru on media networking and mingling. She's written bestselling books on the topic and knows all about the nitty gritty that goes into socializing for work. Her website is a great resource, as it has links and info on her books and articles on the subject.