Through media industry networking you can make valuable professional connections through which can lead to good things in the immediate, and distant, future. Media industry networking is also way of making friends in your profession and finding potential mentors.
Getting Started
Meeting other media professionals, when you're just getting started in the industry -- or before you even have your first job -- can seem tough. But, like most things, the hardest part is getting started. One thing to do, especially before you land your first job, is start thinking about people you know who work in the field. Tell people you're looking for a job and ask if they know anyone in the field. And then work those connections. Do any of your relatives' have friends who work in the media? Do any of your relatives friends' friends work in the media?
Once you find contacts, email the person and introduce yourself. Explain who you are and what you're interested in doing professionally. Keep in mind what the person you're contacting does and make sure to tailor your message accordingly. Don't, for example, write to someone who works at ABC News and say you always wanted to work for CBS News; instead say you're interested in network news and would love to have the opportunity to talk to someone in the field.
Controlling Your Expectations
Contacting people you don't know and asking for advice is tough and the ideal is that someone will help you land a job. But, the reality is, it usually doesn't happen this way. Therefore, it helps to know that going in. Look at the networking as a way to get information, not just a job. Pay attention to any advice you're given and think of the person you're talking to as a contact. If you meet your mother's best friend's golf partner, who's an editor at Random House, hold on to her information and contact her when you see a job opening at Random House.