[Anonymous]

Okay, so I just recently passed on last exam and now in a strange sort of way I feel the more difficult challenge it facing me—how to get a job to gain the requisite experience needed to gain CPA licensure. The one constant that I’ve heard over and over is to network. But how does someone with a temperament doesn’t lend itself to being naturally outgoing become sufficient at networking? During college when I obtained my Bachelors I tried attending BAP sessions and networking events (Meet The Firms, et al.) but always felt so awkward trying strike up a conversation and be someone that a recruiter feels like they could hypothetically work with 8+ hours with a day and whatnot. Part of the problem I know is that you’re expected to be able to shoot bull with these people and it just isn’t me. I find small talk a waste of time and forced unless it’s with my friends and I’m sure it shows when I’m engaging with these people. I realize in this profession you need to be able to communicate effectively but obviously this is a different kind of dialogue needed in networking as opposed to that used on a day-to-day basis on the job.

I want to keep this short so I’ll leave it at that; basically, if one is not very good at networking how does one get better… or anything else anyone wants to add.

[hasy]

I remember when I first started networking, I had the same idea. My friend, whose GREAT at networking, felt the same way. But really networking feels pretty fake. You're acting a certain way to elicit a certain response.

I want to say, don't think of networking as a chore. If it's a chore, then yeah, it'll get boring and awkward fast. Try to see it as making friends. You're hoping to LEARN something from them in a field that you want to enter. Gain as much knowledge as possible. Because really, they're there to pass on knowledge as well.

But don't always talk about what work they do. They're human, they have a life too. Ask them about they like to do when they're on out of town audits. What they like to do to keep work fun.

And really, if you can't strike up a convo, how would they feel if they put you in front of a client? At the end of the day, it's really this: Can they imagine working 12 hour days with you? Would they be embarrassed to put you in front of a client?

Hope that helps.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

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[Author]

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