Approximately 96% of workers will seek a new job in 2023. Whether because of the need for higher income, unemployment, job growth, or escaping a toxic work environment, the job market is flooded with talented individuals looking for jobs. With such a competitive market, job seekers are applying for dozens of jobs before hearing back from one. It can be frustrating, but here’s how to get that new job: network.

Recent studies show 80% of jobs are filled through networking. For some people, networking can seem like a daunting challenge. Introducing oneself to strangers can be stressful, but in the end, it is beneficial for a successful career. Networking allows professionals to share ideas, develop new skills, strengthen their reputation, and in this case, find new job opportunities.

Meredith College has many programs and opportunities to take the anxiety out of networking. What makes the College unique is the community, and the network of support students receive both during and after their time here.

Meredith Mentors

Meredith Mentors is an online platform specifically for the Meredith community and allows alumnae to connect with other graduates, students, faculty, and staff. Through the site, users can find unique job opportunities, career support, and chances to mentor or seek mentorships. 

“The best way to describe Meredith mentors is like LinkedIn, but on a smaller scale specifically for the Meredith community,” said Hannah Kicklighter, ’19, assistant director of alumnae relations. “It’s a place to find somebody that is reputable and with whom you can feel safe and trust. I think that’s a good way for alumnae to also network.”

Meredith Mentors currently has 1,958 users from 28 U.S. states and nine other countries: Canada, Kenya, France, United Kingdom, Italy, India, Pakistan, Taiwan, and Japan. These users represent 58 different industries and career fields. 

The site has a search function for students and alumnae to find others by major, industry, location, and study abroad destinations.

“It’s a good place to find somebody you’re interested in connecting with, and I feel like it’s easier to reach out to people with that shared connection of having gone to school at the same place. That’s an automatic connector,” said Kicklighter. 

Alumnae can assist each other with issues such as career transition, re-entering the workforce, relocation, career advancement, and negotiation of salaries. Meredith Mentors is also a great way to discover and post event listings, including networking mixers, career fairs, conferences, and more.

“Every opportunity is a networking opportunity. Meredith does a good job with providing those experiences in a broader way with career fairs and alumnae events,” she said.

Networking Opportunities

A recent networking event was the Alumnae Association’s Life After Meredith series. The series featured four sessions: resume building, interviewing, networking, and managing finances. Each session featured a panel of alumnae sharing their experiences on the subject matter and allowed students to ask questions.

“We had such a strong panel of alumnae. They’re such strong women, and they can guide our students through these challenges and be mentors for them,” said Emily Clemmons, ’21, assistant director of alumnae relations and organizer of the series.

Clemmons said students had taken advantage of the networking opportunity by asking panelists for their contact information and following up with them after the event.

During the panel, Jasmine Broadnax, ’11, and Andrea Fox, ’95, shared several tips on how to network successfully and their experiences with networking. The biggest pieces of advice they gave were to make meaningful connections, create a brand for yourself, and don’t be afraid to make the first move. 

“I was recently in the job market myself, and utilizing my friends here at Meredith, previous colleagues on LinkedIn, and using the different resources and tools, I felt like I was able to put my name out there a lot earlier than just applying to a job on Indeed. Use your resources and use those connections,” said Broadnax.

For those looking to network, get involved with the campus community. Attend class reunions, go to alumnae events, mentor current students, or join Meredith Mentors.

“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Many people are uncomfortable because they’re afraid of rejection, and it’ll happen. Everybody gets rejected at some point,” said Fox. “But Meredith women are strong. We can get knocked down, but we get right back up. That’s just what we do.”