Networking events are going to most likely take over where "hanging out" used to be in your life. While they may seem a bit intimidating, they are basically adult parties meaning finger foods, drinks, and small talk. Unlike most parties these parties, have the potential to get you a job so you want to make sure everything goes right. Here are some tips; (Rawpixel/ Getty Images)
Remember all of these name tags you used to have to wear to everything? You may have to wear them at networking events. As annoying as they may be, they may help you in the simplest but sometimes, most intimidating part of networking, introducing yourself. Introductions begin the networking process, so you want to start off with basic generic conversations and work your way to everything else. But everything will begin with "hello my name is." (Michael Burrell/Getty Images)
They call it an elevator speech, but who really has time to talk in an elevator let alone make a speech? The elevator speech however is crucial to networking. It is your 90 second story telling your new friends who you are, and what all you have done. You probably want to have this prepared in advance so write down a little something before you go. (Goodlifephoto/Getty Images)
Business cards for networking as essential as peanut butter is to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You can't make it without it. Business cards allow you to give all of your new contacts a way to keep in contact with you. Without them you may receive their card but they won't have a way of contacting you, making it pointless. Avoid that by simply ordering some business cards, in addition to helping you get a job, you'll probably feel like a boss and that's pretty cool.(Suphaporn/ Getty Images)
Information contributed by Marine Corps Community Service. Find more at http://www.usmc-mccs.org/. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
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