The Life of the Party: Working Your Net
By Alissa Walker

Right up there with going to class, doing your homework and changing your underwear at least every other day, networking is a skill that’s absolutely critical to your budding career. Networking is the only way for people to associate a personality with your portfolio. It completes your brand experience, if you will. And in your case, it can make the difference between getting blown off and getting a job. Any wanna-be designers with visions of health insurance dancing in their heads would be crazy not to indulge in a little extracurricular mingling with others in the field. Besides—and this is good news for you—the drinks are usually free.

During the upcoming school year many of your peers will attempt to navigate the legendary social circles of their elders. The best of them will get a flurry of Linked In hits, a phone call or two, and possibly something we working folk like to call employment. The worst of them? Well, you've already seen them humping the podium after one too many Jagermeister and Red Bulls, tossing business cards at Yves Béhar while mumbling something inappropriate about his hair.

I'm not saying it's more important to go to the IDEO panel downtown than do your color study homework...but sometimes it's more important to go to the IDEO panel downtown.

If you already did that last week, don't worry—at least everyone will remember you. But if you'd prefer to network like a pro, follow these five simple rules. Soon you'll be the most popular employed designer in town.

1. Socialize wisely.

I'm not saying it's more important to go to the IDEO panel downtown than do your color study homework...but sometimes it's more important to go to the IDEO panel downtown. Don't miss a single chance to see and meet your heroes in action. Most events have a student rate made for people like you, but if you still can't afford it, volunteer. Then, strategize. Think about the situations where you'll have the best chances at designer-to-designer contact. Smaller conferences and retreats might be uber expensive, but they're worth it if you get to spend five nights on an isolated Tahitian isle with the designers of your dreams.

2. Prepare yourself.

Although rehearsing something in advance to say to someone you've never met seems as fake as Lindsay Lohan's alcohol-monitoring anklet, it's actually a great way to avoid becoming a complete idiot should you ever run into that special someone. Most events at least have the names and bios of the featured speakers; most conferences have a list of all expected attendees. Formulate your hit list from that. If there's someone you're dying to meet, make sure you know what they look like and keep your eyes peeled. Then practice at least one key phrase that will make you sound as intelligent, witty, and memorable as you are in real life.

3. Work the entire room.

Just because that guy in the jeans and black turtleneck is standing at the buffet all alone doesn't mean he's not someone worth talking to—for all you know he could be the CEO of a major computer company. Don't ever underestimate the importance of making friends from all corners of the industry. Your teachers are a great resource to tap—no doubt they've got some friends in high places. Go ahead and ask people to make introductions for you. If you've got colleagues or friends who seem to know people, ask them who they think you should meet, or if you can drop their name in conversation. And you should be a matchmaker, too, to return the favor—constantly be thinking about who in your circles should be connected, and graciously introduce, introduce, introduce.

4. Master the leave-behind.

Do not, I repeat, do not bombard anyone with minibooks, career advice, or naked baby pictures in a social setting. Do not pitch them on how great it would be if they'd contribute a five-page article to your blog. Do not spend thirty minutes critiquing their last contribution to society. Remember, all you want to do is make a delightful first impression, hand over your card and disappear into the night. A simple card will do, an exceptionally creative card will do better. And don't forget to get their card—it never hurts to ask.

5. Be there in the morning.

You don't have to send flowers (what are you, some kind of stalker now?) but the art of the follow-up can make or break your carefully-crafted encounter. Whether you want to send an email—or better yet, a more memorable mailed note, if you want to make a big splash—send it the next day, keep it short, and be sure to spell all the words right, especially their name. Refer to something specific in the conversation that will help them remember you, and most importantly, give them a good reason to see you again. Maybe you'll set up a meeting at their office. Maybe you'll get hired as an intern. And maybe you'll be on your way to a bright shiny career.

Not bad for going to a few parties.