The Situation/Focus

Our latest student session aimed to empower teens with networking skills that can help them build relationships, find mentors, and create opportunities.

Key Insights or Distinctions

1. Leverage your existing network
2. Be clear on your goals
3. Develop an elevator pitch
4. Maintain connections through follow-ups and staying in touch
5. Be respectful and professional in networking interactions

Session Notes

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, networking is an essential skill that can open doors, create opportunities, and build lasting relationships. Recognizing the importance of this skill, we recently held a student session that focused on providing tips, resources, and exercises to help teens get started with networking.

One of the crucial aspects of networking is having a strong elevator pitch. In our session, students learned about the importance of a well-crafted elevator pitch, which serves as a brief introduction that summarizes who they are, what they do, and what they are looking for. Our guidance helped students create compelling elevator pitches that would leave a lasting impression on their potential connections.

In addition to crafting elevator pitches, the session also covered various online and offline resources for networking. Students were introduced to platforms like LinkedIn and Meetup, as well as encouraged to attend local events to expand their networks. This diverse approach helps students build connections across various channels and industries.

The session also emphasized the development of vital skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership through networking. By engaging with others in professional settings, students can hone these skills, which are crucial for future success in their personal and professional lives.

To put these newly acquired skills into practice, students were assigned a follow-up activity. They were encouraged to attend a local networking event or reach out to a potential mentor, then report back on their experiences. This practical exercise reinforces the lessons learned during the session and helps students gain real-world experience in networking.

Ultimately, the goal of the lesson was to empower students to network effectively and confidently. By mastering the art of networking, teens can build meaningful relationships that will contribute significantly to their future success. Our student session aimed to give them the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the world of networking and create a bright future for themselves.

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If you want to join a discussion about this or any other high school education topic, we have a group on Facebook called “Alternatives to High School” and invite you to join. The goal of the group is to give parents a place to discuss options to public/private school and standardized curriculum as well as share resources for educating teens.