Networking

When I think about networking, I used to picture something super formal and intimidating, like people in suits exchanging business cards and talking in a way that didn’t feel natural to me. But over time, I’ve realized networking is really just about connecting with people in a genuine way and finding common ground. Especially in fields like film and multimedia, relationships matter a lot, and a lot of opportunities come from simply knowing the right people and being open to collaboration. Because of that, I’ve started to take networking more seriously, even though it still makes me nervous sometimes.

One of the biggest parts of my approach to networking is preparation. I know that I tend to get anxious walking into situations where I don’t know anyone, so I try to give myself a sense of control beforehand. For example, before a networking event or even something more casual like a class gathering, I’ll think of a few questions I can ask people. Nothing too complicated, just things like what they’re studying, what kind of projects they like to work on, or what inspired them to get into their field. Having those questions ready helps me avoid awkward silences and makes me feel more confident starting conversations. When I’m actually in a networking setting, I try to keep things as natural as possible. If it’s a classroom environment or an event with people around my age, I’ll introduce myself and just try to “vibe” with them instead of forcing a super professional tone. I’ve learned that people respond better when you’re being real rather than trying too hard to impress them. Since I’m studying film and multimedia, I usually bring up my interest in photography and show them my Instagram if it feels appropriate. That’s been a really helpful way to connect because it gives people something visual to react to, and it often leads to conversations about creative ideas or future projects.

A lot of the time, people are actually really nice and open, which helped me get over some of my initial fear. We’ll usually follow each other on social media, and that becomes a way to stay connected without pressure. I’ve noticed that collaborations don’t always happen right away, but they can come later. For example, someone might post on their story asking if anyone wants to work on a project, or they might DM me about something they’re planning. That’s one thing I like about networking in creative fields, it doesn’t always feel immediate, but it builds over time.

Another important part of my approach is how I deal with rejection or when someone “turns me down.” At first, I used to take it personally or feel discouraged, like I did something wrong, but now I try to see it differently. Not every connection is meant to work out, and that’s okay. If someone isn’t interested in collaborating or doesn’t really engage, I take it as a sign to look somewhere else. I’ve adopted more of a “fail, try again” mindset. There are so many people out there, especially in creative spaces, that one missed connection doesn’t really matter in the long run. Instead of letting rejection bring me down, I try to learn from it and keep going. Sometimes it just means I need to approach things differently, or maybe that person just wasn’t the right fit. Either way, I don’t let it stop me from continuing to put myself out there. Networking is really a numbers game in some ways! The more people you talk to, the more chances you have to find meaningful connections.

In conclusion, networking for me is a mix of preparation, authenticity, and persistence. Even though I still get nervous, I’ve found ways to manage it by planning ahead and focusing on being myself in conversations. Sharing my work and connecting through social media has also made the process feel more natural and less forced. Most importantly, I’ve learned not to be discouraged by rejection and to keep trying. Over time, these small efforts add up, and that’s how a strong network is built.