NETWORKING

What is Networking?

Networking sounds daunting but it doesn’t have to be!

It refers to the process of creating and fostering connections between individuals, groups, or organisations. When you picture it though, you may imagine an anxiety-riddled room scattered with small groups of people competing with each other to secure the favour of a senior mentor through idle, opportunistic small talk.

If you have attended a networking event in the past you may have found that it was unproductive and connections formed felt unfulfilling. However, it is important to remember that when approaching networking, genuine interest and curiosity will take you much further than a sole focus on finding an internship. Interactions may not lead to immediate or obvious benefits, rather can inspire interest in niche or unconsidered pathways in the law. Essentially,  you are planting seeds that will grow and develop well into the future.

When you look at everyone in the room as actual people with interests and hobbies outside of the law, rather than a mere connection on LinkedIn, conversation becomes more natural and relationships become authentic.

Such conversations are not limited to the realms of a professional networking event and can be fostered simply through LSS events like student competitions or simply your law classes. For example, Monash employs a wide array of learned lecturers who have established law careers. Take advantage of the resources that are available in your day to day lives!

LSS and Monash Law, both have incredible programs, which are frequently advertised on their social media platforms, making them very visible and accessible to students. It can be as simple as following LSS’s Instagram and keeping up to date with their numerous events and competitions. For example, the LSS’ Just Leadership Program, Street Law, or the Law Ambassador program are all open to students regardless of their experience or academic proficiency. Rather, such programs are the experiences that build up and diversify your portfolio and skillset.   

Where do I start?

‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step’ — Lao Tzu

The Lawcate team had the privilege of speaking with Kelvin Ng, a lawyer in the competition, consumer and market team at Gilbert and Tobin. As a past Monash Law student himself, he was able to provide considerable insight about networking culture. For example, it may be helpful to bring a friend to events in order to build confidence to enter such spaces independently. Whilst cliche, practice ultimately does make perfect!

He also emphasized how most lawyers are willing to talk to students and share their experiences. They have all been there themselves and can offer a wealth of knowledge, often bringing to light various opportunities or challenges that you may not be aware of. Grabbing a coffee with a potential mentor can be instrumental in ‘getting your foot in the door’ and keeping you at the forefront for potential job opportunities. However, it can become apparent if your intention is to send out mass generic requests, with the hopes of one mentor replying. Kelvin instead emphasized the importance of quality over quantity; crafting sincere, personal emails to those whose positions meaningfully align with your interests. 

If you struggle with the idea of attending an event with little preparation, the Law faculty organised a workshop around the art of quick elevator pitch. Coming up with a short spiel about who you are, what you do and what you’re looking for could be the difference between enjoying a networking experience and dreading it. Making the initial part as seamless as possible could help you ease into a conversation without the added pressure of being on the spot.

Finally, we’d like to leave you with this, law school is not a linear journey, networking is only one part of the process. Be intentional with your outreach and focus on building genuine, quality connections. 

Written by Ananya Wickramaratne and Avantiika Singh