University is a time for students to figure out what they are going to do with the rest of their lives. They will spend countless hours studying and gaining experience in their fields of study. Students will also make connections while trying to obtain internships or jobs. For many, the balance between college, university, networking, and studying is important to consider. However, is networking or studying more beneficial?
Studying builds the student you become
During one’s college years, they will take courses that help them gain different skills and knowledge. College is a time of self-discovery where students find out their strengths and weaknesses.
According to the United States Department of Education, one in three students will change their major at least once. When pursuing their academics, students will see what they want and do not want.
Studying and taking classes teaches students that time management is crucial. With due dates and timely projects, students practice being on time. When they get a job, they already have this skill.
Taking a variety of courses along with required major courses broadens one’s mind and helps them gain important knowledge for the real world. For example, taking a Psychology course may help in your field of study, such as business, biology and nursing.
“Taking a variety of classes allows students to identify their passion and career calling—they just need to keep an eye out for the signs,” says Brian Collisson, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Azusa Pacific University.
The difference between High School and University is highly distinguishable. The goal in High School is to either just graduate. The goal of university is to graduate and be able to find a job in one’s field of study.
College-level courses teach skills such as critical thinking as opposed to simple memorization tactics. When having a job, one will have to analyze data or facts to make informed decisions.
The importance of creating connections by networking
According to the American Psychological Association, Networking is defined as “behaviors that are aimed at building, maintaining and using informal relationships that possess the (potential) benefit of facilitating work-related activities of individuals by voluntarily granting access to resources and maximizing common advantages”
In college, students will not only take courses and study, but also gain meaningful connections which can benefit their futures. According to research, 60% of jobs exist only in the hidden job market. Networking allows sharing resources with others and can put you in touch with potential employers.
Students can network through using LinkedIn, student organizations, and being close with peers and staff. When events for a college major occur, it is a time students can connect with others.
Being a part of student organizations create credibility for students. Connecting on LinkedIn is a digital resume to show work and achievements to potential job recruiters.
Studying or networking?
Studying and networking both provide crucial skills to take into one’s field; however, which is more useful? The answer is both, but in their own way.
Studying and taking courses prepare one for their careers with skills such as time management, knowledge, writing, and critical thinking. Networking helps gain connections and get one’s foot in the door.
However, both studying and networking go hand-in-hand. TikToker KasUniversity feels that value comes from networking as opposed to just studying. He feels that value comes from networking, and it can be difficult to find a job.
“If you don’t know people and don’t have the experience to back it up, you are just as lost as anyone else.” KasUniversity said.
(TikTok/KasUniversity)
TikToker Leanepo feels that networking amplifies one’s career, but it does not matter who one knows. It matters if they know the work one is doing. She believes success is all about whether others know your work has potential. Making connections is not just about transactions and should be meaningful.
When networking, one should be remembered for their good work and not just because they met someone. She disagrees with the saying that “Success is all about who you know.”
The Bottom Line
(TikTok/leanepo)
Debates around whether studying or networking brings success to one’s future career may be all over the place. However, both networking and studying are equally important.
Studying and taking courses help gain skills to create amazing work. When meeting someone in the same field, it is best that they see fantastic work. This opens up the potential for a place in the field, whether it is an internship or a job.
Having the skills to move forward in creating good work leads to other networkers realizing who you are as a worker.
The bottom line of this argument is that creating work through studies will be beneficial when making connections, as opposed to making them without any work to show for. Being a studious student gets one’s foot in the doo,r but properly networking gets a seat at the table.
