Putting yourself out there
At first glance, the art of successful networking might seem embedded in the DNA of Harvard graduates. After all, the degree confers status, and Harvard alumni work among the top ranks in business, arts, politics, and other fields. But the organizers of “Networking NOW: The Learn-How-to-Network Event,” held on Thursday, take a slightly different approach. This initial, multifaceted event, sponsored by the Harvard Club of Boston and the Harvard Alumni Association, underscored how networking is a skill that can be learned, practiced, honed, and perfected. Harvard students may be brilliant, but too often at networking events, “You just stand in the corner with your drink and small desserts and talk to two people the whole night. And it’s a complete disaster, and that prevents you from wanting to go back to other events,” said Justin Lanning ’12, who moderated the panel discussion that kicked off the event. Moreover, while the world is abuzz...