According to the Meyer-Briggs personality test, I am 90% introverted. While I love being an introvert, it is hard to deny that being an extravert is often easier in this very extravert-centric world based on putting yourself out there and dazzling others with conversation. I was reminded of this painful fact at a networking event I recently attended.
It was a networking event for students interested in film careers, a rare event on my campus, and I was very excited to attend. Still, I had some reservation because I knew it would be loud and crowded, two conditions I do not do well under. I was nervous about marketing myself to complete strangers and competing with the dozens of other more assertive students who were just as interested as I.
I know that networking events are extremely important and I was determined to make this one count. Before the event, I researched which companies would be attending and wrote out specific questions I wanted to ask so I would know what to say. I also learned fun facts about the companies and researched them as best I could to reassure myself with knowledge.
When I arrived at the event, it was just as crowded as I expected and my nervousness returned as I often find myself overshadowed by more talkative, outgoing people. I took a deep breath and committed to having my questions answered. I found it difficult to get close enough to the industry professionals I was most interested in, so I found the less visited tables and practiced getting to know professionals without other students also clamoring to get their attention. It was a great confidence booster and I got some great advice.
As I walked from table to table, I realized that there is more to networking events than just networking and making sure people know who you are. It is also a chance to learn from professionals and get advice, which involves listening, not talking. Listening is one of my great strengths and even though I wasn't able to directly talk to many of the people I was interested in, I was able to listen to them talk and answer other questions, which was more enjoyable than actually conversing.
Networking events can be stressful for those of us who are introverted, shy, or suffer from social anxiety. But with preparation, through research and maybe even rehearsing possible interactions, it can become easier and at the event, quiet people may actually take more away because we are able to listen.
