Final answer:
Making valuable contacts involves active networking, maintaining relationships with tools like LinkedIn, creating a professional image with business cards, and being supportive and active within your network.
Step-by-step explanation:
An effective way to make valuable contacts that may serve you in the future involves a combination of strategies aimed at networking and building a professional image. To start, you should get out there and make new connections to increase your opportunities.
It's also essential to maintain relationships with former employers and colleagues, using tools like LinkedIn to keep in touch. Creating a networking business card is a useful tactic to present a professional image and facilitate the exchange of contact details.
Furthermore, staying active in your job search is vital. You'll want to have a job search action plan that utilizes your network, targets industry contacts, and expands your employment opportunities.
Regularly connecting with your contacts by sharing information or inviting them to events helps reinforce your reputation as someone who is engaged and not only reaching out for personal benefit. Always be willing to assist your contacts, whether by responding to requests, providing recommendations, or making introductions.
Network expansion should also include gaining experience that sets you apart. Remember that employers often hire from within their network, so the more people you know in your industry, the better.
Initiate contact with a variety of individuals such as professors, family, mentors, and industry professionals on LinkedIn. Lastly, don't stop networking once you've obtained a job—continue to support your network and remain active. That way, your network is ready when you need it.