Networking and the MBA

I'm not sure that I entirely understood what was meant by "networking" prior to enrolling in my full time MBA program. In fact, I generally dread attending conferences or events where I don't know a sole in the room and am forced to mix and mingle. If I was successful in convincing myself to actually walk into the room and then stick around for a while... it was inevitable that I would end up trapped in the corner talking to the nice, but pretty weird guy.

So, fast forward to the summer when I arrive on campus for orientation and the very first thing we are told is the importance of networking. The folks from the career office chimed in the background "Network, Network, Network". Come to find out (sort of) that networking is simple the act of making connections with people, regardless of the strength or depth of the relationship. The real key, however, is to take those connections, and turn them into something tangible in the future. At the end of the day, it is about maintaining connections, both strong and weak, with others with the expectation that the larger and more solid network you are able to build and maintain, the greater potential benefit you stand to gain in the future.