Networking comes in many forms: Everything from meeting an old friend for a cup of coffee to ask how she likes law school, to having your best friend's father put in a good word for you at his company, to connecting with someone online with the skills and experience you need to become more successful.

How Do I Find Networking Contacts?

There are many ways to identify networking contacts. Here are some places to find folks who know something about a field, organization or school you're considering:

• Your college alumni association or career office networking lists.
• Your own extended family.
• Your friends' parents and other family members.
• Check out specialized online networking sites to search through a database of millions based on your particular criteria.
• Your professors, advisors, coaches, tutors and clergy.
• Your former bosses and your friends' and family members' bosses.
• Members of clubs, religious groups and other organizations to which you belong.
• All the organizations near where you live or go to school

What Can These Networking Contacts Tell You?