Sonali's advice on networking

Here are a few tips I got from talking to my DB co-worker Sonali. She's a pro at networking and has connections with people in really high places. The assistant managing editor at the LA Times wrote her rec letter. I know.

I want to try and get my hand in the world of journalism networking, because that's the only way I'll really be able to get anywhere. Like James said, it's unfortunately not always about how qualified you are, but about who you know. Guess that's the case for any business.

• Go to journalism conventions. Talk to people and try to mention something memorable about yourself. After you finish talking, ask for their business card and write on the back of it the memorable thing you both talked about. The next day, email them and thank them for their time in talking to you. Bring up that one thing you talked about so they'll remember you. Ask for opportunities at their organization, and they may have something for you.
• Even if you only have a year of experience, apply to internships now, even the big ones. Start getting your name in their pile.
• Connect with recruiters during the internship application off-season. Ask them for critiques on your clips. Ask them questions about their internship application process and ask for advice and tips. They might remember you.
• Randomly email journalists you admire. Praise them for their work and ask for mentorship-type advice. Connect with them that way.
• Send handwritten thank you notes. They mean much more than an email written in a minute.
• Try and complete internships during the spring if possible. That way you can squeeze in more experience during the year, as opposed to waiting for the summer to roll around.
• Miscellaneous story idea tip: just walk around campus and talk to people. Don't go to the internet for all your story ideas. Walk around and observe for two hours instead.