The second day of our Commerce Network is going smoothly, with new members being added and new comments being posted.  This is a great way to start one of the most important skills that all Commies should learn to master.  To formally introduce, the topic for today is: 

The Importance of Networking
As an introduction, what exactly is networking?  Techies may define this term as being "the connection between the computer with its main servers".  To environmentalists, it may translate into "the endless cycle between humans, animals and their environment".  But to the business-geared brains of Commerce students, this term represents "a powerful way to build professional relationships, actively foster contacts and disseminate information".
After conducting some much-needed research, statistics from the Federal Bureau of Labor revealed some interesting finds. 

70% of all jobs are found through networking and personal contacts.
12-15% of all jobs are found through want ads
4% of all jobs are found by people creating their own jobs
2% of all jobs are found by blindly sending out resumes

Networking is becoming a reality and people just have to learn to get along with people.  Therefore, staying in contact with your network and creating your own network is very important.  The point is to start your network as early as possible.
The basics of networking sounds simple enough.  Go out and meet people.  Learn something about the person and get their telephone number, cell phone or business card.  To do this, you must involve yourself in a number of extracurricular activities.  For example, the Commerce Student Association, the Marketing Association or any other association you can come up with.  It is actually a good idea to start your own association or club so you can demonstrate that "leadership ability" to your future employer.
The point is to go out of your way to meet every single person that you have the opportunity to meet. 
For some, it may be easier because their extroverted personalities gives them that "edge" in meeting new people.  For those that are shy or more introverted, start on a smaller scale if all this sounds too intimidating.  The most important thing is to START.  Once you get the idea, practice makes perfect and you will start to find it quite enjoyable (yes, it will be) to meet new people. 
Another point to note, please be genuine.  Learn to genuinely like and meet new people.  The true master is one that really cares for others, can relate to them and have others return that level of trust.  
Now, let's go forward a few years and say, you have started your little network.  It is time for graduation and everyone is busy sending resumes and attending seminars to land that perfect job.  You, on the other hand, have your little network to lie back on.  You may have networked someone in the HR department of a certain company and they could help you by giving you more contacts.  This gives you an advantage already, you are one step ahead of the game.  You have found a name! you know who to look for and you were "referred" by someone.  This makes the hiring process a lot smoother.  Think about it, even if your "contacts" cannot find you a job, I am sure they can be of assistance to you in the future.  All the information you might need is just one phonecall away.  Does that sound like an advertising slogan?
There are some people that have a very strong mindset, and think, "I do not need anyone, I am smart and talented.  Which company wouldn't want me?"  I am pretty sure you are smart and talented, but you have to realize that we are living together as a society.  No one can survive on their own and business is all about building relationships.  So, won't it be a great idea to get started now instead of later?

That is all for now on Networking.  I am sure there is a lot more to it, but I only have so much time and so much space to write.  So, hopefully, we will hear more comments from fellow students and graduates in the near future.  
Thank you and go out there and start networking.        
 

This being the first entry, I would like to welcome everyone to UofT Commies Weblog.  This weblog is designed to help all those that are enrolled or have once enrolled in the program.  You see, it is possible to survive the 4-undergrad years at the University.  The Key?
Study Smart, Not Study Hard. 
This also is our motto.  It is important to remember that there is a life outside your book-filled room and even though exam time is just around the corner, I assure you, your social life shall not be put to rest.
So, how do we study smart? 
Rule #1:  Do not attempt to read every word out of every chapter. 
The key to studying is to understand the concepts by studying your notes and scanning the textbook for relevant information.  Professors take exam material out of their notes.  Your job is to find more "details" in your textbook about the topics covered in class. 
Rule #2:   Do not lie to yourself about the time you put into your studies.  Even though you sit in your room for 6 hours doesn't mean you studied for 6 hours.  Factor in the time you napped, talked on the phone, daydreamed...ect. 
After you are done lying to yourself, really sit down and start studying.  That means, 3 hours of studying means 3 hours of studying....not 3 hours of studying means, 1 hour daydreaming and 30 minutes on the phone.
Rule #3:  Do problems, past tests, homework
Many people think that doing their homework or problem sets should come after the material has been studied.  That is not always the case.  Sometimes, starting with the case/problem at hand will give you insight as to what has to be "studied".  You will have an idea from the problem what topics have to be covered or examined in detail.  So, start from the "end" and work your way up. 

Over the years, I have talked to many students and realized an important issue.  Students are overwhelmed by the quantity of material they have to study...they fail to examine the quality of their study material (namely, what is THE POINT of this whole chapter?)  Do you know how many "filler words" there are in a page of text?  Too many to count.  Open your textbook, turn to chapter 1.  There are almost 30 pages of text, but I can assure you, the POINT of chapter 1 can often be summarized in 2 paragraphs.  Can you see these 2 paragraphs?  If I tell you to write it out, can you do so?  If not, you have not studied the material, you were just reading-and-dozing off on the chapter. 
That is all for now.