Sarah, Maryland AddedMonday, January 20, 2014 at 1:21 PM How to create a network Hi! I recently graduated from college with a BS in mechanical engineering and have been working since June for a government contractor. To be blunt, I hate my job. I have been looking for a new one but I have not been having much luck. I have also been doing research on networking and how to further my career and most people say having a network and a mentor are two very important things. Unfortunately, I have neither and I have started to feel very desperate and trapped in my current position. I am currently trying to expand my network but it is not very easy! I was wondering if you have any suggestions for networking or finding a new job. Thanks! Related to Internships & Jobs Reset Sort By Default EngineerGirl Team , Answered Monday, January 20, 2014 at 1:21 PM Hi Sarah, Networking is a skill that is very important to almost any career, but it is not generally taught in college. One of the best ways to start making professional contacts is to join a professional association like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Go to meetings and events and get to know people. Talk with people about what they work on and think about ways it might connect to what you want to do. Don't be afraid to share your own expertise as well since networking always goes two ways. There is much more to networking than I can cover in a short answer here, but that is one thing that might help you feel less isolated, and SWE is really great about helping young engineers get connected. Try googling "networking tips" for some more great ideas on how to start building a professional network. You may even find a mentor this way, but don't just approach random strangers and ask them to be your mentor. When you know someone who you respect and hope to emulate you might begin asking her/him a few specific questions when you need help in your career. People can serve as a mentor in this way without having to establish a formal mentoring relationship, and you will probably find you will receive help from several mentors over the course of your career. Good luck!