Bill & Steve's Excellent Adventure

Lately, I’ve been speaking to lots of new grads and students about the importance of building their professional networks early in their careers. Doing so can pay off hugely. Looking for proof? Consider the life stories of Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer.

Gates entered Harvard in 1973 with no specific study plan in mind. He spent loads of time using the school’s computers, and at the end of his sophomore year, dropped out, returned to Seattle and started a little company called Microsoft. The success of that company made Gates one of the wealthiest men in the world. Forbes says his personal wealth now hovers right around $40 billion

While Bill Gates was tapping away on a computer keyboard, Steve Ballmer was focused on understanding economics. He managed Harvard’s football team, worked on the Harvard Crimson, and lived down the hallway from fellow sophomore Bill Gates. After graduating from college, Ballmer worked for two years as an assistant product manager with Procter & Gamble. He briefly attended Stanford University Graduate School of Business before Gates hunted him down and asked Ballmer to become Microsoft’s business manager. Currently, Ballmer serves as the company’s CEO. His personal wealth is estimated at $14.5 billion, and he now ranks #46 on the Forbes list of billionaires.

As I tell my program attendees, both of these guys are now gazillionaires because of this one connection they made during their college sophomore year. The most successful new professionals initiate those connections before they start work and nurture them throughout their careers.

If you're an intern, summer associate or new hire, just remember, it's never too early to start building your professional network.
 
 

Related Things You Need to Know

Networking During a Pandemic

Covid-19 has made networking easier, faster and less expensive.  It’s ever so much easier to network during a time period in which many people are desperate for human connections.  It’s certainly faster when attending an event simply requires clicking a link to a video conference room.  And even a cash-strapped student can afford to pull off a virtual cocktail party since all he or she requires is an internet connection, a few nibbles and beverage for one.  To succeed, you just need to understand the new rules of engagement.

Always Follow Up

After a networking event, transform new contacts into valued members of your network by following up.

Holiday Networking

Use the holiday season to build your professional networks.

Learn More

Order Mary'sbooksto learn the 100 things interns, new hires and summer associates need to know to succeed.

Let Mary Know

Do you have questions or want to see Mary speak at your school/employment? Reach out to Mary for more info.

Contact Mary