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Business Cards for Students
March 31, 2010
Last week, AboveTheLaw.com, a self-proclaimed on-line legal tabloid, posited the question: Should law students obtain business cards?
I spend big chunks of my life traveling to law schools, business schools, and the employers who eventually hire graduates from these institutions, and whenever a school presents the option, I always encourage students to obtain business cards. Here’s why:
1. While the students are likely to exchange contact information with their peers by whipping out their iPhones and then stay in touch via various social networking sites, potential employers will feel much more comfortable receiving a business card; and
2. At a networking event, initiating the exchange of business cards becomes an easy way to bring a conversation to a close. Lots of students feel awkward saying, "Well it's been nice talking with you. I think I'll grab something to drink." As long as they carry business cards, the students may say, "It's been great talking with you. I'd like to stay in touch. Do you have a business card?" That simple business card exchange helps students end one conversation and move on to their next.
Some “tipsters” who wrote into the website complained about schools charging for the business cards, rather than “throwing them in for free, given the high price of tuition.”
Recognizing that graduate school has never been more expensive than it is right now, I empathize with those students. However, I encourage students to view this as an opportunity to take responsibility for their careers. Students may opt out of purchasing business cards, just like they may opt out of purchasing an interview suit. But they would be well served to make investments in both.
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