If there’s one thing I’ve learned after four internships, it’s that it takes work to find a job. Nobody is going to hand it to you on a silver platter. It takes hard work and a lot of time, but mostly it takes exhausting every connection you have, as well as unabashedly going out there, taking the time to meet new people and getting your resumé in their hands.

I often find that my college-aged peers are intimidated by the prospect of networking. To them it seems an alien and uncomfortable practice — and the thought of going to a networking event makes them squirm. I believe, however, that networking is an art form, and one from which you can reap great benefits down the road.

Having interned in Washington, D.C. this past summer — a place which has to be the networking capitol of the world — I quickly learned the clichéd old saying was so true — it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. I also found that people in positions of power love to give their cards out like candy to young hopefuls. After all, it’s likely they got where they were through the same networking process and want to return the favor. The trick is, however, following up with them in a timely manner. Unless you follow up within a day or two, it’s unlikely they’ll remember you and it’ll be useless.

So how does a soon-to-be college graduate embark upon a successful networking adventure?

Well, it’s simple really. To find organized networking events, simply Google “Seattle Area networking events” and dozens of matches come up.

Meetup.com is a great resource for finding regular networking events that are open to all, in a variety of different fields from technology to film-making.

For these kind of events it is ideal to come prepared with a stack of resumés, or business cards if you have them.

Regarding the latter, it’s easy to have these made at a print and copy shop — all they need to have is your name and contact information — they’re golden in the networking world.

Even if you don’t have a job, they’re crucial if you want people to remember you after that evening.

Besides formal networking events, the opportunity to network can arise even in less organized settings.

A great place to do so is at a family event, such as a wedding or bar mitzvah. Chances are, you’ll start conversing with obscure relatives or family friends you don’t know and the topic will come to what you’re doing.

Bingo — instant opportunity to inform said people about the fact that you’re graduating soon and hope to pursue a career in such-and-such a field. Even if they don’t directly have a way to help you, it is likely they know people they can refer you to who do. It’s a great way to find internship opportunities, at the very least.

Another avenue for networking is the Internet.

If you don’t already have a LinkedIn profile, sign up for one today. It’s like Facebook for the professional world and is essentially an online resumé.

The more professional connections you add, the number of people in the industry who can view your profile multiplies, and you have the opportunity to get introduced through your current connections.

After you meet someone at a networking event, it’s usually easy to find and add them to your network, giving them an opportunity to view your resumé and what you’ve been working on.

Finally, take advantage of job fairs. While these tend to be fairly large — and therefore it’s harder to make sure the company representatives remember you — it’s a great way to get your name out there with recruiters and also be informed of opportunities you might not otherwise have known about.

Come with a stack of resumés and your most professional-looking outfit. Be enthusiastic. It might just be your lucky day.

Reach columnist Katie Paff at opinion@dailyuw.com.