You're in an incredible conference room in New York. In front of you is an executive from a Fortune 500 company. The guide says: "Does anyone have any questions?".
An awkward silence falls. You have a question, but your heart is racing, your hands are sweating, and you think: "What if I say something stupid?", "What if they don't understand me?". In the end, you say nothing.
If this sounds familiar, welcome to the club. 80% of people feel anxiety when speaking to authority figures.
At Learn and Travel, we believe that networking isn't just for extroverts who speak loudly. In fact, introverts often ask the best questions because they listen better.
Here is your Networking Survival Kit, designed so you can stand out without suffering.
1. Preparation Beats Fear
Fear usually comes from uncertainty. If you improvise, you get nervous. If you have a plan, you have control.
The Hack: Before the visit, research the company for 5 minutes on Google News. You don't need to know everything, you just need a fun fact to feel secure. Write 2 questions in your notebook before arriving. Reading your question is totally valid and demonstrates preparation.
2. The "Cheat Sheet" of Smart Questions (Copy and Paste)
You don't need to reinvent the wheel. Here are 3 foolproof questions that always make a student look good and that executives love to answer:
The Future Question (Shows Vision)
"I've read a lot about Artificial Intelligence lately. How do you think the [their sector] industry will change in the next 5 years and what can we do to prepare?"
The Personal Question (Generates Empathy)
"If you could go back to our age and were in university, what skill would you learn that isn't taught in books?"
The Culture Question (Shows Real Interest)
"What do you enjoy most about working at this company compared to other places where you've been?"
3. The "Wingman" Technique
If raising your hand alone terrifies you, team up with a friend.
Agree on the question beforehand. One can say: "My partner and I were discussing..." and the other asks the question. Feeling the support of someone next to you reduces anxiety by half.
4. Silent Networking (Post-Talk)
Sometimes, the best moment isn't during the lecture in front of 50 people, but at the end.
When the talk ends and everyone is standing up, approach the speaker (they usually stay for a few minutes). It's a less intimidating environment.
- Approach, shake hands firmly (even if you're trembling a bit inside) and say: "Thank you very much for your time, I really liked what you said about X".
- That small gesture will differentiate you from the rest of the group that ran to the gift shop.
5. Change Your Mindset
Remember this: Executives are normal people. They were also students, they also had fear and, believe it or not, they want to help you. They participate in Learn and Travel programs because they like seeing the energy of young people. They aren't there to judge you, they are there to inspire you.
Practice in the real world
The only way to lose fear is by doing it. On our trips to Silicon Valley, New York, or Europe, you will have dozens of opportunities to practice in a safe and guided environment.
¿Do you dare to raise your hand?