Networking With Potential Employers

Lately I have been thinking about ways to network so I will know more potential employers, which will give me an upper hand when I start applying for jobs within the next few weeks. It is not essential to know a potential employer to land a job, but it definitely helps. I am planning on being an actuary, so as long as I pass the first two actuarial exams I shouldn't have a problem finding a job since actuarial jobs are in high demand. However, if I network with potential employers, I will have more of a choice as to which company I end up working for. I want to get a job in either Salt Lake City or Seattle, so I have been using current contacts to meet actuaries in those areas. I have spoken and met with several in Salt Lake City and I recently called my uncle in Seattle, who knows several actuaries, and he is going to arrange some opportunities to get to know them. I'm excited to see what happens and hopefully my networking efforts will pay off with a job this spring in Salt Lake City or Seattle.