Christopher Ahlberg ⋅ Holtsville, NY Recorded Future, Inc. ⋅ 15 years experience

As people mention - LinkedIn Groups are great.

I would also recommend Meetup - lots of physical/in person meetings on great
topics (wide range) there.

http://www.meetup.com/

Brandon McKinney ⋅ Knoxville, TN U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 6 years served

While not as effective as what others have mentioned, I have recently started just talking to people in public who are wearing company shirts, asking them what they do, and introducing myself. So far, the 40-50 I've approached have been nice and willing to talk, most offer to stay in touch, a few have asked me to come by to interview, and one has offered a job outright. Doing this can be a little strange at first, but once you get used to it, it can be an excellent compliment to everyone else's methods.

Aaron Spool ⋅ West Orange, NJ CIT ⋅ 11 years experience

The easiest thing is to go to an alumni event. Ask your school's alumni team if there is anyone you could speak to or if there is an event in the area. Alumni already have a connection to you, and will be more inclined to help vs a stranger you meet at a standard networking event. LinkedIn is also a good source.

Drop me a line and we can come up with a networking strategy for you.

Jim Thomas ⋅ Clovis, CA Acquired EXCELLENCE Defined ⋅ 40 years experience

Join LinkedIn.com. Then figure out all the ways you can use it to your advantage. ... there are many!

GUILLERMO YBARRA III ⋅ Killeen, TX U.S. Air Force, Master Sergeant ⋅ 19 years served

https://www.rallypoint.com is a military version of LinkedIn if your a veteran seeking job opportunities.

John McCreavy ⋅ Swedesboro, NJ SMS Rail Lines ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Sam
Depending on your career focus...I wld zero in on local area based firms of interest..as well as area business associations. As you see from other people's comments there are multitude of association options out there

Networking's about getting out there and talking with people
I've always appreciated people who take initiative...
Don't be hesitant about approaching people and asking questions...people like to talk about themselves...and deep down like to help others

Richard Buck ⋅ Patterson, NY EY ⋅ 25 years experience

A Veterans group located in NYC:
(RWB) Red Whit and Blue
http://teamrwb.org/the-team/chapters?success=1
contact for NYC chapter: joe.quinn@teamrwb.org

Richard Buck
RBVetMentor@gmail.com

Al Marco ⋅ Middleton, WI 1stGig.com ⋅ 25 years experience

Please join VetsBridge.com and set up your Professional Career Profile. Once you have registered for this free service it will begin to connect you with career opportunities that align with your requirements and interests. No resume is necessary...we provide direct opportunities for connecting with employers that are of interest to you.

Al

Thomas Elliott ⋅ San Diego, CA U.S. Navy, Petty Officer First Class ⋅ 20 years served

Toastmasters. I always offer this as a networking tool, as well as a place to learn an important skill (i.e. making presentations). Many are unaware that companies see the importance of this organization and form chapters on their premises for their employees to attend. Most are also open to the public. So, you are provided a captive audience of individuals (usually sales, executives, and other who have to give public presentations) that work at the place that you are interested in, and all of a sudden you have something in common to break the ice...you are both members of Toastmasters. www.toastmasters.org Here is one example:

World Financial Center Toastmasters - Club #: 334, Dist #: 46 Area: E53, Est: 6/1/2000
American Express Tower, Training Rm 2, 26th Fl
3 World Financial Center, New York, NY, 10285-0002, United States
Meeting Time: 6:15 pm, Wednesday
Club Status: Open to all
(3.0 miles)
Click here to email club
www.wfctoastmasters.org

Douglas Lavelle ⋅ Chatham, NJ Financial Services ⋅ 24 years experience

I would search trade organizations and societies with your interest. Many times they have rents that are free of charge.

Naomi Finkel ⋅ Westlake Village, CA Say It With Words Marketing & Corporate Communications ⋅ 30 years experience

Samuel, go to the trade shows and/or business conferences of the groups you are interested in. Speak to the marketing executive or CEO.
Naomi Finkel

Stephanie Wolcott ⋅ New York, NY Alcoa ⋅ 10 years experience

I agree with Aaron on checking our Alumni clubs. Also, check to see if your university has an alumni database and search it for people in your field. Having the same alma mater is a strong connection and most people will be happy to set a time an informational interview. Don't underestimate the power of an informational interview. They can lead to important networking and keep you top of mind should a position become available.

I also agree with the LinkedIn suggestion.

Chad Storlie ⋅ Saint Augustine, FL CSX Transportation ⋅ 22 years experience

Samuel, Here are some resources on Networking.

(1) http://www.combattocorporate.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/10-Step-Networking-Plan-To-Advance-Your-Career.pdf
(2) http://www.combattocorporate.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Applying-Military-Skills-for-Civilian-Career-Success.pdf
(3) http://www.combattocorporate.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Network-Strategies-for-Veteran-Career-Success.pdf
(4) http://www.combattocorporate.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Create-Options-for-Career-Transition-Planning.pdf
(5) http://www.combattocorporate.com/2011/04/podcast-military-skills-lead-to-organizational-success/

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Attend CFA events.
Seek out military Veterans and graduates from your college within the industry of interest.

e.g.
http://www.newyorkmea.org/
(opeend to all Military Veterans)

e.g.
http://www.nyssa.org/
http://www.stamfordcfa.org/
https://www.cfainstitute.org/pages/index.aspx

Joe Buhajla ⋅ Fayetteville, AR Alcoa ⋅ 15 years experience

I use Linkedin and Twitter.

Ben C ⋅ New York, NY Hedge Fund ⋅ 2 years experience

Google is a great way to get names and cold email people. LinkedIn and its search function are great for more specific searches. Take the mentality you used to get your internship at an investment bank and apply it to networking. Promise it will work.

George Ellington ⋅ Wylie, TX Samsung Electronics America ⋅ 8 years experience

Also, professional groups are great platforms to meeting people. There are countless ones. They usually have some annual fee for membership. If you are a full time student, a lot of professional groups wave the fees. I am sure there are tons of professional groups for banking, especially in your area. You can probably google some. Also, as mentioned before, LinkedIn is an excellent networking source.

Samuel Comer ⋅ Fayetteville, WV U.S. Army, Sergeant First Class ⋅ 20 years served

Linkedin is a great place to network, you can join numerous groups that can assist you in networking. Additionally, you might consider joining a service club such as the Rotary http://www.rotary.org/ or other organizations in your area.

Sam