Network. Network. Network.

We've heard it so many times before, but I wanted to revisit the importance of networking when it comes to job searching in particular. I still have a number of friends who are looking for work after college and recently, it seems networking has played quite a prominent role in opportunities or potential opportunities. 

In addition to what I've heard from my friends, I too have experienced the value of networking as of late. A couple of weeks ago I went to a Harvard networking event and met some amazing alum working in various industries. A couple of important networking tips I took away from that event...

• Don't be shy.
• Even if you don't know someone, don't be afraid to approach them. Chances are, they're just as anxious to meet someone new just like yourself!
• Listen and interact.
• People love when you ask questions in response to something they've said; it shows you're paying attention and interested.
• Smile and be energetic! Even if you have to fake it!
• First impressions are everything, and who doesn't want to keep in touch with someone friendly and positive?

If you're one of the many still looking for some type of work, keep your friends and family in mind as a valuable resource. 

Who you know gets you in the door, what you know gets you to the top.

Networking is often more effective than coldly applying for jobs through ads, online sites, etc... Employers are likely to hire someone they already know or somebody that one of their colleagues knows. It's often a quicker process than sifting through resumes and cover letters and having the confidence that someone if a qualified candidate from knowing them versus from what is says on their resume can be a safer bet. 

I recently had a past coach approach me with a job opening he thought I might be interested in and I never would have thought to reach out to him before! But it was a great job at his daughter's company. So a couple other things to remember...

• Think of anyone and everyone in your network to reach out to
• You never know whose friend, cousin, daughter, boyfriend's sister's friend could know of a great job opportunity for you.
• People love helping people
• Most of the time, people love to help others. They'll be happy to advise you about a job or forward you to someone they know if they can.
• It never hurts to ask!
• Continue building a network
• On a night out, an event, whatever, get to know people. You never know who could be your angel in disguise.

Good luck with the job hunt to those still looking! Keep pushing the networking. ;)

The 'many fountains' of Switzerland

Lauterbrunnen, which translates to 'many fountains' in German, is a town and valley in the Swiss Alps near Interlaken, a central hub for those traveling through the Alps. We hadn't planned to, but we ended up going through Lauterbrunnen almost every day we spent in the Alps. We stayed a short train ride away in Thun, a small town with not much going on to be honest.

One reason why I found Lauterbrunnen to stand out from every other town (learn more about it here) is because it is a town of 72 waterfalls! SEVENTY TWO! There are some you can climb up and around, and maybe you can walk very very close to. Trummelbach Falls has about 10 different waterfalls that you can climb up and around; it gives a chilling close view of the falls and a spectacular panorama of the rivers and valley below.

Here are some views of inside the falls. You take an elevator or cable up, and make your way down to see a series of falls. There are different routes to go down so it doesn't get too congested up there and you get a lot of different views. It gets super super cold in the crevices of the mountains as the water rushes by at a violent pace. It was almost scary to see how fast the water runs down and eventually becomes nothing more than a quiet stream.

Some people brought rain coats to wear because you get so close to the water that you actually get really really wet. It was definitely thrilling though!

After leaving the falls, my mom and I decided to take a walk along a paved road in the middle of the valley. It was unfortunately raining when we were there, but I still found the scenery to be clear and beautiful. It's incredibly calming and picturesque from every angle.

We ran into an American couple while walking who told us about this farm down the road that sells FRESH milk through a machine. They milk their cows every morning and sell the milk for a cheap price to passers by throughout the day. We had to check it out.

The milk was delicious for sure! There were little cups to the side, and you just insert the coins, open the charming metal door, place the cup inside, press the button, and the appropriate amount comes out in no time. It was so much fun to watch, and the milk was so good! So fresh and cold; we got another cup after finishing the first. :)

This is the view from the farm we got the milk from...

The waterfalls were so loud, you could hear them throughout the valley. I love the sound of water though! Waterfalls surround this valley; it was amazing to see.

The Alps finally peaking through the clouds, with ample snow still sprinkled over the top.

I love that valley! And you can see some of the waterfalls running down the cliffs. ...those goats also began to chase me as I was snapping shots!

 Staubbach Falls - another I climbed up and BEHIND

 The view of the valley on the way up the fall...

The stairs leading me behind the fall...

Pretty much behind Staubbach fall at this point! It's hard to see the water in front of me, but it was literally running down the mountain right in front of my face. I could feel it spraying onto me and see it hitting the rocks below. The stairs were definitely a little scary to climb up so I was afraid to look over and drop my camera!

This is actually Gimmelwald, another town in the Alps but much higher up. The valley is far below. This place was so so beautiful. My mom and I talked about just renting a home there for a week and looking out at the view, not even leaving town. You can see and hear all the waterfalls, the cow bells, birds...

The panorama was like a poster. The pictures absolutely don't do it justice so after a while, we decided to put our digital and video cameras away to just take it all in while we could and capture the photo in our memory.

On the way down by cable car, ending an unforgettable day in the hidden villages of the Alps.