As I approached the gondola going up to Aspen Mountain this past ski season, I quickly perused the people at the end of the partition to see whom I would be spending the 17-minute ride with. Before I knew it, I was being ushered into a cart with a clean-cut, good-looking 24-year-old man who also happened to be a movie producer.

When you’re alone with someone for 17 minutes there is nothing for you to do but talk. Luckily, I knew just the kind of questions to ask this man who had the job of my dreams. I knew I had to make a good impression and show interest. While I’m sure this man’s idea of a vacation didn’t include telling a 17-year-old his life story, my interest and eagerness to hear about his journey through out his career, impressed him.

Before I knew it, my 17 minutes were up and the man began preparing for departure. He then proceeded to give me his email. As I stepped off the gondola I felt a rush of pride. In 17 minutes I was able to expand my networking circle with a man who could potentially unlock the key to my future.

Networking is a life long skill that allows you to expand your connections in an exponential way that can be invaluable to any business or social endeavor.

Certified career coach and networking expert Marilyn Seltzer explains that, “the combination of experience, network & connections, and knowledge is critical to securing work in the field that interests you.”

Seltzer has been spending countless hours in Discovery classes as she aims to educate students in the importance of maintaining relationships as well as constructing a network. Seltzer’s goal is to make students engaged and excited about something.

Junior Arthur Kelso is the quintessence of a student with great relationships. Kelso has a unique talent in film and photography. Through networking, he was able to gain photographer, Anson Fogel as a mentor. Kelso met Fogel at the Five Point Film Festival last year and made such a strong impression on Fogel that the famous photographer exchanged numbers with Kelso.

“Anson taught me how variations of contrasts and exposures can make a black and white photo just as enhanced as a photo in color. He’s a really cool guy and I plan to maintain this relationship,” Kelso said.

Making a good, everlasting impression on someone begins with a handshake and ends with the swap of information.

“Be authentic in your interest because people will pick up on the fact if you don’t care. If you really care, you look at someone in the eye, and ask intelligent questions because you’re actually interested,” Seltzer said.