As a graduate student, you've surely encountered times when someone wanted your address and phone number, or perhaps a link to your latest paper. Didn't you wish that you had a convenient way to pass along that information without fumbling for a pen and a scrap of paper? Business cards may provide the solution.

While you typically think of established professionals needing business cards, people from all walks of life can benefit from a card that lists their vital information. You don't need a company name or impressive title; simply list your contact information, website and a few words about your research, specialty or skills. Business cards can lend an aura of professionalism to your next encounter and just make it easier to pass along this information.

Business cards are useful at any networking opportunity. While graduate students are often caught up in the research and work of the present, you should always keep your future goals in mind. The contacts you make during your studies can be instrumental in finding a job or research position after graduation. Whether you're attending a conference or visiting your college's career fair, keep your name in new acquaintances' minds by handing them a business card.

One thing that may hold graduate students back from getting business cards is the potential cost. However, they can be inexpensive if you get a basic style and shop around for the best price. In fact, you can even create them yourself on your home computer, and they'll cost even less.

Graduate students may also feel self-conscious about creating business cards. You're "just" a student, so why should you have them? If you have confidence in yourself and realize that it's a convenient way to network and share contact information, you'll never need to feel strange about handing someone your business card.