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Do you have any advice for networking?
Where are places one can go to network? How can you find places to network?
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4 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Kaitlyn,
Networking isn’t just about shaking hands at events or sending random messages on LinkedIn. It’s really just connecting with people in ways that feel natural—not forced or awkward. You’re already networking every day without even realizing it. Think about it. Every time you ask a teacher for advice, chat with a classmate about their job, or even talk to a friend’s parent about their work, you’re networking. It’s not about being super formal—it’s just about being curious, asking good questions, and staying in touch.
Where to find networking opportunities
the easiest place to start is with the people already around you.
teachers, classmates, coaches… even the barista you see every morning could know someone in your field of interest. all it takes is a simple, “hey, do you know anyone who works in [your field]?” and suddenly, you might have a new connection.
if you have a job, even if it’s totally unrelated to your career goals, your boss or coworkers might have connections.
friends of friends, relatives, neighbors… so many jobs come from random conversations that start with, “oh, you should talk to my friend who does that!”
then there’s online networking.
linkedin is great if you actually use it—don’t just connect with people, comment on posts, share thoughts, and actually talk to people.
twitter/reddit/slack/discord – there are so many industry-specific groups where people casually share advice and opportunities. find those spaces and start joining in.
and of course, real-world events are a goldmine.
conferences, workshops, or even local meetups give you a chance to meet people face-to-face. don’t overthink it—just be friendly, ask questions, and stay in touch with the people you meet.
volunteering at industry events is a sneaky good way to get into big networking spaces without paying for expensive tickets.
...
...
... Nowww....
So you’ve found people to connect with. now what? the biggest mistake people make is thinking they have to impress others or prove something. you don’t. the best way to network is to be genuinely interested in what people do.
ask good questions – instead of “can you help me get a job?” try “how did you get into this field?” or “what’s something you wish you knew when you started?”
Be helpful – if you come across an interesting article or opportunity that reminds you of someone, send it their way. networking isn’t just about what you can get—it’s about creating connections both ways.
Follow up without being weird – if you meet someone cool, connect with them on linkedin or send a quick message like “really enjoyed our conversation about [topic]—would love to stay in touch!”
Networking is just making connections and keeping them alive. it’s not a one-time thing. the more you do it, the more natural it feels, and the more doors open when you least expect it. All the best girl, stay curious! 🤗
Networking isn’t just about shaking hands at events or sending random messages on LinkedIn. It’s really just connecting with people in ways that feel natural—not forced or awkward. You’re already networking every day without even realizing it. Think about it. Every time you ask a teacher for advice, chat with a classmate about their job, or even talk to a friend’s parent about their work, you’re networking. It’s not about being super formal—it’s just about being curious, asking good questions, and staying in touch.
Where to find networking opportunities
the easiest place to start is with the people already around you.
teachers, classmates, coaches… even the barista you see every morning could know someone in your field of interest. all it takes is a simple, “hey, do you know anyone who works in [your field]?” and suddenly, you might have a new connection.
if you have a job, even if it’s totally unrelated to your career goals, your boss or coworkers might have connections.
friends of friends, relatives, neighbors… so many jobs come from random conversations that start with, “oh, you should talk to my friend who does that!”
then there’s online networking.
linkedin is great if you actually use it—don’t just connect with people, comment on posts, share thoughts, and actually talk to people.
twitter/reddit/slack/discord – there are so many industry-specific groups where people casually share advice and opportunities. find those spaces and start joining in.
and of course, real-world events are a goldmine.
conferences, workshops, or even local meetups give you a chance to meet people face-to-face. don’t overthink it—just be friendly, ask questions, and stay in touch with the people you meet.
volunteering at industry events is a sneaky good way to get into big networking spaces without paying for expensive tickets.
...
...
... Nowww....
So you’ve found people to connect with. now what? the biggest mistake people make is thinking they have to impress others or prove something. you don’t. the best way to network is to be genuinely interested in what people do.
ask good questions – instead of “can you help me get a job?” try “how did you get into this field?” or “what’s something you wish you knew when you started?”
Be helpful – if you come across an interesting article or opportunity that reminds you of someone, send it their way. networking isn’t just about what you can get—it’s about creating connections both ways.
Follow up without being weird – if you meet someone cool, connect with them on linkedin or send a quick message like “really enjoyed our conversation about [topic]—would love to stay in touch!”
Networking is just making connections and keeping them alive. it’s not a one-time thing. the more you do it, the more natural it feels, and the more doors open when you least expect it. All the best girl, stay curious! 🤗
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Best place to start networking is with people you know. Talk to your family, relatives, neighbors, and friends about your interests and what you might like to do in the future. Listen to their advice, and ask if they can provide a contact for networking in one of your areas of interest.
With every good wish and many blessings!
Karen
With every good wish and many blessings!
Karen
Updated
Zaida’s Answer
Networking online is one of the best ways to connect with others. LinkedIn, for instance, is a fantastic platform for building your network. You can also meet professionals by attending conferences, educational events, and tours. These are all excellent opportunities to interact with people in your field. Remember, don't hesitate to put yourself out there and start making those valuable connections!
Updated
Lillian’s Answer
Hi Kaitlyn! Thank you for reaching out and trusting this community with your question.
When it comes to networking, I always ask the students I am working with, what is the purpose of your networking? Is it to learn about internship opportunities, build connections that might help you land a job one day, or to learn about a particular field? Finding your purpose for networking will give you direction on who it is you want to reach out to and how.
Once you have identified your reason for wanting to network, it's time to begin looking for opportunities to meet people. This might look like starting with your friends, teachers, family, and trusted ones to begin asking them if they know anyone who would be willing to sit down and talk with you. Beginning with friends and family is a great way to start having one-on-one conversations with professionals and grow your network of connections. PLUS, you get to meet some amazing people you might never have met before. 😊
Another method of networking is through attending events, conferences, or educational programs. Here, you can introduce yourself to speakers and talk with attendees. After leaving the event, you can find them on LinkedIn and follow up about the conversation you all had. These events don't necessarily have to be geared toward your major if that's not an option for you. You can attend volunteer events, community events, and others that interest you and begin conversations there. You never know who you might meet.
I hope these pieces of advice give you a starting point to you networking. Best of luck to you and please reach out should you have any more questions.
Identify YOUR purpose for Networking
Start with friends, family, your inner circle
Attend local events, conferences, and educational programs
When it comes to networking, I always ask the students I am working with, what is the purpose of your networking? Is it to learn about internship opportunities, build connections that might help you land a job one day, or to learn about a particular field? Finding your purpose for networking will give you direction on who it is you want to reach out to and how.
Once you have identified your reason for wanting to network, it's time to begin looking for opportunities to meet people. This might look like starting with your friends, teachers, family, and trusted ones to begin asking them if they know anyone who would be willing to sit down and talk with you. Beginning with friends and family is a great way to start having one-on-one conversations with professionals and grow your network of connections. PLUS, you get to meet some amazing people you might never have met before. 😊
Another method of networking is through attending events, conferences, or educational programs. Here, you can introduce yourself to speakers and talk with attendees. After leaving the event, you can find them on LinkedIn and follow up about the conversation you all had. These events don't necessarily have to be geared toward your major if that's not an option for you. You can attend volunteer events, community events, and others that interest you and begin conversations there. You never know who you might meet.
I hope these pieces of advice give you a starting point to you networking. Best of luck to you and please reach out should you have any more questions.
Lillian recommends the following next steps: