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How can an introvert get accustomed to a networking environment?
As an incoming econ major I'm preparing myself to network in college but I'm struggling. How do you get used to putting yourself out there? Does it ever get easier?
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10 answers
Updated
David’s Answer
Though uncomfortable at first, just going for it is worth it. The more you put yourself out there, the more comfortable you will become until it is second nature. You will wind up making friendships and acquaintances for life. Best of luck!
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Bárbara SofÃa’s Answer
Starting college can feel extremely intimidating because we come face to face with the expectations we've built over in our life and the process of getting to meet yourself as a person with multiple layers that make you - YOU. So, I totally understand how you might feel with the idea of Networking in an Economics field, I majored in International Relations so to me Networking seemed like a "No-brainer" when I started college.
The best advice I can tell you are the following points;
1. Inform yourself with what's going on in the world: this will allow you to make a strategy into the type of profiles you want to approach and be associated with.
2. Nurture yourself: what I mean with nurturing yourself, is to also use college as a steppingstone into who you want to become - networking doesn't limit itself to a specific place so, you can broaden your horizons and networking spaces by nurturing your personal ambitious, likes/hobbies and joining different extracurriculars.
the two points above will give you a broader understanding of who you're and will make you confident in yourself - this is key for you to make conversation with strangers and will also allow you to have informed and experienced topics of conversation to break the ice with those profiles that you're interested to make an acquaintance with.
I hope this helps, I wish you the best of luck and send you the best of vibes for this new chapter of your life! - Barbara Eng
The best advice I can tell you are the following points;
1. Inform yourself with what's going on in the world: this will allow you to make a strategy into the type of profiles you want to approach and be associated with.
2. Nurture yourself: what I mean with nurturing yourself, is to also use college as a steppingstone into who you want to become - networking doesn't limit itself to a specific place so, you can broaden your horizons and networking spaces by nurturing your personal ambitious, likes/hobbies and joining different extracurriculars.
the two points above will give you a broader understanding of who you're and will make you confident in yourself - this is key for you to make conversation with strangers and will also allow you to have informed and experienced topics of conversation to break the ice with those profiles that you're interested to make an acquaintance with.
I hope this helps, I wish you the best of luck and send you the best of vibes for this new chapter of your life! - Barbara Eng
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Suraj’s Answer
Many college students deal with this, so don't hurry—take your time to decide carefully. Once you do, feel confident to step up and lead in a group.
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Ce’s Answer
Hi Daniela, being an introvert means you have unique strengths. It might take some extra effort to get used to college life, but remember, introversion is a trait, not a flaw. Many successful people are introverts. The key is to find what works for you socially. Here are some ideas: Start by connecting with your roommates and classmates. This way, it feels less overwhelming. Next, think about joining clubs that match your interests, like a book club. It's easier to chat when you share common interests. Lastly, use your great listening skills. Being a good listener is a wonderful social quality.
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chetna’s Answer
The best way to begin is simply to start. Make a clear choice to take the lead in a group. Trust me, once you begin and keep practicing, it will become a natural part of you and won't feel like a chore anymore.
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Kanari’s Answer
Hi Daniela!
Be yourself and the rest will come. Attend smaller events where you're less likely to be put on the spot to respond until you feel comfortable enough to engage.
I'm an introvert myself. In these settings, I find myself observing first and then moving to where I'm most comfortable. Follow your intuition. I prefer one-on-one conversations, or very small groups. It will allow you to connect in a more meaningful, personal way. This has turned into one of my most treasured strengths over time and I find that people will seek me out because they've "heard" about me. I've also found that on the occasions when I'm looking for information, or trying to move into a new area, people already know my name.
You will be surprised how many people are paying attention to you and you have no idea. I refer to myself as a quiet storm because there is so much under the surface. I hope this helps you as well. Now go out there and make some waves in your own way!
I wish you the very best in the future. Be well!
Be yourself and the rest will come. Attend smaller events where you're less likely to be put on the spot to respond until you feel comfortable enough to engage.
I'm an introvert myself. In these settings, I find myself observing first and then moving to where I'm most comfortable. Follow your intuition. I prefer one-on-one conversations, or very small groups. It will allow you to connect in a more meaningful, personal way. This has turned into one of my most treasured strengths over time and I find that people will seek me out because they've "heard" about me. I've also found that on the occasions when I'm looking for information, or trying to move into a new area, people already know my name.
You will be surprised how many people are paying attention to you and you have no idea. I refer to myself as a quiet storm because there is so much under the surface. I hope this helps you as well. Now go out there and make some waves in your own way!
I wish you the very best in the future. Be well!
Updated
Gus’s Answer
The best way is to practice! You can start small at events - introducing yourself to one other person and trying to find one thing in common. The more you practice in small increments, the easier it will get. Another part of networking that is not always highlighted is listening. By engaging and listening to the person you are speaking with, it makes it easier to understand them (not to mention that people feel valued when they are actually listened to). You don't always need to be selling yourself and your strengths - sometimes keeping the conversation light is a great way to make an initial connection. Best of luck out there!
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Rithika’s Answer
College is an awesome place to try this out! Colleges usually have lots of clubs and events. Make sure to go to these events and chat with people. This will help you get better at small talk, introducing yourself, and making connections—all important parts of networking. If you join clubs, you can connect over shared interests, making it easier to start conversations when you're just getting started. You've got this!
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Jason’s Answer
Hey Daniela,
the best way to get better is to put yourself out there. A college campus is a great place to start because it's filled with people that are from so many different and unique backgrounds. Focus on meeting people and being curious about them learning about them their backgrounds and experiences. It gets easier the more you do it and if you focus on seeing what you can find out about people that makes them different unique and interesting you're bound to learn things that are genuinely interesting but also likely find ways you're similar. these connections are what make networking great. it's a skill that will continually be useful throughout your life.
the best way to get better is to put yourself out there. A college campus is a great place to start because it's filled with people that are from so many different and unique backgrounds. Focus on meeting people and being curious about them learning about them their backgrounds and experiences. It gets easier the more you do it and if you focus on seeing what you can find out about people that makes them different unique and interesting you're bound to learn things that are genuinely interesting but also likely find ways you're similar. these connections are what make networking great. it's a skill that will continually be useful throughout your life.
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
Yes, it absolutely gets easier with practice—and as an introvert, you don’t need to change who you are to be great at networking. Start small by attending low-pressure events like workshops, club meetings, or speaker panels where you can ease into conversations naturally. Prepare a few go-to questions or intro lines ahead of time, and focus on listening—introverts often excel at meaningful one-on-one chats, which is where real connections often happen. After each interaction, reflect on what went well and build from there. Over time, the more you show up and engage in ways that feel authentic to you, the more confident and comfortable you'll become in networking spaces.