4 answers
Chad
Student
Aliso Viejo, California
1
Question
Asked
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How do you start networking with others while in college?
Hello, Im currently a second-year undergrad. My question is how do you get started with networking while in college to ensure you have connections after graduating? Everybody says how important it is but i'm not sure how to start. #Spring25
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4 answers
Sarthak Patel
Cybersecurity Manager
8
Answers
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Sarthak’s Answer
My favorite way to network was joining a social club. If your college has specific resource groups or society meets, or even clubs such as college newspaper, yearbook, planning committee for activities on campus etc. Joining one of those groups or clubs will be a great avenue where you can meet like minded individuals and build a network around that. Also, attending career fairs, on campus events and field trips etc also help in networking with people.
Adriana Porras
Program Manager
6
Answers
San José, Costa Rica
Updated
Adriana’s Answer
Hello! It's great that you're thinking about networking early. Here are some simple steps to get started:
Join Clubs and Organizations: Participate in clubs related to your field of interest. This is a great way to meet like-minded people.
Attend Events: Go to campus events, workshops, and guest lectures. These are perfect opportunities to meet professionals and fellow students.
Use Social Media: Create a LinkedIn profile and connect with classmates, professors, and professionals you meet.
Talk to Professors: Your professors can be valuable connections. Don't hesitate to ask them for advice or introductions.
Participate in Internships: Internships provide hands-on experience and help you build connections in your industry.
Be Active in Class: Engage in class discussions and group projects. This helps you get to know your peers and professors better.
Stay in Touch: Keep in contact with the people you meet. Send occasional messages to maintain the relationship.
Networking is about building relationships, so be genuine and show interest in others. Good luck!
Join Clubs and Organizations: Participate in clubs related to your field of interest. This is a great way to meet like-minded people.
Attend Events: Go to campus events, workshops, and guest lectures. These are perfect opportunities to meet professionals and fellow students.
Use Social Media: Create a LinkedIn profile and connect with classmates, professors, and professionals you meet.
Talk to Professors: Your professors can be valuable connections. Don't hesitate to ask them for advice or introductions.
Participate in Internships: Internships provide hands-on experience and help you build connections in your industry.
Be Active in Class: Engage in class discussions and group projects. This helps you get to know your peers and professors better.
Stay in Touch: Keep in contact with the people you meet. Send occasional messages to maintain the relationship.
Networking is about building relationships, so be genuine and show interest in others. Good luck!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1017
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Chad,
That's a really good question, and you're right—networking may lead to many opportunities, but initially it can be somewhat challenging to know where to begin. The good news is that attending college places you in one of the greatest settings for naturally forming those relationships.
Get to know the teachers, mentors, and fellow students by starting small. Participate in class discussions, attend office hours, and join study groups. The number of chances that arise from merely being involved and visible in your academic circles may surprise you. In particular, professors can serve as excellent mentors and frequently put you in touch with people in your field, research projects, and internships.
Then, find clubs or student organizations that are related to your major or career interests. These places are not only great for making friends, but they also frequently host workshops, networking events, and guest speakers that can help you meet professionals outside of your college bubble. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself, ask questions, and follow up afterward.
Additionally, make use of campus career centers, which often offer resume assistance, mock interviews, and—most importantly—networking events with recruiters and alumni. Setting up a LinkedIn profile is also a smart move; begin establishing connections with professors, professionals you meet, and classmates. A brief message stating that you're a student who is eager to learn more about their field will go a long way.
The secret is to be sincere and interested. Simply begin establishing genuine connections gradually; you don't need to "sell yourself" or be extremely formal. The fact that you are considering this now puts you ahead of the game. Continue to be present, ask questions, and maintain an open mind. You won't believe how easily connections will develop.
Best wishes!
That's a really good question, and you're right—networking may lead to many opportunities, but initially it can be somewhat challenging to know where to begin. The good news is that attending college places you in one of the greatest settings for naturally forming those relationships.
Get to know the teachers, mentors, and fellow students by starting small. Participate in class discussions, attend office hours, and join study groups. The number of chances that arise from merely being involved and visible in your academic circles may surprise you. In particular, professors can serve as excellent mentors and frequently put you in touch with people in your field, research projects, and internships.
Then, find clubs or student organizations that are related to your major or career interests. These places are not only great for making friends, but they also frequently host workshops, networking events, and guest speakers that can help you meet professionals outside of your college bubble. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself, ask questions, and follow up afterward.
Additionally, make use of campus career centers, which often offer resume assistance, mock interviews, and—most importantly—networking events with recruiters and alumni. Setting up a LinkedIn profile is also a smart move; begin establishing connections with professors, professionals you meet, and classmates. A brief message stating that you're a student who is eager to learn more about their field will go a long way.
The secret is to be sincere and interested. Simply begin establishing genuine connections gradually; you don't need to "sell yourself" or be extremely formal. The fact that you are considering this now puts you ahead of the game. Continue to be present, ask questions, and maintain an open mind. You won't believe how easily connections will develop.
Best wishes!
Adebowale Soneye
Property/Facility Manager
2
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Adebowale’s Answer
That’s a great question, and it’s completely normal to feel unsure about where to begin—networking can seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Since you're still in college, a good place to start is by getting involved in clubs, student groups, or professional associations related to your field. These spaces are perfect for meeting people with similar interests, learning from those ahead of you, and slowly building relationships in a natural way. Don’t underestimate the power of simply showing up, asking questions, and being genuinely curious.
You can also make use of platforms like LinkedIn—set up a simple profile, connect with classmates, lecturers, and guest speakers from events or classes. When you attend talks, workshops, or career fairs, try to introduce yourself and follow up with a quick message afterward. It doesn’t have to be formal or perfect—just being polite and showing interest goes a long way. Over time, these small steps add up, and you’ll find yourself building a network without even realizing it.
You can also make use of platforms like LinkedIn—set up a simple profile, connect with classmates, lecturers, and guest speakers from events or classes. When you attend talks, workshops, or career fairs, try to introduce yourself and follow up with a quick message afterward. It doesn’t have to be formal or perfect—just being polite and showing interest goes a long way. Over time, these small steps add up, and you’ll find yourself building a network without even realizing it.