4 answers
Isabel
Student
Hampton, New Hampshire
1
Question
Updated
333 views
What are the key factors that contribute to making and keeping successful professional networks, in the field of marketing More focused on someone who's just starting off. #spring2025
I'm currently a highschool senior, who is planning on majoring in marketing at Plymouth State University. I have always been interested in the idea of being able to make a career in business while also being able to stay creative.
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4 answers
Mark Terrano
Game Designer
9
Answers
Spokane Valley, Washington
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Start your linkedin bio and your professional portfolio right away - your college friends and even high-school networks will have future business leaders and connected people in them.
Join industry trade groups or student chapters of those groups for Marketing
Follow good mentors in Marketing and related fields (leadership, creativity and design) on social media
Don't be exclusively digital - find out the marketing events, mixers, etc. in your local area. Make contacts on linked-in in your city with people who are doing marketing - those connections made in person will help you find mentors; every experienced marketing executive was once where you are now and most are willing to help if it looks like you are doing the work and trying to build your career.
Practice making professional introductions, critiquing marketing programs, and highlighting great work from others - once you are in marketing circles you'll get announcements of people's projects on LinkedIn - be specific in your praise or questions about their work.
Work on solo projects and openly seek critique in your professional circles and with your hopeful mentors.
Continue to work on, prune, and refine your portfolio to feature your best works. A/B Test your portfolio pieces with your mentors and strive to keep it relevant and interesting.
Start your linkedin bio and your professional portfolio immediately
Join professional groups in Marketing and related fields
Follow thought leaders online and cultivate in-person relationships
Join industry trade groups or student chapters of those groups for Marketing
Follow good mentors in Marketing and related fields (leadership, creativity and design) on social media
Don't be exclusively digital - find out the marketing events, mixers, etc. in your local area. Make contacts on linked-in in your city with people who are doing marketing - those connections made in person will help you find mentors; every experienced marketing executive was once where you are now and most are willing to help if it looks like you are doing the work and trying to build your career.
Practice making professional introductions, critiquing marketing programs, and highlighting great work from others - once you are in marketing circles you'll get announcements of people's projects on LinkedIn - be specific in your praise or questions about their work.
Work on solo projects and openly seek critique in your professional circles and with your hopeful mentors.
Continue to work on, prune, and refine your portfolio to feature your best works. A/B Test your portfolio pieces with your mentors and strive to keep it relevant and interesting.
Mark recommends the following next steps:
Vandana Tomer
Digital sales
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Vandana’s Answer
Hi Isabel
Building relationships is the bread and butter of marketing industry. Apart from virtual connections on linkedin, try expanding your network face to face as well. This will help you build a personal brand which will add value not just virtually but personally too :)
To be a successfull marketer, know the value of continuous education, global trends and audience mindset. Since marketing is a big topic, take your time to see your strenghts & identify your area of interest. Content marketing/social marketing/digital marketing are few hot skills to begin with.
Iam sure you will succeed and do great with whatever you choose as your key skill. All the best!
Building relationships is the bread and butter of marketing industry. Apart from virtual connections on linkedin, try expanding your network face to face as well. This will help you build a personal brand which will add value not just virtually but personally too :)
To be a successfull marketer, know the value of continuous education, global trends and audience mindset. Since marketing is a big topic, take your time to see your strenghts & identify your area of interest. Content marketing/social marketing/digital marketing are few hot skills to begin with.
Iam sure you will succeed and do great with whatever you choose as your key skill. All the best!
Faith E Anderson
Tenth Child Inc. CEO
5
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Faith E’s Answer
Hello! You're stepping into one of the most dynamic and impactful industries — marketing! Get ready for amazing experiences, creative exploration, and learning how to influence audiences in powerful ways. One of the most important things to remember is this: Relationships are currency in marketing!
1. First Impressions Matter
How you greet someone — your hello and your goodbye — sets the tone. Be warm, intentional, and memorable. Even if things start off rocky, the ability to pivot and re-engage shows emotional intelligence and growth.
2. Be Curious, Not Just Clever
Ask thoughtful questions. Listen more than you talk. People remember those who show genuine interest in their work and story.
3. Follow Up with Intention
Don’t let connections fade. A quick message after a meeting, or sharing a relevant article can keep you top of mind — and shows you're engaged beyond just getting something in return.
4. Show Up and Stay Engaged
Attend events (virtual or in-person), join groups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. The more you show up, the more visible and familiar you become.
5. Give Before You Ask
Offer support, shoutouts, or help when you can. You’d be surprised how far a small act of value goes in building strong professional trust.
Stay Authentic
Be yourself. Your personality is your marketing superpower. People connect with you, not just your skillset.
You’ve got this! You're not just learning marketing — you're becoming a connector, a storyteller, and a strategist. Every interaction is a chance to build something lasting.
Find Your Mentor: Connect with someone who is currently in the role you aspire to achieve.
Always Be A Student: Continue to grow through learning at every stage of your journey
Don't Give Up: There's always competition but there is only one You! Know your strengths and collaborate with others who are masters in areas that require additional support.
1. First Impressions Matter
How you greet someone — your hello and your goodbye — sets the tone. Be warm, intentional, and memorable. Even if things start off rocky, the ability to pivot and re-engage shows emotional intelligence and growth.
2. Be Curious, Not Just Clever
Ask thoughtful questions. Listen more than you talk. People remember those who show genuine interest in their work and story.
3. Follow Up with Intention
Don’t let connections fade. A quick message after a meeting, or sharing a relevant article can keep you top of mind — and shows you're engaged beyond just getting something in return.
4. Show Up and Stay Engaged
Attend events (virtual or in-person), join groups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. The more you show up, the more visible and familiar you become.
5. Give Before You Ask
Offer support, shoutouts, or help when you can. You’d be surprised how far a small act of value goes in building strong professional trust.
Stay Authentic
Be yourself. Your personality is your marketing superpower. People connect with you, not just your skillset.
You’ve got this! You're not just learning marketing — you're becoming a connector, a storyteller, and a strategist. Every interaction is a chance to build something lasting.
Faith E recommends the following next steps:
Helen Grimmett
Product Manager
11
Answers
Slough, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Helen’s Answer
Mark's answer is great!
In addition I would add that it takes effort to network. Just adding people to your network isn't sufficient, you need to reach out and connect to keep your relationship alive. When you need to ask for help later, you want to have offered something in return so your contact remembers who you are. Whether it is engaging in their posts, or introducing new contacts.
In addition I would add that it takes effort to network. Just adding people to your network isn't sufficient, you need to reach out and connect to keep your relationship alive. When you need to ask for help later, you want to have offered something in return so your contact remembers who you are. Whether it is engaging in their posts, or introducing new contacts.