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How do I expand my network of people to join certain organizations? #Spring25
Hello. I am trying to put myself out there more and network. How do I connect with people who I do not have any immediate connection with?
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7 answers
Updated
Daemion’s Answer
Hi Miya,
Great question! I got my job at IBM through a personal connection I made a few years ago via a mutual friend. I kept in touch with this person, updating them on my career progress. When I was ready to move to a bigger company like IBM, I asked them for guidance and mentorship. They even reached out to a hiring manager for me, highlighting the value I could bring to the company.
I recommend looking for internship opportunities at companies you're interested in. Connecting with someone in the HR department is a good start. Don’t wait too long—try reaching out in January or February for summer internships. The people you meet and work with during an internship can be really helpful for your future career.
Best wishes!
Great question! I got my job at IBM through a personal connection I made a few years ago via a mutual friend. I kept in touch with this person, updating them on my career progress. When I was ready to move to a bigger company like IBM, I asked them for guidance and mentorship. They even reached out to a hiring manager for me, highlighting the value I could bring to the company.
I recommend looking for internship opportunities at companies you're interested in. Connecting with someone in the HR department is a good start. Don’t wait too long—try reaching out in January or February for summer internships. The people you meet and work with during an internship can be really helpful for your future career.
Best wishes!
Updated
Gianna’s Answer
Hi there! I’m really glad you’re reaching out about this—it takes courage to put yourself out there, and you’re already on the right track.
When it comes to connecting with people you don’t already know, here are a few friendly tips I love to share:
- Look for common ground. Join clubs, events, or online groups related to your interests. It’s so much easier to start a conversation when you already have something in common!
- Be yourself and show genuine curiosity. When you reach out, just introduce yourself, mention what you admire about their work, or ask a question you’re really interested in. People appreciate honesty and enthusiasm.
- Don’t be afraid to send a message. Platforms like LinkedIn or even email are great for this. Most people remember what it was like to be new and are happy to give advice or share their story.
- Go to events and say hello. Workshops, talks, or volunteer days are perfect for meeting new people in a relaxed setting. Even a simple “Hi, I’m new here!” can spark a conversation.
- Follow up and stay in touch. If someone responds, thank them and maybe check in again down the road. A little gratitude goes a long way!
Remember, everyone started somewhere, and most people are kinder and more willing to help than you might expect. Keep being brave and curious—you’re doing great!
When it comes to connecting with people you don’t already know, here are a few friendly tips I love to share:
- Look for common ground. Join clubs, events, or online groups related to your interests. It’s so much easier to start a conversation when you already have something in common!
- Be yourself and show genuine curiosity. When you reach out, just introduce yourself, mention what you admire about their work, or ask a question you’re really interested in. People appreciate honesty and enthusiasm.
- Don’t be afraid to send a message. Platforms like LinkedIn or even email are great for this. Most people remember what it was like to be new and are happy to give advice or share their story.
- Go to events and say hello. Workshops, talks, or volunteer days are perfect for meeting new people in a relaxed setting. Even a simple “Hi, I’m new here!” can spark a conversation.
- Follow up and stay in touch. If someone responds, thank them and maybe check in again down the road. A little gratitude goes a long way!
Remember, everyone started somewhere, and most people are kinder and more willing to help than you might expect. Keep being brave and curious—you’re doing great!
Updated
James (Jim)’s Answer
Hi Miya!
Things have changed so much in recent years. Guidance from even a year ago might not be so useful as it once was.
However... We find that there are still many local organizations (industry groups focusing on cyber security, project management, networking and cloud services). They welcome new attendees. Try a few different ones, even if they might not be in your specific skill set. You will find that people LOVE to talk about their work and experiences. That leads to connections. Connections lead to interviews. Jobs next..
It can be intimidating. But you will grow and learn how this all works. Make friends and connections with as many people as you can.
Thanks!
Jim
Things have changed so much in recent years. Guidance from even a year ago might not be so useful as it once was.
However... We find that there are still many local organizations (industry groups focusing on cyber security, project management, networking and cloud services). They welcome new attendees. Try a few different ones, even if they might not be in your specific skill set. You will find that people LOVE to talk about their work and experiences. That leads to connections. Connections lead to interviews. Jobs next..
It can be intimidating. But you will grow and learn how this all works. Make friends and connections with as many people as you can.
Thanks!
Jim
Updated
Dalany’s Answer
Hi Miya,
I would say a great way to start is to create a LinkedIn account and connect with people who are in a career field you are looking for.
Opening messages are a great way to make a first impression. I always like to share a little bit about myself or go off what someone recently posted.
A tip of advice, sometimes people don't always respond to the first message so make sure to always follow up and be polite.
Then once you get a conversation going by asking some career related questions or even personal questions I would ask if you could Zoom or Facetime for 10 min to meet face to face and get some advice on the current company you are looking into.
I think Internships are always important as well. Always reach out to the hiring manager who is posting the job and ask some thoughtful questions. Then I would reach out to someone who you think could be a potencial manager for you in this internship and ask if you could book some time on their calendar to answer a couple questions about their experience at the company.
I would say a great way to start is to create a LinkedIn account and connect with people who are in a career field you are looking for.
Opening messages are a great way to make a first impression. I always like to share a little bit about myself or go off what someone recently posted.
A tip of advice, sometimes people don't always respond to the first message so make sure to always follow up and be polite.
Then once you get a conversation going by asking some career related questions or even personal questions I would ask if you could Zoom or Facetime for 10 min to meet face to face and get some advice on the current company you are looking into.
I think Internships are always important as well. Always reach out to the hiring manager who is posting the job and ask some thoughtful questions. Then I would reach out to someone who you think could be a potencial manager for you in this internship and ask if you could book some time on their calendar to answer a couple questions about their experience at the company.
Updated
Susanne’s Answer
Hello Miya,
Kudos for putting yourself out there!
In addition to some of the other recommendations, I suggest also trying:
Connect with all your peers, faculty, and guest speakers on your LinkedIn profile. You never know which connection might lead to your dream job in the years to come.
Join a few (not too many) groups that have networking events, panel discussions, workshops, and presentations. They are all excellent ways to meet people and make connections.
Get noticeable printed or digital business cards to hand out, and collect cards from people you meet. This may sound outdated, but it is still one of the most effective ways to share information.
Follow up and nurture your new relationships. This is the lubricant that keeps the engine running smoothly. I typically check in with connections 1-4 times per year. You can also create an e-newsletter to let people know what you are up to.
Prepare a concise and clear elevator pitch and approach people with a giving mindset by showing genuine interest and learning what they are looking for and how you can potentially help them.
Kudos for putting yourself out there!
In addition to some of the other recommendations, I suggest also trying:
Susanne recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Investigate to see if there are temporary placement jobs available at the specific company. If you can land any position within a company, you will naturally make connections.
Updated
rebecca’s Answer
Hi ! There are SO many networking groups out there ! I would see if you can try a chamber event, reach out to BNI, join local Facebook small business groups as many as you can that have networking events and gatherings. There are so many in person meetings. FACE to FACE is an incredible way for people to meet. Also check out office share spaces, if in the budget somehow for like study time perhaps once a week if ideal.
-- VOLUNTEERING in a cause you truly believe in that perhaps aligns with the work you want to do in the future can build meaningful long lasting relationships and be something at the heart of your purpose of your work.
-- VOLUNTEERING in a cause you truly believe in that perhaps aligns with the work you want to do in the future can build meaningful long lasting relationships and be something at the heart of your purpose of your work.