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How to learn more about networking?
Do you utilize networking opportunities, and if so, which platforms or events do you find most effective? #Fall25
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4 answers
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Sarah,
Great question. And yes, I absolutely believe in networking, and my answer for you is LinkedIn. I found CareerVillage through LinkedIn a year ago, and since then I’ve answered 29 students’ questions with over 35,000 reads by students around the world. That alone shows the power of this platform.
Earlier in my life, when I moved to Southern California to pursue screenwriting, I built a large body of work and sent out nearly 300 query letters to literary agencies over those years. The response was zero. I eventually realized that many of the entertainment industries quietly keep outsiders on the outside. So I turned to LinkedIn. I made my work visible, embedded it into my cartoon website, connected with industry professionals, and began sharing my journey. Everything was properly protected, and finally, people could actually see my work.
Sarah, today there are over one billion people on LinkedIn. This is where opportunity now lives. But you will be zeroing in on those in your chosen field of career-interest. A much smaller number of members.
Looking back over my entire career, every truly meaningful opportunity came through relationships, not résumés. I once believed hard work alone opened doors. Hard work matters, but relationships are what actually turn the handle.
The most powerful thing you can understand about networking is this: it is not asking for a job. It is showing genuine interest in others, asking thoughtful questions, sharing what you’re learning, and being a positive presence. Over time, people begin to recognize your name. Trust forms quietly. And trust is the true currency of opportunity.
Of course in-person events still matter, career fairs, alumni events, conferences, but today, most momentum begins online and then carries into the real world. LinkedIn is where those first impressions now grow.
Here’s a truth I learned too late: you don’t start networking when you urgently need a job. You start long before you need one. Build relationships when there is no pressure, no agenda, and nothing to ask for. Stay visible. Stay kind. Stay curious. Let people watch you grow.
One day, when opportunity shows up, you won’t be reaching out to strangers. You’ll be reaching out to people who already know your name, and that changes everything.
Would love to have you check out my work:
LinkedIn - Rick Kneisley
— Rick
Great question. And yes, I absolutely believe in networking, and my answer for you is LinkedIn. I found CareerVillage through LinkedIn a year ago, and since then I’ve answered 29 students’ questions with over 35,000 reads by students around the world. That alone shows the power of this platform.
Earlier in my life, when I moved to Southern California to pursue screenwriting, I built a large body of work and sent out nearly 300 query letters to literary agencies over those years. The response was zero. I eventually realized that many of the entertainment industries quietly keep outsiders on the outside. So I turned to LinkedIn. I made my work visible, embedded it into my cartoon website, connected with industry professionals, and began sharing my journey. Everything was properly protected, and finally, people could actually see my work.
Sarah, today there are over one billion people on LinkedIn. This is where opportunity now lives. But you will be zeroing in on those in your chosen field of career-interest. A much smaller number of members.
Looking back over my entire career, every truly meaningful opportunity came through relationships, not résumés. I once believed hard work alone opened doors. Hard work matters, but relationships are what actually turn the handle.
The most powerful thing you can understand about networking is this: it is not asking for a job. It is showing genuine interest in others, asking thoughtful questions, sharing what you’re learning, and being a positive presence. Over time, people begin to recognize your name. Trust forms quietly. And trust is the true currency of opportunity.
Of course in-person events still matter, career fairs, alumni events, conferences, but today, most momentum begins online and then carries into the real world. LinkedIn is where those first impressions now grow.
Here’s a truth I learned too late: you don’t start networking when you urgently need a job. You start long before you need one. Build relationships when there is no pressure, no agenda, and nothing to ask for. Stay visible. Stay kind. Stay curious. Let people watch you grow.
One day, when opportunity shows up, you won’t be reaching out to strangers. You’ll be reaching out to people who already know your name, and that changes everything.
Would love to have you check out my work:
LinkedIn - Rick Kneisley
— Rick
Updated
Judy’s Answer
Hi Sarah,
As you continue to build your academic and professional path, I want to share an insight shaped by the experiences of my two college aged children, now a junior and a senior. Online platforms like LinkedIn are essential for establishing an initial presence, but the most meaningful network opportunities often arise when these online connections are strengthened through personal, face to face engagement.
When my children attended their campus career fairs and industry specific events aligned with their majors, they met recruiters who could connect a resume with a real, memorable individual. Those genuine, confident conversations rooted in showing up and engaging directly led to multiple internships throughout their spring and summer terms. My daughter experienced this firsthand. She had submitted her resume through LinkedIn and exchanged emails with a company. But when she attended her campus career fair and visited their booth, everything changed. The recruiter, who happened to be the head engineer, looked at her resume on the spot and immediately noticed her experience working in a nursing home during high school. It resonated deeply with him, as his own mother had recently been in the same setting and her experience aligned with the company's mission as they were looking for compassionate individuals who truly understood the needs of elderly customers- people who could help design software that served them with dignity and empathy. That single, genuine conversation led to two summer internships (sophomore and junior year) within that engineer's department and a lasting professional mentor relationship - one she continues to rely on as she applies for full-time positions after graduation.
The message is clear: show up and take advantage of every opportunity to meet people in your field. Attend career fairs. Go to events aligned with your major. Let your character, curiosity, and energy leave an impression. Those moments of real connection can open doors you never imagined - and shape a future you'll always be grateful for.
As you continue to build your academic and professional path, I want to share an insight shaped by the experiences of my two college aged children, now a junior and a senior. Online platforms like LinkedIn are essential for establishing an initial presence, but the most meaningful network opportunities often arise when these online connections are strengthened through personal, face to face engagement.
When my children attended their campus career fairs and industry specific events aligned with their majors, they met recruiters who could connect a resume with a real, memorable individual. Those genuine, confident conversations rooted in showing up and engaging directly led to multiple internships throughout their spring and summer terms. My daughter experienced this firsthand. She had submitted her resume through LinkedIn and exchanged emails with a company. But when she attended her campus career fair and visited their booth, everything changed. The recruiter, who happened to be the head engineer, looked at her resume on the spot and immediately noticed her experience working in a nursing home during high school. It resonated deeply with him, as his own mother had recently been in the same setting and her experience aligned with the company's mission as they were looking for compassionate individuals who truly understood the needs of elderly customers- people who could help design software that served them with dignity and empathy. That single, genuine conversation led to two summer internships (sophomore and junior year) within that engineer's department and a lasting professional mentor relationship - one she continues to rely on as she applies for full-time positions after graduation.
The message is clear: show up and take advantage of every opportunity to meet people in your field. Attend career fairs. Go to events aligned with your major. Let your character, curiosity, and energy leave an impression. Those moments of real connection can open doors you never imagined - and shape a future you'll always be grateful for.
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Sarah,
You should absolutely use networking opportunities where you can. Your approach has to be organic but intentional though. You can't just randomly approach someone out of nowhere and e.g. ask for a job. You need to show genuine interest and build a relationship. When an opportunity comes up, people should remember you as a good candidate.
As a student, your best early networking opportunities are on campus! Familiarize yourself with the people in your department and what they do. Make sure your professors know your name because you participate in class, go to office hours and show interest in the subject. You can ask about their research and opportunities to join their research group. You can share your career aspirations and ask for advice. If they remember you, they'll let you know if they come across any opportunities.
Also, talk to the TAs in your classes. They are graduate students in your department and just a few years ahead of you. They already have knowledge and experiences that you are just learning about. They know about opportunities and often times you can "inherit" someone's TA-job when they leave the university or slide into a job after they are not interested in an offer any more.
Internships or volunteering are other great opportunities for networking. Depending on your major and professional goals volunteer hours or internships might be required. Even if it is not a requirement, making connections in your industry allows you to get a foot in the door and get real-life experience.
Professional societies are another great source of contacts. Again, depending on your major, there might be local (student) groups of a national professional society where you can participate. As you grow in your education, you might go to meetings and conferences to present your work and learn about research done at other organizations. You'll often meat the big names in your field, and many of them will make it a point to attend talks and poster sessions of students. Industrial exhibitions give you an opportunity to talk to people there as well.
Last, but not least, there are networking platforms like LinkedIn where you can set up a profile for yourself, search for professionals in your industry and make contacts. Setting up informational interviews can be a great way to learn about an industry. Again, prioritize meaningful relationships that you can maintain over a period of time over just "collecting" connections.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
You should absolutely use networking opportunities where you can. Your approach has to be organic but intentional though. You can't just randomly approach someone out of nowhere and e.g. ask for a job. You need to show genuine interest and build a relationship. When an opportunity comes up, people should remember you as a good candidate.
As a student, your best early networking opportunities are on campus! Familiarize yourself with the people in your department and what they do. Make sure your professors know your name because you participate in class, go to office hours and show interest in the subject. You can ask about their research and opportunities to join their research group. You can share your career aspirations and ask for advice. If they remember you, they'll let you know if they come across any opportunities.
Also, talk to the TAs in your classes. They are graduate students in your department and just a few years ahead of you. They already have knowledge and experiences that you are just learning about. They know about opportunities and often times you can "inherit" someone's TA-job when they leave the university or slide into a job after they are not interested in an offer any more.
Internships or volunteering are other great opportunities for networking. Depending on your major and professional goals volunteer hours or internships might be required. Even if it is not a requirement, making connections in your industry allows you to get a foot in the door and get real-life experience.
Professional societies are another great source of contacts. Again, depending on your major, there might be local (student) groups of a national professional society where you can participate. As you grow in your education, you might go to meetings and conferences to present your work and learn about research done at other organizations. You'll often meat the big names in your field, and many of them will make it a point to attend talks and poster sessions of students. Industrial exhibitions give you an opportunity to talk to people there as well.
Last, but not least, there are networking platforms like LinkedIn where you can set up a profile for yourself, search for professionals in your industry and make contacts. Setting up informational interviews can be a great way to learn about an industry. Again, prioritize meaningful relationships that you can maintain over a period of time over just "collecting" connections.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Sarah. A good way to learn networking is by joining real-life events. You can attend conferences, workshops, meetups, or seminars where people in your field gather. Watch how others introduce themselves and start conversations. You can also join professional groups or alumni networks where members want to connect and share advice. Volunteering for projects or helping organize events is another way to meet people naturally. When you contribute something valuable, it helps you make stronger and more meaningful connections.
Online platforms can also be very useful. LinkedIn is the most popular professional platform where you can connect with peers, join groups, share ideas, and comment on posts. Even online webinars often have small group discussions or Q&A sessions where you can meet new people.
The most important thing in networking is to be consistent and genuine. Networking is not only about meeting people once, you need to follow up, stay in touch, and offer help when you can. Try to attend events, join online discussions, and expand your network regularly. Over time, these connections can lead to partnerships or opportunities you might not find otherwise.
Online platforms can also be very useful. LinkedIn is the most popular professional platform where you can connect with peers, join groups, share ideas, and comment on posts. Even online webinars often have small group discussions or Q&A sessions where you can meet new people.
The most important thing in networking is to be consistent and genuine. Networking is not only about meeting people once, you need to follow up, stay in touch, and offer help when you can. Try to attend events, join online discussions, and expand your network regularly. Over time, these connections can lead to partnerships or opportunities you might not find otherwise.