8 answers
Ava
Student
Marietta, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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ow can I efficiently use my time in college to network and build solid career connections?
Hi! I'm a sophomore Entertainment & Business double major at UGA. How can I efficiently use my time in college to network and build solid career connections? What skills should I focus on developing generally? I've gone to some of the college networking events but feel like I'm coming up empty. Thank you!
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8 answers
Dan Williams
Marketing
1
Answer
Reston, Virginia
Updated
Dan’s Answer
When you walk into a networking event and feel stuck, focus on learning about others. In my book Tales from the Networking Community, I teach the FORD Method as a simple way to break the ice: ask about their Family, Occupation, Recreation, or Dreams. These four topics open the door to real connection.
Remember what Dale Carnegie said in How to Win Friends and Influence People — a principle that guided my entire career:
‘You can gain more friends in two months by showing a sincere interest in others than you can in two years by trying to get them interested in you.’
Networking is a process, not an event. It grows through curiosity, generosity, and the law of reciprocity. Ask a FORD question, listen, offer something helpful, and aim for just one genuine connection.
Remember what Dale Carnegie said in How to Win Friends and Influence People — a principle that guided my entire career:
‘You can gain more friends in two months by showing a sincere interest in others than you can in two years by trying to get them interested in you.’
Networking is a process, not an event. It grows through curiosity, generosity, and the law of reciprocity. Ask a FORD question, listen, offer something helpful, and aim for just one genuine connection.
Jon'a Joiner Tyler, CDP
Sustainability Director
3
Answers
Michigan, Michigan
Updated
Jon'a’s Answer
Hi Ava, going to college networking events is a fantastic start! It's also important to connect with your classmates, as they could become influential in the future. Knowing someone personally is much better than reaching out to a stranger when you need help.
Improving your communication skills is key, whether it's writing, speaking, or leading discussions. Many people fear public speaking, so if you get good at it, you'll already stand out. Building strong relationships with professors is also valuable; you might need their recommendation someday. Don't forget to connect with the alumni network too. Consider joining the Student Government Association or becoming a student trustee. These roles are well-regarded and give you the chance to network in unique spaces.
Improving your communication skills is key, whether it's writing, speaking, or leading discussions. Many people fear public speaking, so if you get good at it, you'll already stand out. Building strong relationships with professors is also valuable; you might need their recommendation someday. Don't forget to connect with the alumni network too. Consider joining the Student Government Association or becoming a student trustee. These roles are well-regarded and give you the chance to network in unique spaces.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Ava. You've already attended some networking events, which is fantastic! Even if those initial experiences didn't seem fruitful, it's important to keep showing up. Sometimes it takes a little time before you meet the right people. Besides the general networking events, you can attend talks, panel discussions, and lectures that focus on topics related to your majors. These events often feature professionals and alumni who are willing to talk to students.
It's also important to build relationships with your professors and alumni. Professors often have great connections in the industry, and they can provide helpful advice and introductions to people in the field. Make an effort to visit your professors during office hours, ask for guidance, and get to know them. Similarly, you can reach out to alumni through LinkedIn or the alumni network. They might be willing to offer advice, share job opportunities, or connect you with people in the entertainment and business worlds.
Another great way to meet people and build connections is through student organizations. If you haven't already, can consider join clubs or groups that focus on your majors. For example, there may be business-related groups or entertainment-focused organizations that host networking events, workshops, or industry talks. By being involved, you'll meet those who have similar interests.
In addition to building connections, you need to focus on developing your soft skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork. These are important no matter what career path you choose. Being able to communicate clearly, lead a team, or work well with others will help you stand out when you start applying for jobs. All the best.
It's also important to build relationships with your professors and alumni. Professors often have great connections in the industry, and they can provide helpful advice and introductions to people in the field. Make an effort to visit your professors during office hours, ask for guidance, and get to know them. Similarly, you can reach out to alumni through LinkedIn or the alumni network. They might be willing to offer advice, share job opportunities, or connect you with people in the entertainment and business worlds.
Another great way to meet people and build connections is through student organizations. If you haven't already, can consider join clubs or groups that focus on your majors. For example, there may be business-related groups or entertainment-focused organizations that host networking events, workshops, or industry talks. By being involved, you'll meet those who have similar interests.
In addition to building connections, you need to focus on developing your soft skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork. These are important no matter what career path you choose. Being able to communicate clearly, lead a team, or work well with others will help you stand out when you start applying for jobs. All the best.
Tiara Martin
Talent Strategy Director
4
Answers
Florham Park, New Jersey
Updated
Tiara’s Answer
Hi Ava!
One important thing to remember: networking is cumulative. Feeling like nothing’s clicking yet is normal and momentum usually shows up later. You’re laying groundwork now that will pay off.
1) Be strategic at events and focus on follow-ups: Instead of trying to meet everyone, aim for a few meaningful conversations. Look up attendees or companies ahead of time and go in with 2–3 people you’d really like to talk to. The real value often comes after the event. A short LinkedIn message referencing your conversation can turn a quick chat into an actual connection.
2) Mix events with smaller touchpoints: Office hours, alumni chats, student orgs, internships, and campus jobs are great places to build relationships over time and reinforce what you start at events.
3) Focus on building transferable skills (human + technical): On the human side, prioritize communication, storytelling, collaboration, adaptability, and following through. On the technical/tech side, build comfort with tools and concepts like data basics, digital marketing, content platforms, project tools, and emerging tech that’s shaping the industry (i.e., AI).
The key thing to remember is that skills aren’t built only in big moments like formal trainings, classes, or conferences. They’re built in everyday reps, leading a meeting for a student org, handling feedback on a project, managing timelines, or figuring out a new tool on the fly. Those small moments add up fast.
If you stay intentional, follow up, and keep stacking both relationships and skills, you’ll be in a really strong spot by the time junior and senior year roll around.
One important thing to remember: networking is cumulative. Feeling like nothing’s clicking yet is normal and momentum usually shows up later. You’re laying groundwork now that will pay off.
1) Be strategic at events and focus on follow-ups: Instead of trying to meet everyone, aim for a few meaningful conversations. Look up attendees or companies ahead of time and go in with 2–3 people you’d really like to talk to. The real value often comes after the event. A short LinkedIn message referencing your conversation can turn a quick chat into an actual connection.
2) Mix events with smaller touchpoints: Office hours, alumni chats, student orgs, internships, and campus jobs are great places to build relationships over time and reinforce what you start at events.
3) Focus on building transferable skills (human + technical): On the human side, prioritize communication, storytelling, collaboration, adaptability, and following through. On the technical/tech side, build comfort with tools and concepts like data basics, digital marketing, content platforms, project tools, and emerging tech that’s shaping the industry (i.e., AI).
The key thing to remember is that skills aren’t built only in big moments like formal trainings, classes, or conferences. They’re built in everyday reps, leading a meeting for a student org, handling feedback on a project, managing timelines, or figuring out a new tool on the fly. Those small moments add up fast.
If you stay intentional, follow up, and keep stacking both relationships and skills, you’ll be in a really strong spot by the time junior and senior year roll around.
Caitlin Canton
Human Resources Manager
31
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi Ava!
Getting comfortable with meeting new people and socializing is a great first step. Networking isn't my favorite thing either, but you're doing well by focusing on it early. It can be tough to start conversations, especially if you're shy like me, but it's important for building relationships that can really help you.
Look for events that match your interests. If you're not into tech, a computer science networking event might not be the best fit. Bring a friend and set goals together, like meeting 2-3 new people to stay in touch with.
Be yourself and ask questions. People enjoy talking about their experiences, careers, and offering advice. Share your interests and goals, and see where the conversation leads. Don’t hesitate to ask if you can connect again. If they agree and share their contact info, follow up with a quick email. Mention what you discussed and plan a future chat or continue the conversation through email. Stay in touch occasionally if you feel comfortable.
You can do this! Your future self will be grateful, and networking is a skill you'll use throughout your career.
Getting comfortable with meeting new people and socializing is a great first step. Networking isn't my favorite thing either, but you're doing well by focusing on it early. It can be tough to start conversations, especially if you're shy like me, but it's important for building relationships that can really help you.
Look for events that match your interests. If you're not into tech, a computer science networking event might not be the best fit. Bring a friend and set goals together, like meeting 2-3 new people to stay in touch with.
Be yourself and ask questions. People enjoy talking about their experiences, careers, and offering advice. Share your interests and goals, and see where the conversation leads. Don’t hesitate to ask if you can connect again. If they agree and share their contact info, follow up with a quick email. Mention what you discussed and plan a future chat or continue the conversation through email. Stay in touch occasionally if you feel comfortable.
You can do this! Your future self will be grateful, and networking is a skill you'll use throughout your career.
L'Shaun Overton, MBA (She/Her)
Human Resources
6
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
L'Shaun’s Answer
“Hi Ava! I love that you’re eager to use networking opportunities to build strong career connections. Many of us don’t realize how important networking is in college—I know I didn’t. What helped me was shifting my mindset from ‘networking’ to ‘building relationships.’ Instead of hoping someone would offer me an opportunity, I became genuinely curious about what people do and asked for their insight. People love sharing their experiences, and approaching conversations this way makes everything feel more authentic. I think you’ll enjoy networking much more once you make this shift, and I can’t wait to hear about your next experience.”
Nedjine Doréus
6
Answers
Updated
Nedjine’s Answer
Hi Ava,
You are so brave! I am about five years into my career and I am still so intimidated by networking events. What's helped me build a strong network is just listening to my senses and leaning into spaces that make me feel at ease and turning those into networking "moments'.
For example, I really liked my college advisor and enjoyed our one-on-one meetings so overtime, I started planning to ask more specific questions about their career, asking for their suggestions and even going as far as asking them to connect me with a mentor based on my personality and interests.
Here's another example: I really enjoy event planning so I took on a big planning role in college which naturally involved networking with different students, professors and community vendors to bring the events to life.
For me personally, networking is like speed dating, if I don't form some kind of "spark" or the conversation feels forced, I politely move on. And I think that is OK. It's not about how many connections you have, but the quality of your network!
You are so brave! I am about five years into my career and I am still so intimidated by networking events. What's helped me build a strong network is just listening to my senses and leaning into spaces that make me feel at ease and turning those into networking "moments'.
For example, I really liked my college advisor and enjoyed our one-on-one meetings so overtime, I started planning to ask more specific questions about their career, asking for their suggestions and even going as far as asking them to connect me with a mentor based on my personality and interests.
Here's another example: I really enjoy event planning so I took on a big planning role in college which naturally involved networking with different students, professors and community vendors to bring the events to life.
For me personally, networking is like speed dating, if I don't form some kind of "spark" or the conversation feels forced, I politely move on. And I think that is OK. It's not about how many connections you have, but the quality of your network!
Caitlin Canton
Human Resources Manager
31
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi Ava!
It's impressive that you are thinking about this as a sophomore. I think the most effective ways to network are the ones that feel most natural to you. Finding events that align with your interests, whether that is sports, industry, a certain skill, etc. may feel a little less uncomfortable than events where you might be entirely out of your comfort zone. Though don't shy away from those!
Grab a friend, and set a general goal or objective beforehand. Example: I want to make 1 new connection that I can sustain for the next year or so. Or, I want to meet 1 person from xx company who can tell me more about working there, or about the industry I am interested in. When you are at the event, be yourself! Make eye contact, have a firm handshake, and ask lots of questions, not just about the 'professional' stuff, but about them as well. This might help you gauge how they fit working in with their personal interests and obligations.
Set a goal for the year of how many events you want to go to - and you don't have to be overly ambitious. Do what feels manageable. Remember that it is great to have a sustainable number where you can keep in contact in a genuine way. Contacts are not as beneficial when you meet once and then never connect again. You can meet 1 person at an event, and that person can connect you to 5 others in THEIR network over time.
I hope you enjoy your experience and meet a lot of people to help you on your path!
It's impressive that you are thinking about this as a sophomore. I think the most effective ways to network are the ones that feel most natural to you. Finding events that align with your interests, whether that is sports, industry, a certain skill, etc. may feel a little less uncomfortable than events where you might be entirely out of your comfort zone. Though don't shy away from those!
Grab a friend, and set a general goal or objective beforehand. Example: I want to make 1 new connection that I can sustain for the next year or so. Or, I want to meet 1 person from xx company who can tell me more about working there, or about the industry I am interested in. When you are at the event, be yourself! Make eye contact, have a firm handshake, and ask lots of questions, not just about the 'professional' stuff, but about them as well. This might help you gauge how they fit working in with their personal interests and obligations.
Set a goal for the year of how many events you want to go to - and you don't have to be overly ambitious. Do what feels manageable. Remember that it is great to have a sustainable number where you can keep in contact in a genuine way. Contacts are not as beneficial when you meet once and then never connect again. You can meet 1 person at an event, and that person can connect you to 5 others in THEIR network over time.
I hope you enjoy your experience and meet a lot of people to help you on your path!