6 answers
Ava
Student
Centereach, New York
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best way to form genuine meaningful connections in college with people who will help you advance your professional goals, provide academic and emotional support, and introduce you to new things?
As a 17-year-old senior in high school, making new friends this year has at times been challenging, as I feel like my peers have already found a group they belong to. However, throughout my high school experience I have branched out so much and met so many new people. Part of the reason I am majoring in communications next year is because I love meeting new friends and learning new things through connections with others. Although at times I can get overwhelmed, as beginning new friendships comes with its own set of anxieties. I find myself hoping I do not say the wrong thing and make a bad impression, or rushing to respond on social media in ample time, causing a flowering relationship to become a bit stressful. That said, I am looking for tips on how to reduce these little bursts of social anxiety as I prepare to make multiple new connections next year and continue to strengthen old ones.
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6 answers
Katrina Olson
Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Writing, Business
10
Answers
Urbana, Illinois
Updated
Katrina’s Answer
You never know who may turn out to be a good connection. I sold my house without needing a realtor (saving me tens of thousands of dollars) because I was chatting up a neighbor. I got a great freelancing client that lasted 20 years by chatting with another neighbor. I learned about a great vacation spot from a man I sat next to on a plane. I sent a "thank you" note to the 9-1-1 operator who called me when my daughter was in a car accident; now we're friends. I got a great job just by posting weekly, useful content on LinkedIn.
Connections happen in many ways. My best advice is be natural, be friendly, be kind and good things will come back to you in waves. Be sincerely interested in people (and it sounds like you are) because there's something to learn from everyone.
My daughter just graduated from college and met with several potential employers, several of whom didn't have openings, but offered to meet with her to offer advice. She went into several "interviews" knowing there was not potential to be hired, but she made valuable contacts, learned a lot, and now these people are in her network.
Another suggestion is to attend social or networking functions even if you may not feel like it. Every time I wanted to skip an event but went anyway, I made a new connection that helped me down the road. But you have to make the effort to meet people and be open.
Good luck to you. It sounds like you're in the right career and on the right track!
Connections happen in many ways. My best advice is be natural, be friendly, be kind and good things will come back to you in waves. Be sincerely interested in people (and it sounds like you are) because there's something to learn from everyone.
My daughter just graduated from college and met with several potential employers, several of whom didn't have openings, but offered to meet with her to offer advice. She went into several "interviews" knowing there was not potential to be hired, but she made valuable contacts, learned a lot, and now these people are in her network.
Another suggestion is to attend social or networking functions even if you may not feel like it. Every time I wanted to skip an event but went anyway, I made a new connection that helped me down the road. But you have to make the effort to meet people and be open.
Good luck to you. It sounds like you're in the right career and on the right track!
Sean Copeland
Consulting
3
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hi Ava,
Great question! As you prepare for college, you'll find it both familiar and full of surprises. You'll have many chances to meet new people and make friends. You can connect with classmates, join student groups like a film club for communications, participate in Greek life, or play intramural sports. The fun part is you can try all of these if you want!
Building meaningful connections is about finding people who bring positivity into your life. It's not just about career connections; it's about having someone to talk to when you're stressed, study with, or just hang out with. Some of my best college friends were random people I met in the dorms, and we've stayed close for over 10 years, helping each other personally and professionally.
So, focus on the person and the connection. Everything else will fall into place.
Great question! As you prepare for college, you'll find it both familiar and full of surprises. You'll have many chances to meet new people and make friends. You can connect with classmates, join student groups like a film club for communications, participate in Greek life, or play intramural sports. The fun part is you can try all of these if you want!
Building meaningful connections is about finding people who bring positivity into your life. It's not just about career connections; it's about having someone to talk to when you're stressed, study with, or just hang out with. Some of my best college friends were random people I met in the dorms, and we've stayed close for over 10 years, helping each other personally and professionally.
So, focus on the person and the connection. Everything else will fall into place.
Mohan Krishna
Analyst
15
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mohan’s Answer
I enjoy meeting new people and building connections, but I sometimes feel anxious about making a good impression; I’m working on being more present, taking my time, and letting friendships develop naturally without pressure.
Mary Ann Faue
Communications, Training, and People Development
71
Answers
Hayward, California
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
You're asking a few things with your question and I'm going to do my best to give you some information, but may not answer all of your questions.
First, building connections that sustain over time. When I think about college, I had a couple of different groups of friends. There were the friends I made amongst the people who lived in the dorms at the same time as me. We were of similar age and were living away from home for the first time. So, we immediately had something in common. A select group of people became my college family. I'm happy to say, many years later, this group of people are still part of my chosen family. We have a very active messaging thread. In the past couple of years, I've flown to other states to attend the weddings of my friend's kids. We vacation together. And we show up for each other. And, while our career paths have taken us in different directions, we remind each other of what's important to us. When someone has to make a serious decision, they ask the group for advice. And usually what comes back is, "this fits for who you are and what you always said you wanted" or "this does not reflect your values, are you sure you want to do that". We really know each other and want what's best for each other and it shows in the way we connect with each other.
Second, building connections that help with your career may come in unexpected ways. My brother is a professional musician. His major in college was music and he was going to school in the Los Angeles area. A visiting professor who was quite well respected in the music industry took a liking to my brother. He introduced my brother around and invited him to different events as his guest. By the time my brother graduated from college, he was connected to the music industry in Los Angeles and always had jobs. Now, my brother is really good at what he does, but the introductions by the visiting professor paved the way for my brother to get work quickly while in college and after college.
About finding the balance between too much and not enough when forming new relationships, there's no one rule that applies to everyone. All you can do is be yourself. Other people get to decide if you're a fit for them or not. Think of yourself like you're a pineapple (I know this sounds weird by hang in there with me). Say you go to brunch and there's a buffet of food. You're going down the buffet line and you get to a display of fruit. There's watermelon and cantelope and pineapple and some other fruit. You hear someone say "I love pineapple" and you hear someone else say, "Ick, pineapple, how can people eat that?" . It's the exact same pineapple. Some people like it and some people don't. It has nothing to do with the pineapple. So, as you step out into the world, be the pineapple. Or in other words, be you. Of course, as you grow and have more experiences in the world, you'll adjust your style and your approach to things. But it's important to be you. The people who will become your true friends will like you for who you truly are.
First, building connections that sustain over time. When I think about college, I had a couple of different groups of friends. There were the friends I made amongst the people who lived in the dorms at the same time as me. We were of similar age and were living away from home for the first time. So, we immediately had something in common. A select group of people became my college family. I'm happy to say, many years later, this group of people are still part of my chosen family. We have a very active messaging thread. In the past couple of years, I've flown to other states to attend the weddings of my friend's kids. We vacation together. And we show up for each other. And, while our career paths have taken us in different directions, we remind each other of what's important to us. When someone has to make a serious decision, they ask the group for advice. And usually what comes back is, "this fits for who you are and what you always said you wanted" or "this does not reflect your values, are you sure you want to do that". We really know each other and want what's best for each other and it shows in the way we connect with each other.
Second, building connections that help with your career may come in unexpected ways. My brother is a professional musician. His major in college was music and he was going to school in the Los Angeles area. A visiting professor who was quite well respected in the music industry took a liking to my brother. He introduced my brother around and invited him to different events as his guest. By the time my brother graduated from college, he was connected to the music industry in Los Angeles and always had jobs. Now, my brother is really good at what he does, but the introductions by the visiting professor paved the way for my brother to get work quickly while in college and after college.
About finding the balance between too much and not enough when forming new relationships, there's no one rule that applies to everyone. All you can do is be yourself. Other people get to decide if you're a fit for them or not. Think of yourself like you're a pineapple (I know this sounds weird by hang in there with me). Say you go to brunch and there's a buffet of food. You're going down the buffet line and you get to a display of fruit. There's watermelon and cantelope and pineapple and some other fruit. You hear someone say "I love pineapple" and you hear someone else say, "Ick, pineapple, how can people eat that?" . It's the exact same pineapple. Some people like it and some people don't. It has nothing to do with the pineapple. So, as you step out into the world, be the pineapple. Or in other words, be you. Of course, as you grow and have more experiences in the world, you'll adjust your style and your approach to things. But it's important to be you. The people who will become your true friends will like you for who you truly are.
Peter Leonard
Financial Services
13
Answers
Fountain Valley, California
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Limit comments on social media. In my days you would have a conversation.
If this has been a lingering issue, perhaps engage a counselor or therapist for professional advice. Don't view this as a "bad" thing, as addressing your issues can prepare you for the future.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Regards
PL
If this has been a lingering issue, perhaps engage a counselor or therapist for professional advice. Don't view this as a "bad" thing, as addressing your issues can prepare you for the future.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Regards
PL
Hi Peter, do you have any advice for Ava on how to meet the right people and build connections while in college?
Sharyn Grose, Admin
Caitlyn Rourke
Product Partnerships
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Caitlyn’s Answer
First, I'd say that what you're feeling is completely normal. Whether it's a new school, a new city, or a new job, almost everyone feels some level of stress and anxiety when they're trying to meet new people and build relationships.
The good news is that college is one of the easiest places you'll ever have to make new connections because everyone is in the same position. Most students are looking for friends, study partners, mentors, and a sense of belonging just like you are.
My biggest piece of advice is to be curious rather than focused on making the perfect impression. Join clubs and organizations you're genuinely interested in, but also talk to the people sitting next to you in class, on your dorm floor, at campus events, or even while waiting in line for food. Some of my strongest relationships have come from unexpected places, and often with people I didn't think I'd have much in common with at first.
When it comes to the anxiety of saying the wrong thing or responding quickly enough, remember that meaningful friendships aren't built on perfect interactions. They're built through repeated, authentic conversations over time. Most people are far more focused on how they're coming across than on judging you.
College is a unique opportunity to explore new interests, perspectives, and friendships. Take advantage of that, but don't feel pressure to do everything at once. A few genuine connections will take you much further than trying to meet everyone.
Focus on being yourself, staying open to new experiences, and showing genuine interest in others. The relationships that support you academically, professionally, and personally tend to grow naturally from there.
The good news is that college is one of the easiest places you'll ever have to make new connections because everyone is in the same position. Most students are looking for friends, study partners, mentors, and a sense of belonging just like you are.
My biggest piece of advice is to be curious rather than focused on making the perfect impression. Join clubs and organizations you're genuinely interested in, but also talk to the people sitting next to you in class, on your dorm floor, at campus events, or even while waiting in line for food. Some of my strongest relationships have come from unexpected places, and often with people I didn't think I'd have much in common with at first.
When it comes to the anxiety of saying the wrong thing or responding quickly enough, remember that meaningful friendships aren't built on perfect interactions. They're built through repeated, authentic conversations over time. Most people are far more focused on how they're coming across than on judging you.
College is a unique opportunity to explore new interests, perspectives, and friendships. Take advantage of that, but don't feel pressure to do everything at once. A few genuine connections will take you much further than trying to meet everyone.
Focus on being yourself, staying open to new experiences, and showing genuine interest in others. The relationships that support you academically, professionally, and personally tend to grow naturally from there.