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How do you build a network for your future career? #Spring26

I’ve always heard that when you are trying to land your dream job, you need to make sure you are constantly in contact with your professors or other people so that they’d actually refer you; but like, how do you do that? What conversations should you talk about, how would you approach them, how do you keep in contact with these people, etc? Or, when you are in a coffee chat with said person(s), what do you talk about that would actually be beneficial? (I'm a graduating high school senior going to college for civil engineering.)

architecture civil-engineering construction-management
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Brooke’s Answer

Hi Samantha,

The first thing I’d recommend isn’t the social side—it’s focusing on your foundation. Pay attention to your grades, involvement, and how you present yourself. Strong performance and consistency naturally help build your network over time.

When I was in school, I didn’t realize I was building connections just by leading by example. Doing well made it easier for professors to recommend me, and being involved helped me stand out.

I’d also suggest joining clubs or activities that genuinely interest you and align with your goals. That’s where you’ll meet like-minded people and build meaningful connections.

From there, get comfortable being uncomfortable. Put yourself in new situations, even if it feels awkward at first—that’s often how you meet the right people.

At the end of the day, people recommend those they trust and have seen put in the work. When you combine strong effort with real connections, your network grows naturally.

Brooke recommends the following next steps:

Do a quick self-check. What’s one area that you can improve this week or stay consistent in.
Get involved intentionally. Pick a club or a hobby that aligns with your interests now and in the future and show up regularly.
Build one connection at a time. Start small - introduce yourself to a classmate, talk to a professor after class, or attend a club meeting and meet one new person there.
Put yourself in new environment’s. Go to clubs, meetings, or events where you don’t know many people.
Follow up and stay in touch. If you meet someone new, send them a quick message or say hi next time you see them. Consistency builds real connections and your network over time.
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Robert A.’s Answer

You are in a good location for civil engineering work. You're early to think of specialization: residential subdivision, tech warehouse industrial facilities, public works, etc. Still, think about it, make notes, that gives you something to chat about with a new contact. Now most States offer opportunities to meet with Tech Corporate through seminars or tutoring programs, you could add that to your To Do search. Most State Board of Engineer Registrations also offer opportunities to meet with Engineering companies through seminars or tutoring programs. Take advantage of those. Another way I've found is Google, 'Civil Engineering Jobs - Georgia - Last Week' Ignore the fake 'Apply Here!' resume scalpers and find the Company making the job offer. Read that job description, see what resonates. Take notes of that for your 'something to chat about'. Then if you find a good resonance near where you're going to be this summer, call them, and ask if they have Student Intern Summer opportunities. That gives you something real and demonstrable to chat about as you make new contacts. Every week, do a Search, drill down to a Job, call and ask for Summer.
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