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How do I network in college?
When it comes to engineering careers relating to it I hear that often times people need to network and build connections but how exactly do people do that and how early can I start?
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22 answers
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Ivan!
Networking means you're building connections with other people with similar career interests or goals in a industry.
You can start networking as early as you want!
Some ways you can start networking in college are:
☆ Talk to students in your major. If you're taking intro to engineering courses, see if you can befriend classmates. Just chat about the course, homework, or even non-school things.
☆ Talk to professors. Usually, professors in engineering have worked a long time in the field and are conducting research related to engineering. They will likely have good information to share with you.
☆ Join Engineering associations/organizations.
Colleges have clubs for pretty much everything. Usually, colleges will have a list of organizations on their website. Try to find a Engineering club for schools you're considering, and research whether they're active along with what activities they've done together recently.
The great thing about ENG clubs is that they'll have career events, industry tours, seminars, and social events!
☆ Volunteer with engineering (or general STEM) teams. Volunteering is a great way to talk + build connections with people.
Here's an Engineering volunteering group you may want to join! https://ewb-sfp.org/faq
If you do these things, you'll have a great start to building your network.
Sending you good luck as you enter engineering :)
Networking means you're building connections with other people with similar career interests or goals in a industry.
You can start networking as early as you want!
Some ways you can start networking in college are:
☆ Talk to students in your major. If you're taking intro to engineering courses, see if you can befriend classmates. Just chat about the course, homework, or even non-school things.
☆ Talk to professors. Usually, professors in engineering have worked a long time in the field and are conducting research related to engineering. They will likely have good information to share with you.
☆ Join Engineering associations/organizations.
Colleges have clubs for pretty much everything. Usually, colleges will have a list of organizations on their website. Try to find a Engineering club for schools you're considering, and research whether they're active along with what activities they've done together recently.
The great thing about ENG clubs is that they'll have career events, industry tours, seminars, and social events!
☆ Volunteer with engineering (or general STEM) teams. Volunteering is a great way to talk + build connections with people.
Here's an Engineering volunteering group you may want to join! https://ewb-sfp.org/faq
If you do these things, you'll have a great start to building your network.
Sending you good luck as you enter engineering :)
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Shermaine’s Answer
Networking can start as early as elementary and high school years. There are many interest clubs offered in elementary and high schools that are related to building, robotics, coding, programming etc. There are also private engineering clubs that offer similar programs. These clubs are a great place to get to know and network with likeminded people.
Another way to network is to participate in sports and local community events like volunteering to help out in local charity events. This is also a good way to meet people from all walks of life.
Join an interest group or club.
Participate in a local community charity event.
Participate in a local sporting event.
Another way to network is to participate in sports and local community events like volunteering to help out in local charity events. This is also a good way to meet people from all walks of life.
Shermaine recommends the following next steps:
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Nathan’s Answer
I concur with the previous responses, suggesting that you should make an effort to connect with individuals in higher academic years and establish relationships with professors.
Additionally, I recommend attending networking events related to your field, as they can help improve your communication abilities and self-assurance. By engaging in conversations, you may encounter unexpected opportunities that could benefit you in the long run. This experience will also prepare you for the professional world, where interacting with new people and handling situations with potential stakeholders is essential.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Additionally, I recommend attending networking events related to your field, as they can help improve your communication abilities and self-assurance. By engaging in conversations, you may encounter unexpected opportunities that could benefit you in the long run. This experience will also prepare you for the professional world, where interacting with new people and handling situations with potential stakeholders is essential.
Wishing you the best of luck!
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Donna L.’s Answer
Hi Ivan!
You can start now.
Actually, you already have (!!) because reaching out in this manner is part of networking IMHO. Look how many resources you already have; each person here probably has an engineer in their life that may be willing to talk to you.
Refer to other next step options below.
Based of luck with your search and career.
Best, Donna
If you haven't already, set up your LinkedIn account and reach out to people to view career histories or askfor a conversation. Most people love to support others and talk about themselves.
While on campus, also reach out to your fellow majors to learn more about their work experience, professors for their guidance and clubs to add interest to your interview talking points.
Volunteer as much as possible; some of the most valuable career conversations I've had were in these settings.
Use your phone to research engineering careers and companies; you control your destination.
You can start now.
Actually, you already have (!!) because reaching out in this manner is part of networking IMHO. Look how many resources you already have; each person here probably has an engineer in their life that may be willing to talk to you.
Refer to other next step options below.
Based of luck with your search and career.
Best, Donna
Donna L. recommends the following next steps:
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Lesly’s Answer
Hello! To create connections in college, start by incorporating networking into your daily habits. Engage in campus activities and events. Drop by your college's career center to explore opportunities. Strengthen your online presence and be receptive to forming new relationships. Don't hesitate to initiate conversations, and remember to keep in touch with your connections.
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Lindsey’s Answer
Hi! Many people have said this already, but I would highly encourage you to join a club! I joined SHRM which is an HR organization - they brought in speakers every week and I made it a point to introduce myself at the end. I also took on a leadership role that was finding the speakers to bring in which allowed me to network as well. Also, if your university has any sort of career fair, attend even if you aren't looking for a role/internship! Recruiters love to chat with you and build their pipeline of future candidates as well. Most schools also offer networking nights, so check out those opportunities as well!
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Marlene’s Answer
Hello Ivan, a highly effective method for building connections in college involves participating in a club related to your major. This allows you to engage with individuals who share your long-term goals, and they might potentially assist you with resume improvement or job referrals in the future!
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Oscar’s Answer
A few approaches to create connections in college include forming bonds with your instructors. Be sure to participate in your major's association. Don't forget to connect with your fellow students on LinkedIn!
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Mohammed’s Answer
Hey there Ivan! Great question. Networking is very important for your career. Having a solid connection, or even a mentor, allows you to get a competitive edge sometimes during all steps of your career path. The more people you know, the easier it is to get your foot in the door. Moreover, having connections allows you to get information about your field that you may not learn in school.
Step one is always connections within your school. They can potentially lead you to other professionals within the industry to connect with. These connections could be your professors, professionals you meet at career fairs or even fellow students that have also done internships. Hopefully that helps out!
All the best,
Mohammed
Step one is always connections within your school. They can potentially lead you to other professionals within the industry to connect with. These connections could be your professors, professionals you meet at career fairs or even fellow students that have also done internships. Hopefully that helps out!
All the best,
Mohammed
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Katherine’s Answer
Participate in a club or create one yourself! Offer your help in fields that excite you. Keep in mind that everyone is on the same journey, attempting to form bonds and build a network and friendships. Be the person who takes the initiative to reach out – you'll be happy you did.
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Matt’s Answer
Join clubs, either academic ones or hobby based ones. The hobby ones are obviously going to be more fun and probably more likely for you to find friends. Academic ones will help you network with the right people for internships, jobs, and such. Just need to be yourself and have a desire to meet new people and gain perspective.
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Jake’s Answer
Hi Ivan,
Thank you for your question. Depending on the industry you want to attend to, there are likely a lot of clubs with guest speakers. I highly recommend networking with the guest speakers. Furthermore, building relationships with professors is crucial for getting through college and keeping in touch for advice after college. Lastly, there are likely general career fairs or career fairs by industry. You'll be able to network with other students and professionals at firms you want to eventually work at.
Thank you for your question. Depending on the industry you want to attend to, there are likely a lot of clubs with guest speakers. I highly recommend networking with the guest speakers. Furthermore, building relationships with professors is crucial for getting through college and keeping in touch for advice after college. Lastly, there are likely general career fairs or career fairs by industry. You'll be able to network with other students and professionals at firms you want to eventually work at.
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Judy’s Answer
I would say join any relevant student association groups related to your major. This will pair you with other students that have similar interests.
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Martha’s Answer
The valuable guidance provided here emphasizes the importance of effective networking, which should be a mutually beneficial experience for both parties involved. You might be curious about what you can contribute to someone who is already established in your desired field. They could potentially gain insights from your unique viewpoint or inquiries, or you might come across an engaging article or video that piques their interest. Additionally, they may be acquainted with someone who shares an interest in your educational institution, geographical area, or other pursuits. Always remember that your goal is to offer assistance just as much as you seek it.
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Celina’s Answer
Hi Ivan, I love this question and I love that you are proactive in wanting to build a broader network and connection with people who have the same interests and passion as you. As a recent college graduate having just entered into the work field about two years ago, what I can tell you from personal experience, is that it is extremely important to build connections with peers who have the same interests as you.
How I personally did this was: communicating with professors about engineering internship opportunities or mentorship programs, as well as connecting with peers who have internship or job opportunities laid out and talking to them about their path in obtaining the internship and/or job. Furthermore, a lot of colleges offer career fairs which I recommend you attend as those are super informative since a lot of professionals in the field that you are interested in will be there to give career advice, offer career opportunities and internships, etc.
How I personally did this was: communicating with professors about engineering internship opportunities or mentorship programs, as well as connecting with peers who have internship or job opportunities laid out and talking to them about their path in obtaining the internship and/or job. Furthermore, a lot of colleges offer career fairs which I recommend you attend as those are super informative since a lot of professionals in the field that you are interested in will be there to give career advice, offer career opportunities and internships, etc.
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Mohit’s Answer
Hello Ivan,
Networking is a valuable tool for any career, including engineering and beyond. Don't wait – start now!
Begin by building connections with classmates and professors. Participate in college clubs to meet new people. Make sure to create a professional social media presence on platforms like LinkedIn, where you can connect with industry professionals.
Additionally, consider volunteering your time and skills. Attend events such as hackathons, seminars, and talks to expand your network and knowledge.
Networking is a valuable tool for any career, including engineering and beyond. Don't wait – start now!
Begin by building connections with classmates and professors. Participate in college clubs to meet new people. Make sure to create a professional social media presence on platforms like LinkedIn, where you can connect with industry professionals.
Additionally, consider volunteering your time and skills. Attend events such as hackathons, seminars, and talks to expand your network and knowledge.
Updated
Gonzalo’s Answer
Hey Ivan,
These tips are fantastic, but they might lean a bit "too professional." So, I'd like to offer you a different viewpoint since I'm an introvert and find it challenging to strike up conversations with new people.
Here's the deal: College is about pushing yourself, not just in your career but also personally. Expand your horizons by engaging in activities beyond the classroom. Discover something new and exciting. If you're an engineering student, consider taking a few personal finance or literature classes. Learn to play a musical instrument or join a club. Explore your interests and find something fun to try. But remember to step out of your comfort zone.
If you're a highly organized person, create a plan: For instance, plan a vacation to the place where you intend to live or attend grad school after graduation. Not sure yet? Choose your dream job and go there. You can pick any destination for almost any reason, even a "career-related" one. Learn the local language, and try out restaurants that serve the local cuisine.
Here's a story for you: A friend of mine who studied Mining Engineering dated a Greek classmate. He's a huge music fan and decided to learn Greek to serenade her with Greek songs. He vacationed in Greece and eventually chose to pursue his Master's degree in Crete. Now he's married and works with international mining companies, where he's an expert in South American food and music. All of this started because he wanted to impress a girl.
This is how it works: People enjoy their hobbies and are eager to share them. So, when you arrive at a new place and show interest, they'll be more than happy to chat. Just go with the flow. It's fine if it doesn't work out. At the very least, you'll have a new story to tell, which is another way to network: Attend social events, reconnect with old friends, or go to your cousin's wedding. Be open about how you spend your free time. Sometimes, it's about the TV show you're watching or even the food you're eating.
Lastly, remember that networking is a skill. It can be learned, so give yourself permission to make mistakes and understand that they're part of the learning process.
Best of luck!
Call a friend you have not heard from last year. Double points if you can meet. Catch up.
Make a plan to travel after graduation: Beyond money, what would you like to learn to enjoy that experience to the fullest?
Learn something you would like to do on your free time: Hobbies are important part of life.
These tips are fantastic, but they might lean a bit "too professional." So, I'd like to offer you a different viewpoint since I'm an introvert and find it challenging to strike up conversations with new people.
Here's the deal: College is about pushing yourself, not just in your career but also personally. Expand your horizons by engaging in activities beyond the classroom. Discover something new and exciting. If you're an engineering student, consider taking a few personal finance or literature classes. Learn to play a musical instrument or join a club. Explore your interests and find something fun to try. But remember to step out of your comfort zone.
If you're a highly organized person, create a plan: For instance, plan a vacation to the place where you intend to live or attend grad school after graduation. Not sure yet? Choose your dream job and go there. You can pick any destination for almost any reason, even a "career-related" one. Learn the local language, and try out restaurants that serve the local cuisine.
Here's a story for you: A friend of mine who studied Mining Engineering dated a Greek classmate. He's a huge music fan and decided to learn Greek to serenade her with Greek songs. He vacationed in Greece and eventually chose to pursue his Master's degree in Crete. Now he's married and works with international mining companies, where he's an expert in South American food and music. All of this started because he wanted to impress a girl.
This is how it works: People enjoy their hobbies and are eager to share them. So, when you arrive at a new place and show interest, they'll be more than happy to chat. Just go with the flow. It's fine if it doesn't work out. At the very least, you'll have a new story to tell, which is another way to network: Attend social events, reconnect with old friends, or go to your cousin's wedding. Be open about how you spend your free time. Sometimes, it's about the TV show you're watching or even the food you're eating.
Lastly, remember that networking is a skill. It can be learned, so give yourself permission to make mistakes and understand that they're part of the learning process.
Best of luck!
Gonzalo recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Daniela’s Answer
I would recommend joining clubs/associations that you're interested in and meeting as many people as possible. That way, you're able to build your network but also build friendships with people of similar interests. Similarly, I would recommend getting to know your professors that way they can have you top of mind in case an opportunity arises or they may be able to guide you in the right direction professionally. The more you're able to put yourself out there, the more people will be able to spread their knowledge or share opportunities that may be of interest. Also, keep in mind that everyone in your network has a network of their own so don't be afraid to ask for an introduction. Last but not least, start building your personal brand. For example, I'd recommend starting a LinkedIn if you haven't already done so and adding all your experience. If you don't have experience, I'd highly suggest featuring any class projects that showcase your skills. Remember that experience is experience!
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John’s Answer
Hey Ivan,
I get this question a lot so I actually gave a TEDx on the topic (see link below).
The best way to network is start where you are with people who have a connection to you (friend of parents, parents of friends, people going to the college you are going to or who recently graduated from there, etc.). My video takes you through what type of message to send, what to do in the meeting, and how to build a community through networking instead of just a list of acquaintances.
Best,
John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMQQeV74H7U
I get this question a lot so I actually gave a TEDx on the topic (see link below).
The best way to network is start where you are with people who have a connection to you (friend of parents, parents of friends, people going to the college you are going to or who recently graduated from there, etc.). My video takes you through what type of message to send, what to do in the meeting, and how to build a community through networking instead of just a list of acquaintances.
Best,
John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMQQeV74H7U
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David’s Answer
Hello Ivan,
Embark on your networking adventure today! If you haven't yet established a social media presence, now's the perfect time to do so. Seek out individuals who share your passion for the engineering field you're pursuing. But remember, don't confine yourself. You might find valuable connections in other professions who can introduce you to engineering contacts. Stay curious! If you come across engineering discussions and have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the person or group via email, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Moreover, maintain an active relationship with your connections, celebrating your engineering achievements together. Additionally, mentors and coaches can be instrumental in connecting you with others in your engineering journey. Wishing you much success!
Embark on your networking adventure today! If you haven't yet established a social media presence, now's the perfect time to do so. Seek out individuals who share your passion for the engineering field you're pursuing. But remember, don't confine yourself. You might find valuable connections in other professions who can introduce you to engineering contacts. Stay curious! If you come across engineering discussions and have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the person or group via email, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Moreover, maintain an active relationship with your connections, celebrating your engineering achievements together. Additionally, mentors and coaches can be instrumental in connecting you with others in your engineering journey. Wishing you much success!
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Caleb’s Answer
The best way that I have learned to network is to make as many good friends as possible especially who have the same drive and ambition as you. I always say that you who you surround yourself is important. I’ve made friends that we all drive each other to do better and that always is a great motivator. Networking is just getting out there and making conversation with people. I’ve built many relationships and have helped many close friends due to networking and discussing any issues that I may have an expertise in or know someone who does. Building that trust goes a long way in expanding your network.
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Tenia’s Answer
To network in college, actively participate in clubs, organizations, and events related to your interests, join professional associations, attend career fairs, engage with professors and classmates, and utilize online networking platforms.