7 Things to Know about Networking as a Student

In this day and age networking is an essential skill for young professionals navigating the professional landscape. For some, networking might seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! As long as you are eager to learn and genuinely interested in exploring what’s out there, networking can become a rewarding experience.

Define Your Objectives

Ask yourself: what is your objective? Is it to stay informed about current developments in your field, secure an internship or job at a company you admire, or find partners for a research project? These goals align with active networking, where you intentionally seek to establish professional connections to achieve specific outcomes. However, networking can also happen passively, without deliberate effort. You might meet people in professional settings or at events, initiate conversations about shared interests, or simply express curiosity about someone’s work, naturally forming connections.

Show Genuine Interest

Networking should not be seen as a transactional exchange but as an opportunity to build professional relationships. To make a good first impression and form lasting connections, showing genuine interest in the other person and their work is crucial. When someone feels that you value their perspective, they’re more likely to engage in meaningful conversations. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, it shows attentiveness!

Asking a question is one of the simplest ways to stand out in a crowd. It’s your first step toward being noticed and remembered. Imagine attending a seminar, a conference, or an event filled with industry professionals, researchers, alumni, and fellow students. If you’re eager to connect with someone or discuss your research, asking a question during the event can make a big difference.

Raising your hand and speaking up takes courage, but it’s worth the effort. Don’t wait until the end, as time for questions may be limited. A well-placed question can pique interest and make you distinctive, possibly leading to further discussions afterwards. So, take a deep breath and ask your question confidently!

Say Yes to Opportunities

Networking opportunities are abundant on campus. Building professional relationships with professors and faculty, for instance, can open doors to new possibilities. Professors are well-established in their fields and can provide valuable guidance and introductions.

Beyond professors and classmates, you’ll meet many interesting people during your studies. Especially, guest lectures, alumni events, and seminars are excellent venues for networking. Attend these events, ask questions, and connect with the speakers on professional platforms.

Moreover, networking doesn’t always have to be formal! Student club events are also great places to meet peers in a more relaxed setting. These events expose you to new ideas, research, and interests, so make it a habit to say yes to such opportunities.

The Networking Challenge

With the Global Shapers Community, I recently co-facilitated a networking workshop for young delegates at a conference. We shared practical strategies for making networking less intimidating and concluded with a ‘networking challenge’ I’d like to share with you. This challenge applies to any professional event you attend. It’s a personal goal that only you know about, so there’s no pressure if you don’t succeed immediately. Networking skills improve with practice, so be patient and kind to yourself.

Here’s the challenge: Ask at least one question, speak to at least one speaker, and connect with at least two participants.

It’s simple but effective. Give it a try!

Many of us are already on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn or Xing, as well as academic sites like ResearchGate. These platforms are excellent tools for connecting with professionals and to stay updated. For instance, if you want to connect with a researcher whose seminar you recently attended, don’t just send a generic connection request. Add a personal note introducing yourself briefly and explaining why you’re interested in connecting. This virtual icebreaker makes your outreach more meaningful.

Most importantly, starting a conversation early, even if you don’t need anything at the moment, establishes a rapport. Later, when you have a specific request, it will feel more natural to reach out.

Networking Takes Time

Networking is a gradual process that requires consistent effort. It’s not just about what you receive; it’s also about what you give. Be genuine, respectful, and a good listener. Asking questions and showing appreciation can leave a good impression.

Remember, every interaction counts. From classmates to faculty to professionals you meet at events, every connection has the potential to shape your journey. So, embrace networking as an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute. Good luck!

Kavya