"Networking" has a bad reputation. It conjures images of forced small talk, collecting business cards from strangers, and awkwardly asking for jobs. No wonder most students avoid it.
But real networking isn't transactional—it's relational. It's about building genuine connections with people who share your interests. It's about curiosity, not manipulation. And it's far easier than you think.
The students who land great internships and jobs aren't necessarily smarter or more qualified. They just know more people who can vouch for them. Networking is how you become that person too.
The Networking Mindset Shift
Stop Thinking Transactionally
Wrong mindset: "How can this person help me get a job?"
Right mindset: "I'm genuinely curious about this person's work and path."
People can sense when you're only talking to them because you want something. Authentic curiosity is both more effective and more pleasant.
You Have More to Offer Than You Think
Students often feel they have nothing to give. Not true:
- Fresh perspective: You see things differently than industry veterans
- Enthusiasm: Your genuine interest in their field is flattering
- Future potential: Everyone was a student once; helping students feels good
- Your own network: You know other students, professors, organizations
- Gratitude: A sincere thank-you note goes a long way
Where to Network as a Student
🎓 On Campus
Career fairs, guest speakers, club events, professor office hours, alumni events
💼 Professional Events
Industry conferences, meetups, workshops, hackathons, competitions
🌐 Online
LinkedIn, Twitter/X, industry forums, Discord communities, virtual events
👥 Personal Network
Family friends, parents' colleagues, friends' parents, neighbors, previous employers
The Hidden Goldmine: Alumni Network
Your school's alumni network is incredibly valuable:
- Alumni want to help students from their school—it's a built-in connection
- Many companies actively recruit from their employees' alma maters
- Alumni can provide insider info about companies and industries
- Use LinkedIn to find alumni at companies you're interested in
- Check if your school has an alumni mentorship program
The Informational Interview: Your Secret Weapon
An informational interview is a brief conversation where you learn about someone's career and industry. It's the most underused networking tool—and the most effective.
Why They Work
- No pressure—you're not asking for a job
- People love talking about themselves and their work
- You get insider knowledge not available elsewhere
- It builds relationships that can lead to opportunities later
The Informational Interview Process
- Identify: Find people whose careers interest you (LinkedIn, alumni database)
- Research: Learn about them before reaching out (their background, company, industry)
- Reach out: Send a brief, personalized message requesting 15-20 minutes
- Prepare: Have thoughtful questions ready
- Meet: Listen more than you talk, take notes
- Follow up: Send a thank-you within 24 hours
- Maintain: Stay in touch periodically (every few months)
Scripts That Work
Reaching Out Cold (Email/LinkedIn)
At Events (In Person)
Informational Interview Questions
- How did you get into this field?
- What does a typical day/week look like for you?
- What do you wish you had known when you were starting out?
- What skills are most important for success in this field?
- What's the most challenging part of your job?
- What trends are you seeing in the industry?
- Is there anyone else you'd recommend I speak with?
Building Your LinkedIn Presence
LinkedIn Essentials for Students
- Professional photo: Doesn't need to be fancy—clean background, good lighting, you looking approachable
- Compelling headline: Not just "Student at X" — try "Marketing Student | Aspiring Brand Strategist | [School]"
- Summary: Brief intro about your interests, goals, and what you're looking for
- Experience: Include internships, part-time jobs, relevant projects, volunteer work
- Skills: Add relevant skills and get endorsements from classmates/colleagues
- Activity: Engage with content in your field—like, comment, share thoughtfully
Following Up and Maintaining Relationships
The relationship doesn't end after one conversation. Here's how to stay connected:
The Thank-You Note (Required)
Within 24 hours of any conversation:
- Email or LinkedIn message (email preferred for formal contacts)
- Reference something specific from the conversation
- Reiterate your appreciation
- Keep it brief—3-4 sentences
Thank-You Template
Staying in Touch
Don't let connections go cold. Low-effort ways to maintain relationships:
- Quarterly check-ins: Brief "how are you?" messages every 3-4 months
- Share relevant content: "Saw this article and thought of our conversation about X"
- Update on progress: "I took your advice about X and wanted to share that it led to Y"
- Congratulate milestones: New job, promotion, publication, etc. (LinkedIn makes this easy)
- Holiday messages: Brief, genuine notes during holidays
Common Networking Mistakes
- Only reaching out when you need something: Build relationships before you need them
- Asking for a job directly: Ask for advice, not jobs. Jobs come from relationships.
- Not following up: One conversation means nothing without follow-through
- Generic messages: Personalization shows effort and genuine interest
- Talking too much about yourself: Listen, ask questions, show curiosity
- Connecting and then ghosting: LinkedIn connections mean nothing without engagement
- Being unprepared: Research people before talking to them
Networking for Introverts
If networking sounds exhausting, you're not alone. Here's how to make it work with an introverted temperament:
- Quality over quantity: One meaningful conversation beats ten surface-level ones
- Prepare questions in advance: Reduces anxiety, keeps conversations flowing
- Use your listening skills: Introverts are often great listeners—people appreciate that
- Leverage online networking: LinkedIn, email, and virtual coffee chats can be less draining
- Small events > big events: Easier to have real conversations
- Schedule recovery time: Don't stack networking events back-to-back
- Set realistic goals: "Talk to one new person" is better than "work the room"
Your Networking Action Plan
- This week: Update your LinkedIn profile (photo, headline, summary)
- This week: Identify 5 people you'd like to connect with (alumni, industry professionals)
- This month: Reach out to 2-3 people for informational interviews
- Ongoing: Attend at least one networking event per month
- Always: Follow up within 24 hours of any meaningful conversation
- Quarterly: Check in with your growing network to maintain relationships
"Your network is your net worth." — Porter Gale
Networking isn't about being extroverted or charismatic. It's about being genuinely curious about people and their work. Start conversations, ask questions, follow up, and watch your professional network—and opportunities—grow.
Track Your Networking Goals
Centauri helps you set and track professional goals alongside your academic work—so networking doesn't fall through the cracks.
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