It’s time to demystify networking! Career Services shares concrete tips for making and keeping professional connections when you’re starting out in your career.
The Myth: I don’t have a network. Or if I have one, I don’t know how to grow it or tap into it.
The Truth: As you move through your university career, pay attention to the connections you make in your classes (both students and professors), clubs and sports, as well part-time or summer jobs, co-ops and internships. These organic connections can be part of your professional network. Connect with people in your industry on LinkedIn and attend networking events. There are lots of opportunities that are free or have student pricing – sign up for industry or local newsletters, check out the mySuccess events calendar for internal and external events and follow organizations’ social media accounts (including the Co-op and Career Services Instagram and LinkedIn accounts) to keep an eye out for opportunities.
The Key: Nurture these relationships and view them as a two-way street. Don’t think, “What can this person do for me?” without taking an interest in them (which can be off-putting and likely won’t foster a real connection). Take time to learn about their projects/life/career – that could be meeting up for coffee, commenting thoughtfully on their LinkedIn posts or sending them an article or job posting they might find interesting. These are all ways to keep a professional connection going.
Take it Further: After you’ve established an authentic professional connection with someone, you can ask that person for suggestions for other connections, both in person and online. This is a great way to expand your network and learn about new people and opportunities. You could say: “Jane, I really value your professional insights. Do you know any people in the field who might be open to connecting with me as I build my experience? Is there anyone on LinkedIn you follow whose expertise you appreciate? Could you let me know if you hear of any opportunities I might be a good fit for?”
Need more networking guidance? Visit Career Services in 401 Tory from Monday to Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for drop-in hours or book an in-person or virtual appointment.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in 360, Employability, News
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