The Who, How, When, and Where of Networking in College

Don’t think networking in college is that important? One study showed that 71% of respondents found networking was “essential” or “important” during a job search. However, we know that, for most, networking can seem intimidating and overwhelming, especially for college students who are new to the idea. 

We often hear about networking within our academic circles and online, but where do you start? Knowing who, when, how, and where to network can be a confusing process; however, there are simple steps to help get you organized and make connections that will benefit your career in the long run. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll dig into the nitty-gritty of networking in college so that you feel more confident when connecting with those around you.

The Importance of Networking in College

Networking is critical for you as a college student to get ahead in your future career. Before graduating college, you need to network to form positive relationships with fellow students or other industry professionals. In simpler terms, networking is building a community that can offer support, guidance, and resources throughout your career journey.

However, it's not just about connecting with people who can eventually help you land a job. Connecting with like-minded people is beneficial for you to grow your career as it can lead to the following:

• Better employment opportunities
• Career advancement
• Finding mentors who can offer valuable insights into your field of interest
• Connecting with future coworkers

You can engage in networking in various ways, such as attending networking events, participating in extracurricular activities, and meeting with alums from the college. It's also essential to remember that networking is not a one-sided service; it's about building a mutually beneficial relationship.

In summary, networking is essential for you as a student to be successful in your career path. Building relationships with people in your field can lead to employment opportunities, career progression, and valuable connections. You can make the most out of your networking opportunities by:

• Participating in community events
• Meeting with alumni
• Joining industry organizations

Remember that networking isn't just about getting a job; it's about building a support system that will benefit you throughout your career. So, start exploring networking opportunities and expand your horizons. 

How to Build a Connection

Not sure how to start networking? We'll explore the "where" and "when" below. However, focusing on building a connection with the people you're talking to is key. If you're new to building professional connections, here are a few tips to get you started.

Consider Your Passions

When considering your passions while networking, you can reach out and foster relationships with people with common interests. Networking on a deeper level allows for conversations to flow more naturally and provides the opportunity to learn more about yourself.

Be Genuine

When networking with professionals or potential mentors in college, it's important to be genuine, as it will help build strong and trustworthy relationships. Being yourself allows you to show your true personality and share who you are with those around you. Networking is a great way to make connections that could last a lifetime, so make sure the impression you give is an honest one.

Add Value

It's important to offer value to the relationship to create a meaningful connection. You can do this by being proactive and engaging in conversation, asking questions, and offering your insights and ideas. Taking the initiative and being open-minded shows interest and willingness to learn from them.  

Networking Tips for College Students

Now that you know what to do once you find someone to connect with, how can you find networking opportunities in college? We suggest starting at your college's career center. They'll likely have resources for you to explore and campus staff for you to chat with.

Finding an online career planning portal, such as the Honor Society's Career Advice page, can be helpful, too. Consume as many high-quality resources as possible as you start learning how to network effectively.

Start Early

Don't wait until your senior year to start making valuable connections. It's important to start networking as early as possible in college because the connections and relationships you build in the beginning can go a long way in your future career.

Making friends and participating in extracurricular activities can lead to job opportunities or finding potential mentors. Be social and take the initiative to connect with others; it could change your career path.

Get Involved on Campus

Getting involved on campus is a fun and effective way to network in college. Joining clubs or attending events can connect you with like-minded students and industry professionals. So, dive in and explore different opportunities. It'll build your resume and provide you with valuable connections for the future.

Prepare a Personal Pitch

Once you start exploring different events, activities, and connections, it's important to be prepared with your personal pitch. It should be a brief and engaging introduction about yourself, highlighting your strengths and career aspirations. Practice delivering it confidently and naturally.

Remember, it's not just about landing a new job but making a memorable impression that could lead to opportunities.

Use LinkedIn

In-person events are incredibly valuable. They offer a way to demonstrate your personality more effectively than over the internet. However, you should still use digital tools and platforms such as LinkedIn while you're building your network.

Create a profile that showcases your skills, interests, and aspirations. Connect with industry professionals, alums, and classmates. Engage with relevant posts and join groups to expand your network. Keep your profile updated to reflect your latest achievements. If you're still unsure how to use LinkedIn, we'll provide some tips below.

Build an Online Presence

Developing an online presence off of LinkedIn can help you get a job while in college. Build a professional brand on social media platforms by:

• Sharing industry-related content
• Engaging with influential figures
• Connecting with professionals

For example, you can create a portfolio of your work and showcase it on your website or blog. A strong online presence can highlight your skills and make a positive impression on potential employers. It'll also show how digitally savvy you are.

Leverage Personal Connections

Leveraging personal connections can be an effective way to build professional connections while networking in college. Your family, friends, and acquaintances may know someone in your desired field. Reach out to them and ask for an introduction. Networking events or professional organizations are also great avenues to meet new contacts through existing personal connections.

Learn to Listen

Learning to listen when networking in college is crucial in building strong relationships. Pay attention to the other person's interests, experiences, and goals. Engage in active listening by asking thoughtful questions and offering valuable insights. Being a good listener shows respect and appreciation and can lead to trust and meaningful connections.

Maintain Your Networks

Finally, maintain connections once you make them. Reach out to mentors and other professionals about their careers and lives. You don't have to make it too personal; show that you care about them and their interests regardless of what they can do for you.

How often should you reach out? There's no rule here. Typically, though, it's great to reach out at least once a quarter if it feels right. If not, ensure you send a quick hello every six months or so. You never know when you might need to leverage that connection later in your career.

Online Networking Tips

There's an art to learning how to listen and engage with potential connections in person. You need to make eye contact, dress professionally, and learn how to facilitate engaging conversations. However, there's also an art to networking online.

While most students these days are pretty digitally savvy, here are a few tips for how to stand out online as a student (or even for college graduates).

Update Your Profile

It's important to occasionally update your LinkedIn or professional profile, especially if you're a recent college graduate or student. Include relevant skills, coursework, and internships to reflect your education and experience. Add a professional headshot and a summary that showcases your personality and career aspirations.

Take Professional Photos

Speaking of a professional photo, ensuring your photos reflect your personality is important. This means that if you're hoping to work in finance, you'll want a photo fitting for that industry. If your work is non-profit, include a photo of you on-site at a volunteer center, for example.

Regardless, ensure your photos are professional. While unfortunate, they impact how recruiters and other professionals view you. Ensure the photos are high-quality and demonstrate your professionalism.

Get Endorsements

Getting endorsements on LinkedIn can add credibility to your skills and experience. Reach out to former bosses, colleagues, professors, or classmates to request an endorsement. In return, offer to write a recommendation or endorse their skills. Endorsements can enhance your profile and make it stand out to potential employers.

Focus on Your Impact

Finally, ensure your profile focuses on your impact. Don't say something like, "I made sales calls daily." Instead, state that you "Successfully helped improve sales by X% over three months." Focus on the value you added to your internship or employer. This is what's going to help sell you as a job candidate.

Join the Honor Society

Are you still not sure where to get started with networking in college? Why not join the Honor Society? Joining an honor society can be incredibly beneficial for students or recent graduates looking for relevant internships, scholarships, and networking opportunities.

Honor societies provide access to a community of like-minded individuals focused on achieving their professional goals. This community can be an excellent source of networking and mentorship, which can be crucial when developing as a professional.

In addition, being a member of an honor society looks great on a resume and can set you apart from your peers. Ready to get started? Become a member today.