Networking Starter Guide

Networking has a reputation for being uncomfortable, transactional, and vaguely dishonest. Most students either avoid it entirely or do it badly — sending messages that ask for too much, too fast, with too little context. This guide is about doing it differently: building genuine professional relationships that open doors over time.

The right mindset

The reason most networking feels hollow is that it starts from the wrong question. The wrong question is: "what can this person do for me?" The right question is: "what can I offer, learn, or contribute in this conversation?"

Professionals remember people who were genuinely curious, who asked thoughtful questions, who followed up, and who gave something back — even if that something was just a useful article or a referral to someone they knew. They do not remember people who sent a message asking for a job. The mindset shift is simple: give before you ask.

Networking is not about collecting contacts. It is about building relationships with people who respect your curiosity and remember your name.

LinkedIn connection strategy

LinkedIn's search filters are one of the most underused tools for students. You can search by university, company, role, and location to find people who have done exactly what you are trying to do.

Alumni networking

University alumni are the warmest networking opportunity most students ignore. Alumni remember what it was like to be in your position. They are often genuinely willing to have a 20-minute call with someone from their university — especially if you have done your research and ask something specific.

Your university's alumni network is usually available through LinkedIn (filter People by your university) or through your careers service. The key is to approach alumni with specific, focused asks — not vague requests for 'advice' or 'a chat about your career journey'.

Events and societies

In-person networking at careers fairs, industry events, and society activities is easier than cold outreach — because you have a natural context for the conversation. Prepare two or three specific questions before any event. Ask about their career path, what they wish they had known as a student, or what skills they look for in junior hires. Then follow up on LinkedIn within 24 hours.

Cold outreach strategy

Cold outreach works when it is specific, brief, and asks for something small. The mistake most people make is sending a message that is too long, too general, and asks for too much — a job, a full career review, a meeting that has not been earned yet.

Three ready-to-use message templates

Hi [Name],

I noticed you studied [Course] at [University] and now work in [Field/Company] — I am currently in my [Year] year studying [Course] and thinking seriously about moving in a similar direction.

I would love to hear how you made the transition, even if just for 15 minutes over a call. Would that be possible at any point in the next few weeks?

Thanks,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile while researching [Company/Field] and was really interested in your work on [specific project or area mentioned on their profile].

I am a [Year] student studying [Course] with a focus on [relevant area], and I am trying to understand what the day-to-day reality of a career in [field] looks like. Would you be open to a brief conversation?

[Your name]

Hi [Name],

It was great to meet you at [Event] earlier this week. I really appreciated what you said about [specific thing they mentioned] — it gave me a new way of thinking about [topic].

I would love to stay connected. If you are ever open to it, I would also be happy to hear more about your work at [Company].

[Your name]

Following up when you do not hear back

Most professionals are busy. A lack of response is almost never personal — it is usually just timing. It is entirely reasonable to follow up once, about a week after your first message. Keep it short: 'I just wanted to follow up on my message from last week — completely understand if now is not a good time.' If you still do not hear back after one follow-up, move on gracefully.

For ready-to-use message templates and a breakdown of what makes cold messages work, read A Template for Reaching Out to Professionals on LinkedIn at /resources/networking-cold-message.

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