Professional Networking


Job trends will continue to change, and job seekers must always be mindful of the dynamics of the job market. Remaining diligent and knowledgeable about the job search process is challenging even for experienced job seekers. Building and maintaining a professional network can be a valuable resource for staying informed, gaining new perspectives, and enhancing your employment prospects.


Networking is the process by which people build relationships with one another for the purpose of helping one another achieve professional goals. Networking is a highly effective way of locating job opportunities or getting promoted. Many career experts agree it is the most successful way to find employment with anywhere from 70 to 85% of jobs found through networking (Band, 2019).


Many times, companies have open positions but have not yet advertised the job. Having an individual in your network who is aware of the unadvertised position can be an advantage and increase the chances of getting an interview. Other positions may never be advertised or posted online, sometimes referred to as the hidden job market (Doyle, 2022). Organizations instead rely on referrals in order to fill available positions. This is another advantage of building a strong professional network.


Building your Network

How does an individual begin to build a professional network? Similar to asking yourself about who you are in developing your personal brand, consider those with whom you associate. To build a network, reach out to people you know, whether they be your current college classmates, family, friends, or neighbors. Also consider the groups to which you belong such as church organizations, social groups, and volunteer organizations. Any of these individuals can become an important part of your professional network.


Making networking connections may seem awkward. It is not necessary to begin every conversation by disclosing you are searching for a job. This likely won’t be effective. A better approach would be to look at networking as a mutually beneficial relationship. In other words, you have something to offer as well. Take opportunities to ask questions about their job role, what they find satisfying in doing the work, and what challenges they might experience. Once you begin the conversation, listen carefully and demonstrate engagement in the conversation. A potential networking contact may also be looking to build their own network. Once you have given them an opportunity to share their expertise, describe what they do, and what intrigues them about their workplace, you can describe the type of job or role in the company you are seeking and how your background and experience should be a good fit.


Lastly, it is important to make a positive first impression. Most individuals will decide whether they want to continue the conversation in only three to ten seconds. Be professional and courteous while paying close attention to your nonverbal communication and interpersonal skills.

Networking as a College Student

Networking as a college student is an activity that should not be overlooked. You may wonder where to start in creating your professional network. Begin exploring your possibilities by using the following strategies.

  • Get to know your professors: Communicating with instructors is a valuable way to learn about a career and also get letters of reference if and when needed for a job. Professors can also give you leads on job openings, internships, and research possibilities. Most instructors will readily share information and insights with you. Get to know your instructors. They are a valuable part of your network.

  • Check with your college’s alumni office: You may find that some alumni are affiliated with your field of interest and can give you the ‘inside scoop’.

  • Connect with classmates: Classmates may or may not share your major, but any of them may have leads that could help you. You could be just one conversation away from a good lead.


If you are employed while in college, there are additional strategies you might consider.


  • Join professional organizations: You can meet many influential people at local and national meetings and events of professional organizations. These organizations often have membership discounts for students, or student chapters. Once you are a member, you may have access to membership lists, which can give you access to many new people with whom to network.

  • Volunteer: Volunteering is an excellent way to meet new people who can help you develop your career, even if the organization you are volunteering with is not in your field. Just by working alongside others and working toward common goals, you build relationships that may later serve you in unforeseen and helpful ways.

  • Get an internship: Many organizations offer internship opportunities to college students. Some of these positions are paid, but often they are not. Paid or not, you gain experience relevant to your career, and you potentially make many new contacts.

  • Attend networking events: There are innumerable professional networking events taking place locally and also online. Find them listed in magazines, community calendars, newspapers, and on the Web sites of companies, organizations, and associations.

  • Conduct informational interviews: You may initiate contact with people in your chosen field who can tell you about their experiences of entering the field and thriving in it. Many Web sites have guidance on how to plan and conduct these interviews.


Networking can occur anywhere and at any time. Here are a few final suggestions you should consider:


  • Connect via social media: An explosion of career information and opportunities await you with social media including LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and others. Keep your communication ultra-professional at these sites. When you learn of an organization or an individual relevant to your field, you can reach out to them on social media.

  • Ask family members, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances for referrals: Do they know others who might help you? You can start with the question, “Who else should I be talking to?”


For more inspiration, listen to Isaac Serwanga’s Tedx Talk on his 3 Bones of Networking for Student Success: the Wishbone (state what you want), the Jawbone (ask with competency and humility), and the Backbone (persist, persist, persist).