Network in the Wild, Beyond the Office

Explore Careers. Contribute to Your Field. Grow as a Human. (And Maybe Have Some Fun.)

Networking doesn’t have to be awkward, transactional, or one more thing on your to-do list. It can be curiosity-fueled, purpose-driven, and yes—even enjoyable.

When you step outside your organization and into the wider professional world, you gain more than contacts. You gain insight, perspective, and possibility. Whether you’re exploring a new career direction, looking to contribute to your profession, or simply trying to connect with people who “get it”—this is your space to start.

Reasons to Network Outside Your Organization

Explore Careers

Hear real stories from real people. Learn what their jobs are actually like.

(You might discover roles you didn’t even know existed.)

Stay Inspired

Surround yourself with people solving interesting problems, launching new ventures, or shifting careers midstream.

(Excellent anecdote to prevent or recover from a slump.)

Expand Thinking

New conversations expand your thinking and sharpen your self-awareness.

Sometimes you grow just by hearing how someone else got unstuck.

Give Back

The best networks are two-way streets. Mentor. Collaborate. Speak up.

You have more to offer than you think.

Where to Start

You don’t need a grand plan—just a little curiosity. Try one of these:

Reach out to a Kelley alum in a role or industry you’re curious about
(Tip: Ask for their story, not a job.)
Attend an industry meetup, conference, or virtual roundtable
(And don’t just collect business cards—ask good questions.)
Get involved with a professional association
(Join a committee, attend a webinar, volunteer to moderate a panel.)
Follow thought leaders on LinkedIn
(Comment. Share. Start conversations. Be part of the dialogue.)
Say yes to the coffee (or tea)
You never know where a 20-minute chat might lead.

Make It Meaningful

The best external networking doesn’t feel like “networking” at all—it feels like curiosity in motion.

Don’t worry about selling yourself—focus on asking great questions.
Don’t overthink the invite—just be authentic and respectful of someone’s time.
Don’t treat it like a chore—treat it like an opportunity to learn from people who are doing cool things.

How to Prepare for a Networking Event (and Actually Enjoy It)

Think of networking like a game—not one you win by handing out the most business cards, but one you “win” by showing up with purpose, learning something new, and being your best self.

Before you walk into a room (virtual or IRL), take 5–10 minutes to define what success looks like for you.

🎯 Set Your Networking Scorecard

Create a short list of things you want to do, learn, and be during the event. Give yourself a point for each one you accomplish. Once you hit your goal—you win (and yes, you can go home). Here are some examples:

Things to Learn

✅ Learn how someone transitioned from finance to tech

✅ Ask someone what surprised them most about their role

✅ Find out what tools others are using to solve [X challenge]

People to Meet

✅ Introduce yourself to one speaker or panelist

✅ Connect with someone in a different industry

✅ Reconnect with a Kelley alum you haven’t seen in a while

Actions to Take

✅ Make someone feel welcomed

✅ Share a book, article, or tool that’s helped you

✅ Offer to connect two people who should know each other

Ways to Be

✅ Be an active listener

✅ Be curious, not performative

✅ Be kind—to others and to yourself

🏆 Reward Yourself

Hit 5 points? Awesome. Hit 10? Rockstar.

Regardless of the final tally, if you showed up with intention and presence, you succeeded. Reflect on what went well and what you’d try next time.

Bonus: You’ll likely remember more, connect more meaningfully, and feel less drained when you make the event about engagement, not performance.

📥 Download the Networking Event Scorecard

Final Thought

When you connect outside your company, you’re not just growing your network. You’re growing your perspective, purpose, and possibilities.

Make it about what lights you up—not just what moves you forward. (But spoiler alert: It’ll probably do both.)