Networking: The Two-way Street
Networking: The Two-way Street
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If you google networking, many articles and experts will say networking is a partnership, that you have things to offer your network. However, networking can often feel like a one-way street. I have felt this way, especially when I had the opportunity to speak with a professional who has been in their field for over 20 years! It was such an exciting and valuable moment, so I made sure to listen closely to every word they said and jotted down all the key takeaways.
But then a thought crept in: “What am I offering them in return?”
As someone new to the field, it’s easy to feel inadequate. After all, I was the one seeking guidance and trying to make connections. What can an inexperienced individual like me possibly offer to a professional who is already established in their career?
I had the opportunity to interview two people who are at different points of their careers. Deepali Thanki, an AWE student who was on a work term at DiscoverE in the Faculty of Engineering, shared her experience in networking as an individual who is new to the working world. And Cole Pearson, who is a Career Education Coordinator at the University of Alberta, shared his familiarity with networking, being more established in his career.
Talking with Deepali and Cole has made me realize that networking is in fact, a two-way street. It doesn’t matter where you are in your career – there’s always something valuable you can offer to others.
The Two-way Street
“A mutual relationship is a key component to networking,” said Cole. To be successful in networking, you can’t just think about yourself. “Networking focuses on what you can do for others… so even if you’re just starting out, you do have something to offer and it can be as simple as sharing a news article or a video that you think the other individual might be interested in.”
One interesting point that both Cole and Deepali touched on was how something as simple, yet powerful as ‘positive energy’ can be a valuable offering to your network. Deepali had the opportunity to network with the Head of Operations at a company and she “told me she was really impressed that I could just email her,” said Deepali. “She said, ‘You're really young and you seem like you have a lot of ambition’… and I don't know what she had gained from talking with me, but she was impressed.”
Deepali’s positive energy and ambition are great examples of what new workers to the field can bring to the table. “It's really important to note that your network influences you… We want to interact with networks that make us healthier, happier and more confident in our decision making,” said Cole. “You want to make sure that the network that you have, whether it's professional or personal… has a positive impact on you. You want to feel energized going out of that.”
“There's a sense of career rejuvenation and getting fresh perspectives when talking to those who are at an earlier stage in their career,” Cole added. “So there is definitely a mutually beneficial experience.”
Getting started
I think the hardest thing about networking is getting started. However, once you break the initial barrier, it becomes easier. Here are a couple of tricks on networking that Cole and Deepali shared with me.
“I use LinkedIn because it gives me kind of an overview of their career, who they are, different paths that they may have taken and that gives me something I can talk about when I host conversations,” Cole said. Similarly, Deepali messages people on LinkedIn to connect with people she hasn’t met before.“It's kind of up to them to say ‘Sure, I like this person. I'll answer their questions,’” said Deepali. It can be nerve-wracking to reach out to a professional with whom you have no prior connections, but by taking the initiative, you show you are proactive and eager to learn. As Deepali mentioned, ultimately, it’s the professional’s decision whether or not to reply. Asking can never hurt, so you might as well give it a try!
Another method of networking is using your current connections. This method might be easier for those who are on the introverted side or are shy. It also works for those who are not on LinkedIn and prefer to connect the old-fashioned way. “Your current connections are also your cheerleaders. So I advise reaching out to people you're already connected with and ask them,” said Cole.
For example, when I decided I wanted to interview someone for this article, I didn’t know who Cole and Deepali were. Searching for perfect candidates within my limited inner network did not get me far. Luckily, my coworkers helped me connect with Cole and Deepali. Just like this, reaching out to your current connections to expand your network gives you the opportunity to meet with people who otherwise you might have never met.
Whether you connect with someone in your personal network or someone you are meeting for the first time, one conversation can lead to making more connections. During her meeting with the Head of Operations, Deepali was able to expand her network by asking for recommendations of other people she could connect with. The head of operations told Deepali, “Go on my website and find a few people that you'd wanna meet with. Email me back with their names and I will ask them for you.” As Cole mentioned, your current connections are your cheerleaders. Each conversation, no matter how small, has the potential to create meaningful connections.
Prepare for Networking
If you are planning to network, make sure to be prepared!
Research: Before you meet them, learn about them or their organization. You can do this by checking their LinkedIn account or their organization’s website. By knowing more about them, you are able to come up with deeper questions, making your networking more meaningful.
Prepare Questions: Having a maximum of 10 questions will help you have a smooth networking experience. If the conversation flows naturally, there is no need to focus on asking all the questions you have prepared. Think of it more as an extra resource to facilitate the conversation.
Remember This
In the end, networking is not about connecting with as many people as you can. It’s about making strong and genuine connections that bring mutual benefits and influence everyone in a positive way. Wherever you may be in your career or in school, connecting with peers and professors, you have a lot to offer and the opportunity to learn more about different career paths through networking.
Thank you Cole and Deepali for sharing your experiences and insights!
This article was written by Sonya Yamagishi, the 2025-26 Arts Work Experience Communications and Program Support Intern. At the time of writing this article, Sonya is in her fourth year of her Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Media Studies and minoring in Creative Writing.
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