Expand Your Network
Expanding your professional network as a college student can open doors to new opportunities and help you build connections in your field. Below you will find some tips on how to build your network and resources to help you to have confidence in your networking skills.
- Attend Events. Attend career fairs, networking events, and information sessions both on and off campus to meet professionals and learn more about your field of interest.
- Join LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field. Consider joining industry and alumni groups and participating in discussions.
- Seek Informational Interviews. Reach out to professionals and alumni for informational interviews. Use these informational interviews as an opportunity to learn about their career paths and gain insights into the industry.
- Join Clubs and Organizations. Join student clubs, organizations, and professional associations related to your interests to meet like-minded individuals. Learn valuable skills and tools related to your field.
- Volunteer or Intern. Volunteer and intern with organizations that are relevant to your career goals to build relationships with professionals and gain hands-on experience.
- Follow-up. After meeting someone new or making a new connection, follow up with a thank-you email or message them on LinkedIn to maintain the connection. You can also learn more about their professional history and express your interest in staying in touch.
