How to Network in College (Without It Feeling Awkward)
The jury's out and the verdict is: networking is non-negotiable for your career.
Hate to break it to you if you've perfected that mysterious main character energy, but you're going to have to get used to talking about yourself—trust us, it’s worth it.
And don’t worry, networking doesn’t have to be cringe. Let's dive into how you can build your people skills and what to gain from networking.
First, what is the purpose of networking?
Networking can help you hook up with the best in your dream field, score job leads, and get the inside scoop on industry trends.
According to Oxford, the connections you make through networking can offer you support, mentorship, and opportunities you probably wouldn’t find anywhere else.
Next time networking feels awkward or embarrassing, focus on why you’re reaching out to those people. Sure, the fear might be huge, but your dreams (or sheer panic-induced audacity) are bigger. Here’s how to start building those skills:
1. Sneak Networking Into Your Daily Grind
Getting started with networking can feel a bit overwhelming, so kick things off by setting a clear goal and treating your classroom as a practice space. Honestly, if you’re going to flop, it's better to do it in class than out in the “real world.”
Chat with your profs and classmates—you never know, you might pick up some great insights or even stumble upon new opportunities.
According to Indeed, networking with your profs and classmates is one of the best ways to work on your communication skills—you’re definitely going to need that when job hunting after graduation.
P.S. You might question making connections with your classmates now since you’re all in the same boat, but these relationships will be way more valuable and make a lot more sense once you’re all out in the workforce.
2. Join Campus Clubs
Remember Lanie Kotler, our social media intern who first got her start as the merch coordinator for her Kappa Delta chapter? She reached out to Casey, our brand manager, to see if FP had any internships that matched her interests, and now she’s crushing it as an intern.
It didn’t happen overnight. Lanie put herself in a position to network with like-minded students on campus and service providers like us.
You can join clubs on campus, like Greek organizations, academic societies, social justice groups, sports teams—the list goes on and on. Remember, this is a long game, so you need to be proactive to make things happen.
3. Get In Touch With Your Career Advisor
Your advisor isn't just your go-to for resume tips and interview practice, they're your personal connection expert! They'll link you up with the right people and help you nail down your dream job. All you need to do is make an appointment.
According to Forbes, career centers are your secret weapon for finding job opportunities. They keep an eye on alumni and can recommend you if the right chance comes up. Don’t wait until you’re swamped with job hunting and LinkedIn connections—contact your advisor ASAP!
4. Be Visible Online
Having an online presence goes well with networking. It means you’re not just talking the talk—you’ve got something to back it up and show what you’re all about.
Make sure you’ve got a LinkedIn profile set up. No one’s expecting you to have a long job history just yet. Focus on showcasing your skills, campus involvement, and desired job position in the header. According to Best Colleges, 90% of recruiters regularly use LinkedIn, so keep your profile updated and stay active to catch their attention.
If you’re great at curating social media feeds, designing graphics, or writing engaging content, you could also create a personal website or an online portfolio to showcase your work. Even if it’s just a few pieces, you’ll thank yourself later for setting that up early.
5. Be Real
Authenticity is key to making real connections with people. You can keep it professional but don’t just hit someone up because you want a job or a recommendation. Take some time to get to know them and ask about their work. Everyone likes it when people notice their efforts, so be the one who does!
These people are where you want to be, so ask them genuine questions that show you're truly interested and paying attention to their journey, like: “Hey, your project with X was awesome! It got me thinking… what were you into as a kid that made you want to go into this career?” Keep it real.
There you go—five things you can start doing right now to sharpen your networking skills as a college student. Remember, it gets easier with time and practice. Go get ’em!