Building a network of contacts and references can provide you with a support system as you explore and pursue your career goals. Ideally, networking starts long before an internship or job search. You already have a network started with family and friends. Consider expanding your network by sourcing contacts from a variety of places:
- Peers, family, and friends
- Faculty members
- Attend information sessions and career fairs on campus to meet with potential employers
- Reach out to interesting guest speakers or presenters in class or on campus
- Use LinkedIn and LionLink to make meaningful connections
Be open-minded and willing to meet new people. Network with a purpose and look to connect with those who have an interesting career path or have worked in a field you are interested in. Building these connections will help you gain valuable information about career paths and help you figure out what you want (or don’t want) to do career-wise.
Tips for Effective Networking
Networking is most effective when driven with purpose and specific goals. Be prepared and persistent and set clear, achievable goals.
- Establish your Goal: Who do you want to connect with? For what purpose?
- Prepare to Connect: Do some research on the person and/or company they work for. Review our tips and potential questions to ask in an informational interview. It’s also a great idea to update your resume before connecting!
- Have a Conversation: When connecting, provide some information about yourself. Let them know when you’ll be graduating, what your skills and interests are, and the type of opportunity or organization you are searching for. Ask them for advice on entering their field or how to find out about employment opportunities at their organization. Build a rapport and ask for other contacts that may be beneficial to connect with.
- Follow Up: Send a personalized thank you note to show your appreciation and further build the connection.
- Manage the connection: Keep in touch! Reach out every few months to check in, ask questions, and/or keep them posted on your progress.
Additional Tips:
- Create a file to keep important contact information and notes on your conversations. Develop a timeline for following up.
- Networking is a continuous process. Continue to seek out others to connect with and manage your existing contacts by keeping them informed with your progress and any new developments.
- Focus on developing meaningful connections rather than accumulating large numbers of surface-level contacts.
Want to connect with Alumni? LionLink helps students and alumni connect with other Penn Staters who can answer career questions, provide valuable insights, and offer resume and networking advice.
LinkedIn is another great resource for making and sustaining professional connections. Having a strong LinkedIn presence can help you connect with professionals, potential employers, and opportunities in your field. It’s also a great place to curate your professional brand and showcase your experience to recruiters. Check out this guide for developing your LinkedIn Profile.
If you’d like more advice on networking or a review of your LinkedIn profile, schedule an appointment with Career Services.