March 4, 2025
The odds of hearing “don’t forget to network” and “networking is the first way to start chasing your career dreams” during college are high. In fact, ask just about any professional what advice they would give college students — it’s likely they will say one simple word: network. Here, we will explore what networking is and the tactical steps to build a network.
What is Networking?
Networking is a surefire way to successfully kickstart your professional career. The best part about networking? It can happen anywhere, anytime. Technically, networking is “exchanging ideas and information with people who have similar interests or professions,” but think of it as casting your net far and wide and forming intentional connections. Simply put, it is putting yourself out there and getting to know like-minded people (of all ages)!
Where to Network
You may not realize it, but Connections can form in the classroom, a coffee shop, with families and friends and even online. Wondering where to start? Check out these places:
- LinkedIn and Handshake are great places to kick off building your network. After you build a profile (be sure to do so thoughtfully), start connecting with classmates, coworkers, professors and other career professionals you may know.
Professors, Staff and Faculty Members
- Similarly, start connecting with past and current professors, especially ones who are within your major or career interests. Attend office hours and study sessions with professors and start getting to know their professional backgrounds. Additionally, utilize your college’s resources like employer pop-up events and career advisors and clubs.
Mentors
- Finding a mentor is not a one-stop shop. Oftentimes, mentors enter our lives when we least expect them to. The beautiful thing about a mentor is they are able to offer professional and personal advice when you need it. Leverage your connections and identify someone who is like-minded, experienced and understanding of your future! For more information on mentorship, check out this LinkedIn blog.
Family and Friends
- Building a network with family and friends is not as simple as connecting with your roommate on LinkedIn. Within your current sets of relationships, think about who may be in the same industry, or ask if your family and friends know anyone who you can connect with.
How to Network
Create a LinkedIn and Handshake Account and Start Connecting
- LinkedIn and Handshake are exceptionally helpful tools for not only finding jobs but also building a professional network. Start connecting with classmates, professors, previous employers and even guest speakers.
Introduce Yourself
- You only have one chance to make a first impression, so make it count! Be prepared for industry professionals to ask you to tell them about yourself. Before anyone has a chance to catch you off guard, prepare a response. Note your strengths, your experiences and where you hope to take your career in the future.
Attend Career Fairs & Utilize Career Services Resources
- Here at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, there are two career fairs — one in the fall and another in the spring. Write these in your calendar at the beginning of the semester and build time to prepare, research and attend these events. Outside of these two opportunities, all students have access to Career Services within their college and the central Career Services department.
Send Emails & Set Informational Interviews
- After building connections, take a step forward and introduce yourself! The best way to get to know professionals is meeting for a cup of coffee or hopping on Zoom calls. Prepare a list of questions like “how did you get a start in your industry,” “what advice do you have for students interested in working at your company,” and simply “what do you enjoy the most about your job?”