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Sign Up NowCareer coaches have often observed job seekers struggling with building the ideal resume for applicant tracking systems, getting past hiring filters, and dealing with other tech-related issues that seem to block their progress.
Unfortunately, one major part missing from many job seekers’ plans is: solid networking.
For a college student, and especially for someone studying online, the idea of building connections can feel difficult. Colleges and universities are large and layered places, after all.
On top of that, some people may feel nervous about reaching out to professionals. It can also seem like everyone around you is simply too busy to stop and talk.
Still, many of these same things are exactly what make a university such a good place to start building a network.
Getting Past the 3 Biggest Networking Problems at University
It is observed that college students usually run into the same three issues when they try to network:
There are people from many different fields, PhD students, and all kinds of cross-discipline experts, all helping create the busy environment that defines university life.
But is that really a problem? The size and complexity of a college or university is not something that should stop you from networking.
Instead, it can be a major advantage.
A strong network is usually one that has depth and variety. When you’re around people with different backgrounds and experiences, you can widen your view of the career path you want to follow.
This can also help you notice new opportunities you may not have thought about before.
Here’s how it should be approached:
Tip #1
A good tip is to make the most of the complex networks around me is something very simple: a sheet of paper.
On that paper, write down 20 people you know as fast as you can. They do not need to work in jobs you want or at companies you hope to join. They just need to be people who might, through first-, second-, or even third-level connections, link you to the future you want to reach.
After you finish the list, rank how likely each person is to know someone or some organization you care about. This can help you decide who to contact first. Because they are so broad, colleges are ideal for this kind of list-making exercise.
The thought of speaking with a faculty or staff member can feel intimidating. These people are specialists in what they do. Why would they want to spend time talking to someone who is only just getting started?
Still, those worries are often not as true as they seem.
Instead of being annoyed by questions about their background, many professionals actually enjoy speaking with students and sharing what they know.
It gives them a chance to explain how they got where they are and to help someone else take their first step.
Using what they know can help you avoid common mistakes and use your time and energy better, so you focus on the parts of your career that are more likely to pay off in the long run.
So, what’s the best way to approach them?
Tip #2
One of the best ways to connect with experts is to meet them in the places where they already are:
Ask yourself, “What kind of questions would I hope someone would ask if they wanted to understand me better?”
Worrying about bothering someone or wasting their time are two of the most common concerns of students whenever networking comes up.
When students say this, they might really think about the possible replies a contact might give:
“Yes, I’d be glad to connect with you.”
“No, I’m sorry, but I’m not available right now.”
or they may simply not reply
In the two less-than-ideal outcomes, the other person doesn’t really lose much time.
At the same time, in the best-case outcome, a connection that could truly change your future begins.
Again, many professionals see it as a compliment when someone asks them to share stories and insight about the work they care about, not as a burden.
This is how to do it the right way:
Tip #3
You should be clear and flexible when it comes to networking. Always say exactly how much time you’re hoping to spend with a possible contact.
Asking for “20 minutes over coffee next Thursday at 10” is much easier to plan around, and easier to say yes to, than asking casually for a meet up.
It also helps to give options. You can usually offer two or three time slots to show that you are willing to work around their schedule to make the conversation happen. If the first meeting leads to more discussion, try to arrange that while you’re already talking.
Now that those worries are out of the way, it’s important to think about how to handle a networking opportunity.
It all starts with the first message. The more direct and specific your request is, the better.
Here’s how to do it:
And include how much time you’re asking for. This not only gives the other person a chance to prepare, but also shows that you are focused, confident, and clear about what you want.
It also helps the person picture what the discussion will look like and how they might fit it into their schedule.
As a bonus, if they feel they are not the right person to speak with, they may point you toward someone else in their network.
When the conversation begins, remember that networking is not about asking for a job. It’s about building a connection.
Because of that, avoid yes or no questions and prepare a few open-ended questions that start with words like:
These kinds of questions allow professionals to draw from their experience, background, and knowledge, and they can help you figure out what steps you may need to take to reach the goals you’re working toward.
Lastly, after your networking meeting ends, it’s important to think about ways to keep the new connection active. Consider:
Doing this shows your contacts that you found the meeting valuable and want to stay connected, instead of only reaching out when you need career help.
Getting past an algorithm, putting together a strong resume, or preparing for interview questions are all useful skills for any job seeker. But in the end, people hire people.
Making time to meet professionals and build real connections is just as important as any other part of a modern job search.
These talks can help you figure out whether an interest is truly a passion, whether the good parts of a career path are worth the hard parts, and what problems might show up later. They can even help you begin your job search.
Luckily, a college or university is one of the best places to practice and improve your networking skills.
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