Networking

Learn how and why to build your very own professional support network. It's easier than you might think and can help you discover hidden career paths.

What is networking?

Networking is simply speaking to people. It's not about being outgoing or knowing all the answers. It's about showing curiosity and finding shared interests with others. You don’t need to already have a network to get started. You can build one, and we can help.

Although 'networking' might sound daunting, it can include any number of things you might already be doing:

• Having a conversation with someone who works in a field you're curious about
• Connecting with other students who have similar interests and goals
• Asking a lecturer, careers consultant or mentor to introduce you to someone they know
• Attending a panel, talk, webinar and connecting with the speakers afterwards – for example, our alumni speaker series, What it Takes
• Connecting with others at one of our career events. Browse and book your space for a careers event on CareerZone
• Connecting with professionals and peers using social media channels like LinkedIn
• Taking part in competitions, extra-curricular projects, and even things like volunteering

Why it matters

Ever heard the phrase 'it's not what you know. It's who you know'? This holds true in almost every field, making networking a valuable career and life skill. And networking can be especially useful in establishing yourself in your location or field if you plan to work abroad, or you're an international student like Samaksh.

Networking offers surprising benefits:

• Even chance encounters can lead to a new opportunity, a useful change in direction or further connections.
• The more you practice networking, the more confident you'll become at spotting and acting on opportunities when they appear
• Not all vacancies are advertised, and you can find these 'hidden jobs' simply by speaking to people – read more in our student guest blog: Networking in a nutshell
• You may discover information that isn't on a website or job description on whether the job is right for you or how to improve your chances
• Strong networking skills can make you a more confident communicator, an essential tool in most roles
• People often remember faces – having a conversation helps you stand out to current and future employers or, if you want to work for yourself, potential clients

Tips for networking

If you're not used to the idea of networking, remember it gets easier with practice, and it's simply the act of being curious about other people. There are ways to prepare yourself for these conversations.

• Let them know where you are in your journey – you'd be surprised how often people want to help
• Start with people you know – even a small circle of classmates, tutors, colleagues, family or friends can be a useful starting point
• If you're nervous about an interaction, treat it like an experiment: observe yourself in a non-judgmental way and use the experience to shape your next conversation
• Try to listen actively rather than listening to respond – curiosity is an advantage
• Ask open-ended questions – for example, consider "What do you enjoy about your role?" rather than "Do you enjoy your role?"
• If you're not sure what to say, sometimes it can help to repeat the last phrase they said as if it's a question. This can give you time to think – and them a chance to elaborate
• Follow through and help them keep in touch by sending a quick thank you email or LinkedIn message – read more on this and other tips in our student guest blog
• If you follow up or gave them your details, they may search for you online – remember to manage your social media presence
• Don't expect to land a job out of a first interaction – building a network takes time, and longer-term professional relationships can be the most rewarding

Next steps

Want more inspiration or advice?

• Explore advice, tips and experiences of others through our student guest blog
• Watch a recording of a former student sharing insight on what it takes to turn virtual networks into opportunities

Ready to get some practice?

Browse for careers events and networking opportunities on the Events page of our CareerZone platform

Aspiring to be a start-up founder or freelancer? 

Networking is especially vital for entrepreneurs, founders and freelancers. Check out our enterprise programme designed to help students and graduates launch their idea: WeNetwork.