1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Chat

Networking 101: Making Connections in College

Networking 101: Making Connections in College

Jan 15, 2020

Regardless of where you plan to work after college, it’s never too early to start networking. Though it may seem overwhelming, there are many ways college students can set themselves up for success before graduation day. Use these tips to get an introduction to your dream job and make great first impressions as you begin your journey as a young professional.

Engage on Campus

The best place to start networking is on campus. Professors are a great resource when looking for potential connections. Reaching out to a professor with experience in the field you are interested in, even if you never took their class, can help you understand what it’s really like to work in that industry, and they likely have connections for future introductions and opportunities. Most universities have a professional development center with staff dedicated to helping you get ready for the job and internship search if you plan to remain in the United States after graduating. They can help you get a professional headshot, review your resume, provide practice interviews and often host networking events to help students meet potential employers.

Another way to improve your networking skills is by practicing on your peers. Living in a student community near campus, attending industry conferences and joining student clubs are great ways to make new friends, and offer you the chance to practice asking good questions and being an attentive listener. You can also offer your skills to organizations around campus that need help. For example, if you enjoy coding and you notice that the chess club’s web page could use an update, offer to redesign it and add that to your resume. Potential employers will appreciate the creative use of your special skills. Making the most of all the small opportunities around your school will give you more confidence talking to new people and making a good first impression.

Be Prepared

There are many little things you can do to show a new contact that you would like to stay connected with them. Set up a LinkedIn account and use your professional headshot so employers and classmates can find you and see what experience you can bring to their company. Most on-campus professional development centers can print personalized business cards for a small fee. Update your resume on a regular basis to showcase your latest and greatest skills and accomplishments. Providing tangible ways for your new connections to remember you will help keep you top of mind when they are looking for new talent.

If you know about a networking opportunity in advance, take the night before to prepare. Go over your resume and be sure you can speak to different strengths you gained from each experience. Practice your answers to commonly asked interview questions and research the company or individual you’ll be meeting with so you can ask detailed questions about their recent projects. Eat a healthy dinner and get a good night’s sleep. Being well-rested, doing your research and looking your best will help you feel excited and prepared.

Get Out There

Whether it’s a job fair or an informational interview over coffee, be sure to bring a pen and an open mind. Have your resume on hand to share with everyone you meet. If someone gives you a business card, be sure to jot down conversation topics or unique facts on the back as soon as they leave so you can write a personalized follow up email. Writing a follow up email is a great way to get stay in contact after a casual introduction, but the attention to detail shows interest and sincerity, which can separate you from everyone else. Even companies that may not seem like the right fit for you may have a connection to the perfect opportunity, so be friendly and interested in every conversation.

Networking events require confidence and preparation, but the more you network, the more effortless it becomes. Keep these tips in mind as you prepare for your next networking event and you’ll take one step closer to the job or internship of your dreams.

Follow us:
Written by

Margaret Schwartz

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled “New Around Here”: A Cinematic Journey into Struggles and Successes by Jennifer Hawkins, an Inspiring Student at LACC
“New Around Here”: A Cinematic Journey into Struggles and Successes by Jennifer Hawkins, an Inspiring Student at LACC
Main image for the article titled Exciting Changes to the TOEFL iBT® Test: Shorter Exam and Streamlined Experience
Exciting Changes to the TOEFL iBT® Test: Shorter Exam and Streamlined Experience
Main image for the article titled University of Pennsylvania ELP Profile: Odelia O. of France/Israel
University of Pennsylvania ELP Profile: Odelia O. of France/Israel
Main image for the article titled Read the new Global edition of Study in the USA today!
Read the new Global edition of Study in the USA today!
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Southwestern Community College District

Southwestern Community College District

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Undergraduate 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact
Santa Monica College

Santa Monica College

$5,000—$10,000 Year

Certificate/Short Term Online Undergraduate
Contact
Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater State University

$35,000—$40,000 Year

Undergraduate Bachelor Degree Masters
Contact

Featured Programs

Hillsborough Community College

Typical cost per Year: $10,000 — $15,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Learn More

Highline College

Typical cost per Year: $10,000 — $15,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term Summer
Learn More

Portland Community College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Certificate/Short Term English Programs 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Learn More

Related Stories

Lui Ngachi from Hong Kong: Studies Business at Bunker Hill Community College

Main image for the article titled Lui Ngachi from Hong Kong: Studies Business at Bunker Hill Community College
Elisabeth Kulmer from Austria: Graduate Student Studying Business Administration at Western Illinois University

Main image for the article titled Elisabeth Kulmer from Austria: Graduate Student Studying Business Administration at Western Illinois University
Komz Muthyalu is an Indian student from Dubai: Studying Digital Transformation and Business Strategy at University of Redlands

Main image for the article titled Komz Muthyalu is an Indian student from Dubai: Studying Digital Transformation and Business Strategy at University of Redlands
Discover a World of Opportunity at Bunker Hill Community College

Main image for the article titled Discover a World of Opportunity at Bunker Hill Community College

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for ARGO

ARGO

Let us help you through your U.S. visa application process. GET STARTED NOW!

Read more
Partner service logo for campusSIMS

campusSIMS

campusSIMS helps international students get connected with mobile phone service in the US. Through campusSIMS’ exclusive partner Mint Mobile, students can sign up and get their US phone number while in their home country, and have mobile phone servic...

Read more
Partner service logo for STUDENT.com

STUDENT.com

STUDENT.com is the world’s leading marketplace for international student housing, helping students find their perfect home abroad. We have the widest and most carefully selected range of rooms that were built and are managed specifically for students...

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

Study in the USA actually introduced me to South Dakota State University and I absolutely love the school. Thank you.

Samuel Amissah Ghana

Thank youfor helping me find an excellent English program. And to be able to continue with my doctorate.

Brenda Murillo Us Citizen

StudyUSA helped me prepare the right documents for the various interviews, and to know what to expect in terms of travel and navigating the American academic system.

Felistus Makhanu Kenya

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Featured Programs
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.