The Art Of Networking: Building Relationships That Matter

Networking: the professional version of speed dating, except instead of looking for love, you’re hunting for a job, mentor, or someone who won’t ghost your emails. Studies show 85% of jobs come from knowing the right people, which means your dream career might depend less on your GPA and more on how well you schmooze at the next student-alumni mixer.

This isn’t about throwing business cards around like confetti. It’s about building real connections. The kind that land you internships, job offers, and maybe even an invite to an exclusive Slack group where people share actual career opportunities.

So, let’s get into it: how do you network without feeling like a total imposter?

Key Takeaways (Because You’re Skimming Anyway)

✅ 85% of jobs happen through networking, not just applying online.
✅ Personal branding isn’t just for influencers, it helps people remember you.
✅ 93% of communication is non-verbal, so stop fidgeting and make eye contact.
✅ People like good listeners. Ask solid questions instead of waiting for your turn to talk.
✅ Follow up within 24 hours. Otherwise, they’ll forget you exist.

Set Some Networking Goals (Instead of Just Wandering Into Events for Free Snacks)

Walking into a networking event without a plan is like showing up to class without checking the syllabus, you’ll probably survive, but it won’t be pretty. Instead of hoping to “just meet cool people,” set specific goals:

🎯 Find three people who work in an industry you’re interested in.
🎯 Have one meaningful conversation (hint: that’s one where they don’t forget your name immediately).
🎯 Connect on LinkedIn before you leave the event—don’t wait until next week.

Networking isn’t about collecting contacts like Pokémon. It’s about actually keeping in touch with the ones who matter.

Personal Branding: No, You Don’t Have to Be an Influencer

You already have a brand, it’s just whether or not you’re managing it. If your LinkedIn is a ghost town and your Instagram is a mix of memes and blurry concert pics, it’s time to curate a little (no, not fake it, just be intentional).

🔹 Pick your lane: What do you want to be known for? Marketing? UX design? The person who always has solid career advice?
🔹 Keep your profiles clean: Employers will stalk you. Make sure they don’t find your high school “edgy phase.”
🔹 Post occasionally: Share a cool article, comment on an industry trend. Show signs of life.
🔹 Be consistent: Your resume, LinkedIn, and the way you introduce yourself shouldn’t sound like three different people.

A strong brand means people remember you, and in a sea of “aspiring professionals,” standing out is half the battle.

Mastering Communication: Speak Up Without Sounding Like a Robot

Active Listening: Because People Can Tell When You’re Not Paying Attention

Most people at networking events are just waiting for their turn to talk. If you actually listen, you’ll stand out.

👀 Make eye contact (not in a creepy way—just enough to show you care).
💡 Ask good follow-up questions (if someone mentions a project, ask how it’s going).
🤐 Resist the urge to one-up their story with your own.

People remember those who make them feel heard. Plus, if you actually listen, you’ll learn things that can help you later.

Non-Verbal Cues: Say Less, Mean More

Your body language is louder than your words.

✔ Stand with confidence (no slouching, no weirdly crossing your arms).
✔ Mirror their energy (if they’re laid back, don’t come in at 200% intensity).
✔ Smile, but not in the “I’m terrified” way.

Mastering these subtle cues can make you seem more approachable and trustworthy, which is half the battle in networking.

Where to Actually Meet People

1. Attend the Right Events (Not Just the Ones With Free Pizza)

Not all networking events are created equal. Pick ones that actually match your interests.

🔹 Alumni mixers: Your school’s alumni actually want to help you, use that.
🔹 Industry meetups: Many cities and schools have marketing, tech, or finance groups that host events.
🔹 Hackathons or conferences: If you’re in tech or business, these can be goldmines for connections.

Show up, ask good questions, and introduce yourself like a normal human. That’s already more than most people do.

2. Use Social Media (Without Being Cringey)

Social media is networking in disguise. Use it wisely.

🔹 LinkedIn: Not just for corporate types, college students should be on it.
🔹 Twitter (X?): Follow industry pros, comment on their posts, and actually interact.
🔹 Instagram & TikTok: Some professionals post valuable career insights—engage with them.

DMs don’t have to be weird. A simple, “Hey, I loved your post about XYZ. Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into this field?” can go a long way.

Following Up: Because One Conversation Isn’t Enough

You had a great chat, but if you don’t follow up, it never happened.

✅ Send a message within 24 hours (LinkedIn, email, whatever works).
✅ Reference something specific from your conversation (so they remember who you are).
✅ Offer something useful—an article, a connection, a thank-you, anything.

Following up isn’t being annoying—it’s how relationships actually form.

Offer Value: Because Nobody Likes a One-Sided Relationship

Networking isn’t just about asking for favors. The best networkers are givers first.

💡 Share helpful resources: an interesting article, a job lead, a podcast.
🤝 Make introductions: connect people who could help each other.
👏 Engage with their work: comment on their posts, share their successes.

The more you offer, the more people will want to help you when the time comes.

Conclusion: Networking Without the Awkwardness

At its core, networking is just making friends in a professional setting. Do it well, and you’ll have a career safety net, insider job leads, and a group of people who actually want to see you succeed.

So, go to the event. Send the message. Follow up. Worst case? Someone ignores you. Best case? You get a job, mentor, or insider access to the coolest opportunities.

And if all else fails, just remember: people love talking about themselves. Ask good questions, listen, and let them do the work.

FAQs (For Those Who Scrolled Straight to the End)

1. How do I start a conversation without sounding awkward?
Ask a question about them. “What do you do?” and “How did you get into that field?” work every time.

2. What’s the best way to keep in touch?
Occasional check-ins like a comment on their posts, send them a quick “hope you’re doing well” message, or share something relevant.

3. How do I network if I hate networking?
Don’t think of it as networking, think of it as meeting people who could make your life easier later.

Final Thought

If you take one thing from this, it’s this: Networking isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, staying in touch, and not being weird about it. Now go make some connections.