Expanding your connections
Networking is a powerful way to build professional relationships that can support your career development. Whether informal or formal, networking helps you gain valuable insights into your sector and can open doors to job opportunities.
What is Networking?
Networking is about building professional relationships that can help you learn more about your industry, explore career opportunities, and gain valuable advice. It involves connecting with people—both in-person and online—who can offer insights, guidance, or even job opportunities. Effective networking is not just about asking for jobs; it’s about creating meaningful, long-term professional connections.
Why network?
Building a strong network can:
- Increase your sector knowledge
- Help you discover job opportunities (many aren’t advertised)
- Connect you with useful contacts for your future career
- Offer access to mentors
Top Tips for Networking
- Set clear goals: Know what you want to achieve from networking, whether it’s building contacts or exploring career paths.
- Do your research: Understand the people you’re meeting to make your approach more confident and meaningful.
- Be concise: Respect others' time and keep conversations focused on gathering information.
- Listen actively: Focus on the conversation to show genuine interest and retain useful information. Listening is often more impressive than speaking. Concentrate on understanding the other person’s perspective and ask follow-up questions to show interest.
- Get a mentor: Seek out mentoring opportunities within your organisation. A mentor can offer valuable guidance and introduce you to key contacts.
- Ask for referrals: If appropriate, ask for introductions to others in their network.
- Follow up: Send a thank-you note or email to reinforce your connection.
Where to network
Online networking
Social media, especially platforms like LinkedIn, is a great way to connect with professionals and follow industry trends. Be mindful of your online presence as employers often review social media profiles.
Start with LinkedIn: Set up your profile, follow relevant groups, and engage with content in your field.
Student Networks and Events
- University societies: Join clubs that align with your career interests to meet like-minded individuals.
- Recruitment fairs: Attend employer events organised by your university’s Careers Service.
Networking on Placement
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Research: Identify key people in your workplace or department to connect with. Ask questions like:
- What is a typical day in your role?
- What challenges do you face in this profession?
- Can you recommend others I should speak to?
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Prepare your elevator pitch: Keep it short (around 30 seconds) and practice it for spontaneous networking opportunities.
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Be visible: Attend company events, meet people from other departments, and volunteer for cross-functional teams to expand your network.
Professional etiquette
Respectful behaviour is crucial in networking. Always be punctual, polite, and professional in your interactions—both in person and online.
Networking doesn’t end after a placement or event. Stay in contact with valuable connections through LinkedIn or occasional check-ins. These relationships can provide support in the future.
More support from Careers and Employability
LinkedIn Guide
Build you LinkedIn profile to develop an online network of professionals in your chosen career sector.
Researching an employer
See our 4 key ways of researching an employer so you can personalise your applications and interview answers to fit a company's culture and values.
Placements
Increase your employment opportunities and strengthen your skills by completing a placement.
