However, whether you are finishing or starting your studies, networking can help you gain new perspectives, build working relationships and improve your social skills.
But how can you network at university?
After all, between classes, extracurricular office 365 database activities, and exam stress, the mechanics of professional networking can get a bit complicated.
If you want to know how to network at university , you've come to the right place.
In this OnlineCV article we have compiled a list of the best tips for networking during your student years. Don't miss it!
8 tips for networking at university
College is a great time to build relationships that can last a lifetime. One of the most important things when you start networking at college is to try to learn and get advice.
Networking isn't just about collecting phone numbers and emails, it's about asking questions and building relationships with people who have similar interests to you.
Networking at university is one of the most important and useful ways to find a job after graduation. Follow our tips to build your network at university!
1. Start with people you already know
If you're not sure how to best network in college, start by practicing with people you already know.
If you've never networked before, you can take advantage of the options that are closest to you. That is, try out high school friends and family members and eliminate the initial stress that comes with starting this process.
If you join a college activity group (theater, soccer, tennis, etc.), let your peers know to see if anyone can or wants to join.
You never know who in your inner circle might give you valuable advice or who might have a good contact that can help you in your professional future.
Keep in mind that according to an analysis by The Undercover Recruiter :
Personal and professional connections are crucial to filling 85% of jobs
35% of people attribute their current employment to their professional contacts
2. Start using LinkedIn and other professional social networks
LinkedIn has more than 800 million users worldwide , making it the largest professional network on the planet and one of the most powerful tools for networking.
So the sooner you start using it, the more likely you are to build a network before you finish your studies. To successfully network on this social network, start by optimizing your LinkedIn resume . Include:
Your skills
Any personal projects you have completed
Your university and specializations
Anything else related to your future career
After you send them a connection request, take advantage of the “People You May Know” feature to see if there is anyone else you can add to your network.
Additionally, you can connect with other people in your sector , whether they are students or professionals, join groups or follow topics on LinkedIn.
We highly recommend that you be on LinkedIn, but if it's not really your thing, you can also consider other professional platforms such as: X (formerly Twitter), Behance, Domestika or BeBee , among others.
You may be interested in: what is personal branding and its importance when looking for a job
3. Ask your teachers
Teachers are not solely intended to teach you things.
Most of them can offer valuable information about job searching , resources to improve your profile, contacts in your sector and possible career paths.
The best teachers will often become your mentors and inspire you long after you graduate from college.
At the same time, you should take advantage of your daily contact with your professors while you are at university and define your professional goals with them.
In addition to offering advice based on their own experience , they will be able to tell you which networking events to attend and what steps to take to make your efforts pay off.
4. Take advantage of your university's employment office
Each university has an employment office dedicated to finding job opportunities and providing professional support to students and alumni of the center.
