Six people. That’s all it takes. Every single person on planet Earth is within your reach within just six degrees of separation. It is absolutely essential, especially in today’s day and age to make sure that you are in touch with the right people who push you to become better versions of yourselves.
The idea of networking might sound intimidating, but it’s really just about talking to people. Whether you’re looking for career advice, internship opportunities, or simply wanting to meet interesting professionals, building a strong network can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Why networking feels weird (and how to overcome it)
Networking can feel awkward, right? Especially as a student, when you’re still figuring out who you are and what you want to do with your life. Trust me, I’ve been there—standing in a room full of professionals and fellow students, clutching a cup of coffee or a slice of pizza like it’s my lifeline and wondering what on earth I’m supposed to say to these people.
But here’s the thing: networking doesn’t have to be scary or uncomfortable. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers—it’s about building relationships, one conversation at a time. I’m going to share some tips that helped me go from feeling totally out of place at professional events to actually enjoying them (yes, it’s possible!).
Why networking matters
First off, let’s talk about why networking matters. I know it can seem like something you only do when you’re hunting for jobs , but it’s so much more than that. Networking is about connecting with people who can inspire you, teach you something new or even become mentors and friends.
Some of the best opportunities I’ve had, and advice from industry pros came from conversations that started casually. And here’s the kicker: the earlier you start building these connections, the better. You don’t have to wait until graduation to put yourself out there.
Small tips for networking
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty—how do you actually start networking without feeling awkward? The first step is preparation. Have a simple introduction ready—something like, “Hi, I’m [your name], and I’m studying [your subject]. I’m really interested in [specific area or industry].” You don’t need to overthink it; just keep it short and genuine.
Next, start small. You don’t have to dive into huge conferences right away—try chatting with classmates at society events or talking to alumni at campus meetups. Smaller settings are less intimidating and great for practice. Another very crucial element of all of this is, relatability. Try and find common areas that can bring you guys together. If people see a little bit of themselves in you, it makes your connection with them much stronger.
When you’re in a conversation, focus on asking open-ended questions instead of worrying about what to say next. Questions like “What inspired you to get into this field?” or “What’s your favourite part of your job?” can spark interesting discussions and take the pressure off you. And hey, if face-to-face networking feels overwhelming at first, start online! LinkedIn is a goldmine for connecting with people professionally—you can send personalized connection requests and even comment on posts to stay on their radar. Consistency is key!
Personally, I’m not keen on approaching networking as a process of give-and-take . I’m of the firm opinion that relationships built on such weak foundations do not last for a long time, and neither do they hold much meaning. I say, look at these opportunities to build friendships. The entire process is about meeting cool people and staying in touch with them to work together to build even cooler things. Of course, networking isn’t always smooth sailing. If you’re shy (like me), big events might feel overwhelming—but that’s okay! Focus on quality over quantity; even one good conversation can make a difference. And don’t sweat rejection—it happens to everyone. Not every connection will respond or click with you, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. The key is to show up authentically—people appreciate genuine conversations more than polished performances.
Connections to relationships
Once you’ve made a connection (or as I like to call it, a new friend!), don’t let it fizzle out! Following up is where the magic happens. Send a quick message within 24–48 hours thanking them for their time and referencing something specific from your chat—it shows you were paying attention and genuinely interested. LinkedIn is great for this too; connect with them there and engage with their posts occasionally to stay in touch. Now, let me save you from some common mistakes I’ve made (so you don’t have to). First: don’t dominate the conversation by talking only about yourself—it’s not a monologue! Second: don’t collect contacts like Pokémon cards without actually building relationships—depth matters more than numbers. And finally: don’t overlook your existing network (classmates, professors)—they can be just as valuable as new connections. You never know who can get you in touch with who, so figure things out at your own pace and go deeper in what interests you.
Where do I begin?
Looking for a place to start? If you’ve been interested in knowing about something your classmates have been working on, start off with your classmates. Then progress onto society events. In addition to the normal work you’ll get done, nearly all of the societies hold social events. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and attend these events, meet new people. Then, progress onto conferences and company events which interest you. It’s natural to feel underconfident when you start off, remember to fake it till you make it! Quick tip: Here’s a list of conferences and events being held at the University, and don’t forget the careers service meet the employer events and recruitment fairs.
So here’s my advice: don’t overthink it! Networking doesn’t have to be this big scary thing—it’s just about connecting with people in an authentic way. If you are nervous, they are too. It’s a two-way street. Start small, ask questions, follow up—and remember that every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new.
You’ve got this! Now go out there and make some connections—you never know who you’ll meet next 🙂