Networking Tips for New Grads and Students

Building Your Network as a Foundation for Your Career

When you are near graduation or have just graduated, it's an exciting time of life. You have up to date skills from your recent education and the opportunity to chart your desired career course.

This is a natural time, as well, for you to reach out to more experienced people for your job search. Perhaps you know what you want and need an 'in' or you want to achieve greater clarity on the path that seems best for you. You can learn from the wisdom others have gained through their successes and failures and use the lessons to help you plan for your own future.

There are many like me who enjoy the role of mentor and will want to help. Read on to learn how to respectfully ask for the help you want and to start building your professional network at the same time.

The Reach out

As a coach, I receive a lot of reach outs that all look the same, particularly on a mentoring site on which I’m active. The messages are almost completely generic, and they leave me feeling as though the sender doesn’t truly care about whether they connect with me or not. That’s probably not the reaction that you want to engender in a potentially helpful connection.

Here’s what I suggest you consider for your note:

• Put your personality into the message.

If you’re using AI, make sure to personalize the results. If you use your own words, that’s much better. Write about what makes you unique.

• Learn a bit about the potential connection before writing your message.

You will likely find something you have in common or something about their experience that you find particularly interesting. Mention that in your message.

• Make an ask that is as specific as possible.

Do you want to learn about their chosen career? Would you like them to make an introduction to someone in their network? Are you interested in having them review your resume or help you prep for an interview? Give them some indication of your desired topic of conversation.

The Conversation

I gladly give students and new grads a significant portion of my time, so I always offer at least one chat. I would love to say that they all come prepared to have a productive conversation, but that's not always the case. Keep in mind that when you request a chat the expectation is that you are the one setting the agenda.

Here's what I suggest for your conversation:

• Maintain realistic expectations.

The chances that you will talk to someone once and find your ideal role from that conversation are quite low. However, you will gain a valuable new member of your network.

• Introduce yourself briefly.

Practice an elevator pitch. They will appreciate hearing the highlights of your course of studies and professional efforts to date in a brief, 2–3-minute format. They’ll ask you for more information during the conversation as needed.

• Reiterate why you’re talking to them.

Provide a brief overview for the main topic of conversation and your desired outcome.

• Remain open to their ideas.

Your new connection will likely provide advice and suggestions that are new to you. Be ready to receive them. Ask questions if the ideas are unfamiliar or not clear to you.

• Thank them for their time.

You occupied a valuable spot on their calendar; show your appreciation.

The Follow Up 

I love to hear from mentees when they get to where they wanted to go and celebrate with them. Conversely, it's disappointing when I put time and effort into helping someone and then have no idea what happened later. It would be great if all the students and new grads I’ve talked to had been taught one of the most valuable job search lessons – follow up.

• Send a thank you note within a day or two of the conversation. Mention what you found valuable about the chat and what you plan to do with the information. This is a great time to arrange your next meeting if the two of you had agreed to talk again or ask for another meeting if you have additional questions.

• Let them know the outcome of your job search. When you land your job, drop them a note to let them know about your new role. Even if the job didn’t directly come from a conversation with them, they likely had an impact on your mindset or confidence or they may have helped you with resume or interview tips. Acknowledge their part in your process.

• Stay in touch. This is the foundation of your network for years to come.