Graduating from college is an exciting milestone, but stepping into the professional world or making a chance to your current career can feel overwhelming — especially when it comes to networking. Whether you’re job hunting, exploring different career paths, or simply looking to expand your professional circle, building strong connections is essential for long-term success.
Networking isn’t just about landing a job; it’s about forming relationships that can open doors, offer guidance, and provide opportunities throughout your career. The good news? You don’t need to be an extrovert or have years of experience to network effectively. If you’re a recent college graduate wondering where to start, here are some practical and approachable strategies to help you build a strong professional network.
- Shift Your mindset: Networking is about relationships, not just job searching
Many new grads see networking as a transactional activity — something you do only when you need a job. But networking is much more than that. It’s about building genuine relationships with people who can support your career journey in various ways. Instead of approaching conversations with the mindset of “What can this person do for me?” shift your perspective to “How can I learn from and connect with this person?” A thoughtful, curiosity-driven approach makes networking feel more natural and leads to more meaningful connections.
- Start with who you already know
Networking doesn’t mean reaching out to strangers right away. You likely already have a solid foundation from which to build. Your existing network includes:
- Professors and academic advisors
- Classmates and alumni from your university
- Internship supervisors and colleagues
- Family friends or neighbors who work in your field of interest
A simple email or LinkedIn message asking for advice or insights can be a great way to re-engage with people who are already invested in your success.
Example message:
"Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well! As a recent graduate from UAGC, I’m exploring career opportunities in [Industry]. I really admire your work in this field and would love to hear about your experience. If you’re open to it, I’d appreciate the chance to connect and learn from your insights!"
Most professionals remember what it was like to start out in their careers and are happy to offer guidance.
- Optimize your LinkedIn presence
LinkedIn is one of the most powerful networking tools available, and having a strong profile can help you make connections, discover job opportunities, and establish your professional brand.
To make the most of LinkedIn, ensure that your profile is complete and engaging:
- Use a professional headshot (it doesn’t have to be fancy — just clear and well-lit — but try to avoid using selfies)
- Write a compelling headline that reflects your career goals or interests
- Craft a strong “About” section that highlights your skills, passions, and what you’re looking for in your career
- List any relevant work experience, internships, projects, and volunteer work
Once your profile is set up, engage with content regularly. Comment on posts, share industry-relevant articles, and connect with professionals in your desired field. The more active you are, the more visible you become.
- Attend industry events and career fairs (even virtual ones!)
Even if you’ve already graduated, career fairs and industry events are still valuable networking opportunities. Many professional associations and companies host events that are open to recent graduates. If attending in-person events isn’t an option, many organizations offer virtual networking sessions and webinars where you can engage with industry professionals.
To make the most of these events:
- Research attendees or companies ahead of time
- Prepare a quick “elevator pitch” about yourself, including your background and career interests
- Ask thoughtful questions to show genuine interest in the industry
- Collect contact information and follow up with a thank-you email or LinkedIn request afterward
Networking at events can feel intimidating at first, but practice makes it easier. The more you put yourself in these situations, the more confident you’ll become.
- Reach out to alum
Your University’s alumni network is one of the best resources for new grads. Alumni are often eager to help because they’ve been in your shoes before. UAGC Connect powered by PeopleGrove features an online directory where you can find alumni working in your field — including some who are open to mentoring. When reaching out, be specific about why you’re contacting them and what you hope to learn.
Example message:
"Hi [Name], I see that you graduated from UAGC and now work in [Industry]. As a recent grad exploring career paths, I’d love to hear about your journey and any advice you have. Would you be open to a quick conversation?"
Building relationships with alumni can lead to mentorship opportunities, job referrals, and industry insights that aren’t always available online.
- Set up informational interviews
An informational interview is a casual conversation where you learn more about a person’s career, industry, or company. These meetings can provide valuable insights and help you expand your network without the pressure of a formal job interview. When requesting an informational interview, keep it short and professional. Let the person know why you’re reaching out and what you’d like to learn. Once you schedule a conversation, come prepared with thoughtful questions, such as:
- “How did you get started in this field?”
- “What advice would you give to someone just entering the industry?”
- “Are there any skills or experiences you found particularly valuable early in your career?”
After the conversation, send a thank-you note expressing your appreciation for their time and insights.
- Follow up and stay in touch
Networking isn’t a one-time activity — it’s about maintaining relationships over time. After meeting someone, send a follow-up email or LinkedIn message thanking them for their time and referencing something specific from your conversation. Staying in touch doesn’t have to be complicated. Every few months, you can:
- Share an article relevant to their industry
- Congratulate them on a promotion or career milestone
- Check in with a short message to update them on your progress
Building long-term professional relationships requires consistency. The more you nurture your network, the more valuable it becomes.
- Be patient and keep practicing
Networking is a skill that takes time to develop. Not every conversation will lead to a job offer, and that’s okay. The goal is to build relationships that can support you throughout your career.
The more you put yourself out there, the easier it gets. Each interaction, whether in person or online, helps build your confidence and expands your opportunities.
Plant the Seeds Now
Networking is one of the most valuable skills a recent graduate can develop. By starting with your existing connections, optimizing your online presence, attending industry events, and reaching out to professionals in your field, you can create meaningful relationships that support your career growth. Remember, networking isn’t about asking for favors—it’s about building genuine connections and offering value in return. With a proactive mindset and a willingness to learn, you’ll set yourself up for long-term professional success.
So, take that first step — reach out, introduce yourself, and start building your network today!
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Desaraé Koenneker is a Career Advisor in the UAGC Career Services department and a certified Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) who is dedicated to empowering students to take ownership of their career development with confidence and purpose.