How can you build a professional network as a student?

Your network is related to your net worth. It is your network that will allow you to use your skills, ideas, and experiences to be successful. Have a short elevator speech ready for what interests you. Don't forget to ask the other about their interests. Your network should not be just those with the same interests or you will be missing out on opportunity to have breadth in your network.

First is a network among colleagues; their paths will go in every possible direction that may be useful in both directions for you later on. Next are the mentors across the companies that you work for during your studies. Identify people who are inclined to help and get engaged with younger generation, as they are your network builders for the future.

In my opinion, having an elevator pitch is your starting point. A lot of people associate with conversations relating to job opportunities. But I have used and seen its benefit to get people interested in your topic of discussion. It is that initial pull they feel towards your drive and passion that aids in establishing that network. And once somebody is interested in your offering, it doesn’t matter whether you are a student or a professional - a connection is made already. And so I really recommend people out there to understand themselves first. Find your answers to what drives you, for me it was fashion sustainability (which is not even my profession).

I can see that, Ria. #PitchYourself, #ElevatorPitch or however you want to call it is a good way to convey a very concise message. We encourage people to learn this technique. There are several LinkedIn Learning videos and courses on that. Some worth mentioning are: ???? Shane Snow on Storytelling ???? Telling Stories That Stick ???? Jodi Glickman on Pitching Yourself

As a student you need to build your network. Years later it can become a professional one from which you can benefit if you stay in touch. Using social media and other platforms is a great way to see what professional path your student peers have taken and show your professional achievements as well. If you are genuine and respectful, you can leverage your School network in no time.

This is something I learnt from one of my, I believe younger, colleagues who are very good at what is doing: ...::: be loud & proud :::... That is why when we design our approach we make sure that learners not only have a chance to apply their knowledge in practice but also create artifacts they can be proud of. Whenever we notice something very cool being produced, we ask for work to be shared on LinkedIn at the end of the week, after everyone finishes. We had students recording short videos, putting annotated pictures and telling stories. Making themselves visible to the world. Use the time you spend on class activities, homework or even assessment to learn and put together something that shows your potential to the future employer.

Networking is key. As a student, you can attend business events, and online courses that allow you to connect with professionals in your field. Social media is a great tool, Linkedin, for example, is a great tool to connect with hiring managers, you can also engage on posts and provide your point of view. This can attract views to your profile. Also, I recommend creating a portfolio of your college projects to start showcasing your talent.

Networking extends beyond traditional events; leverage diverse platforms aligning with your goals. Join online communities, forums, or groups in your field. Utilize social media, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram, to connect with influencers and peers. Showcase your work and ideas through blogs, podcasts, or portfolios, creating a dynamic online presence that attracts meaningful connections. Expand your network by strategically utilizing various platforms, showcasing your expertise and passions.

Have a good heart... rest all will follow.........................................................................................

When networking, it is not wise to build a relationship with someone for your own personal gain, then quickly distance yourself from the individual, never to speak again. You want the relationships within your network to be meaningful and long lasting. This requires a degree of respect and empathy for those in your network. Once you have an established relationship with an individual, it should work as a two-way street. Not only are you gaining insight into their speciality or background, they should also get some value out of the relationship. Whether that is new skills or showing them something they otherwise would have no knowledge of. It could be anything depending on the nature of the relationship.

Networking transcends mere contact collection; it's about cultivating genuine, mutually beneficial relationships. Approach interactions with authenticity and respect, expressing interest in others' work, achievements, and challenges. Engage in meaningful conversations, asking thoughtful questions, offering insights, and sharing valuable resources. Acknowledge and appreciate their time and feedback. Steer clear of pushy or self-centered behavior; instead, focus on contributing and creating a two-way street of value exchange. In networking, giving is as crucial as receiving.

Networking is an ongoing commitment; follow up and nurture connections for lasting relationships. Send a thank-you note or updates post-initial contact. Regularly check in, sharing pertinent news or opportunities, and consider invitations to events or platforms. If suitable, seek referrals or recommendations, maintaining a delicate balance between friendliness and professionalism. Avoid overdoing it to ensure your interactions remain positive and valuable for both parties.

What helped me was level setting during my first meeting. Ask questions on how often you should follow up and what’s the best way to stay in touch. Remember, your coffee chat is with someone who is busy and be mindful of their time and effort.

In my point of view, taking feedback and improve on every stage for enhancing career is always one step move forward. Because we can get to know about our positives/ negatives, then start working on it for further. Seeking feedback from the superiors, professors as well as peers helps more in way to building the professional network. As well as preparing the reflections from the experiences like SWOT analysis, it would be the better one to identify the strengths and weakness too. "Broadening your network is extremely beneficial since every time you connect with a professional, you are one step closer to gaining access to their network".

As a student, building a professional network starts with a genuine willingness to seek feedback and improve. Actively engage with professors and peers, seeking advice and insights on your academic and career journey. Attend networking events, conferences, and workshops to connect with professionals in your field. Express genuine interest in their experiences, and be open to feedback on your goals and aspirations. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with alumni and professionals, reaching out for informational interviews or mentorship. Demonstrating a sincere desire to learn and improve through feedback will not only build a robust network but also set you on a path of continuous growth in your professional endeavors.

Attend events organised by your institution or, if possible, external ones. Some of them will be free of charge or at discounted prices. If you can afford to travel, great but do not worry if not. Nowadays a lot of events take place online. Use LinkedIn or other professional networking platforms. Meetup or Eventbrite may be the go-to start. See if there are any professional bodies relevant to your discipline that organise gatherings. Talk to people on your course and within the intuition you study. Your tutors are also worth connecting with on a professional level. Consider organising an event for your peers, people from your institution or even outsiders. Twice already I attended a marvellous conference managed by the student circle.

6. Seek advice from alumni through your school's network. 7. Maintain a strong and active online presence on platforms like LinkedIn where you can share your university and career journey. 8. Genuinely celebrate other people’s success and victories on these platforms. This increases your visibility and helps you meet new people. 9. Be curious and proactive in seeking knowledge. Ask questions and engage with your lecturers they can provide valuable insights and may even assist in connecting you with professionals in your field. 10. Use industry Buzzwords when making posts. This increase your chances of being found when colleagues are looking to network.

Stop thinking of yourself as a student and begin treating yourself as a professional. Do things that a professional would be doing, even if it’s just to build your portfolio. Look for projects and take the time to do a post-write up for school projects so you can share that. You want your network to be a two-way beneficial relationship so that your network aren’t just “connections” but people who will think of you when an opportunity presents itself.

There’s no one size fits all but here’s a few tips i think can help 1. Step out of your comfort zone. Attend industry events, many of which are free for students, to meet professionals and expand your connections. 2. Register with your industry association and actively participate—consider volunteering, you will always meet and engage other professionals. 3. Join LinkedIn groups related to your field, contribute to discussions,and learn from others. 4. Take the initiative to randomly search using industry buzzwords for professionals and connect on LinkedIn or other professional platforms. Introduce yourself where necessary 5. Have an Elevator speech handy. This can help both physically and virtually. No pressure,Just know who you are.

Starting to build a professional network as a student might appear daunting at first. Knowing your values and your authentic voice are your first steps to professional networking. Why? Because you will attract those with similar values and behaviors which further lead to building strong connections and relationships in your professional space. Keep it real and you’ll move mountains, kid.