When you hear the word networking, what comes to mind?
Maybe it’s a crowded career fair, handing out business cards, connecting with people on LinkedIn, or trying to make small talk with someone you’ve never met. But professional networking is about much more than knowing a lot of people. At its heart, networking is about building genuine relationships with people who can share knowledge, offer support, open doors, and grow alongside you throughout your career.
And the good news? You don’t have to be an extrovert or attend a room full of strangers to start networking.
What Is Professional Networking?
Professional networking is the process of developing and maintaining relationships with people who share your professional interests, career field, educational background, or goals.
Your network might include:
Former classmates and TRIO or GEAR UP peers
Professors, advisors, and program staff
Current and former coworkers
Supervisors and mentors
Professionals in your field
Alumni from your college or TRIO/GEAR UP program
People you meet at conferences, workshops, or community events
Friends and family who may know people in your field
Your network doesn't have to be huge. A small group of meaningful professional relationships can be more valuable than hundreds of connections you never interact with.
Networking Isn't Just About What You Can Get
One of the biggest misconceptions about networking is that it's about finding someone who can help you get a job. While your network can certainly help you discover career opportunities, networking should be a two-way relationship.
Instead of thinking:
"What can this person do for me?"
Try thinking:
"What can we learn from each other?"
Maybe you can share an article, introduce someone to a helpful contact, congratulate them on a promotion, offer your perspective on a project, or simply check in and see how they're doing.
The strongest professional relationships develop over time—not from one conversation.
5 Ways to Start Building Your Network
1. Start With People You Already Know
You probably have a larger network than you realize. Think about people you've met through school, TRIO or GEAR UP, work, internships, volunteer activities, student organizations, conferences, or community involvement.
Reach out to someone you haven't talked to in a while. A simple message like, "It's been a while! How have you been?" can be the beginning of reconnecting.
2. Use LinkedIn Intentionally
LinkedIn can be more than an online résumé. Connect with people whose careers interest you. Follow organizations in your field. Comment on posts when you have something meaningful to contribute. Congratulate connections on new jobs, promotions, or accomplishments.
And don't be afraid to send a personalized connection request. Instead of simply clicking "Connect," try mentioning how you know the person or why you'd like to connect.
3. Ask for Conversations—Not Favors
If you're interested in someone's career, don't immediately ask them for a job. Instead, ask if they'd be willing to spend 15–20 minutes talking about their experience.
You could ask:
How did you get started in this field?
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What skills are most important in your role?
What advice would you give someone just entering the field?
What do you wish you had known when you were starting out?
People are often willing to share their experiences, and these conversations can help you learn about careers you may not have considered.
4. Show Up and Get Involved
Networking happens everywhere. Attend professional conferences, alumni events, workshops, career fairs, volunteer activities, or community events. If you're a student, take advantage of opportunities offered through your TRIO or GEAR UP program. You don't have to walk into an event and meet 20 people.
Set a small goal. Introduce yourself to one person. Ask one question. Have one meaningful conversation. That's networking.
5. Follow Up and Stay Connected
Meeting someone once isn't really networking. Following up is where the relationship begins. After meeting someone, send a quick message thanking them for the conversation. If they recommended a resource, let them know you checked it out. If you see an article or opportunity that relates to something you discussed, share it. And don't only reach out when you need something. Celebrate their accomplishments. Check in occasionally. Share useful information. Stay connected.
Your Network Can Grow With You
Your professional network doesn't have to be something you "finish building." As your career changes, your network will change too. You may meet new coworkers, switch industries, go back to school, move to a new community, or discover an entirely new career interest. The people you meet along the way can become colleagues, collaborators, mentors, friends, or simply someone who helps you see an opportunity from a different perspective.
And remember: You don't have to wait until you need a job to start networking.
Start now. Start small. Be genuine. Stay connected. Your next opportunity may come from someone you already know—or someone you haven't met yet.
💬 Networking Challenge
Ready to put networking into practice?
This week, reach out to one person you haven't talked to in a while. Send a message, congratulate them on an accomplishment, ask about their career, or simply reconnect. One conversation could lead to another—and you never know where that connection might take you.
MKN alumni: Keep building your network, supporting one another, and staying connected!
