Networking
Networking is the process of establishing valuable connections with professionals, peers, and alumni, which can lead to mentorship, job opportunities, industry insights, collaborations, and a broader support system for personal and professional growth. Networking opens doors to new possibilities.
Networking doesn't need to be uncomfortable. It's all about building lasting and mutually beneficial professional relationships that will help you get connected, discover opportunities, and get ahead.
Why Network?
- Employers often prefer to hire people they know, or who have connections to people they know. Building a professional network means you can get advice, referrals and inside information from experts in your field.
- Gain first-hand, current information about the world of work to help develop your job-search strategy.
- Connect to experts who have knowledge of trends and opportunities in your field.
- Meet interesting, like-minded people who may end up being your future supervisors or colleagues.
Who to Network With?
- Who's already in your network now?
- Networking doesn’t just happen at planned professional events; it also occurs in your daily interactions with classmates, faculty, family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, supervisors and co-workers. Talk to these people about your career-related goals and see if they connect you to others and be prepared for unexpected networking opportunities.
- The people you meet and the friends you make while at Western are a part of your network too. They may be fellow students and peers now, but in 5 or 10 years they will be working professionals. Investing in these relationships can pay off in the future.
Where to Network
Anywhere you are interacting with new people!
There are many ways to connect with employers and professionals in your area of interest. Here are some specific places and ways to meet people:
- Ask a Viking
- Conferences
- Social Media Groups
- Workshops & Webinars
- Meetup.com
- Volunteer Activities
- Book Clubs
- Outdoor activities
- Hobbies
- Arts & Entertainment
- Political Events
How to Network
A good introduction will include your name, what you’re currently doing and the area or type of work you’re interested in.
30-Second introduction
Start with:
- My name is...
- I'm a Western student studying...
Then one of the following:
- I would like to gain experience in...
- I’m curious about...
- My long-term career goal is…
Then ask them about themselves. Networking is as much about listening as it is talking.
- Always prepare for a networking meeting, even if it’s informal.
- Learn as much as you can about the person you’re meeting with (via Google, LinkedIn, etc.), their organization and industry.
- Preparation will demonstrate your enthusiasm and keeps the conversation flowing.
- First impressions count, so ensure that you wear clothing that is appropriate for the field or the setting.
- Visit the WWU Career Closet for free, professional clothing!
- You may also want to consider bringing business cards with you or at least a way to capture contact information.
- Open-ended questions such as “what brings you to this event?” can start conversations and allow you to learn about others without being too personal.
- Demonstrate your interest by asking questions, being genuine and avoid dominating the conversation.
Hello, my name is [your name]. What’s yours?
- “Nice to meet you. What brings you to this event today?”
- “I noticed you're also in [industry/field]. What inspired you to get into this line of work?”
Follow up question: What do you enjoy most about it?
-
“I saw on your name tag that you work at [company]. I've heard great things about your company's recent [project/achievement]. Can you tell me more about that?”
- Don’t spend your entire evening at an event talking to one person.
- Give yourself and others the opportunity to network with different people.
- “It's been really wonderful chatting with you and learning about your experiences. I want to make sure I connect with a few more people before the event ends. Enjoy the rest of your evening!”
- “I've enjoyed our conversation and appreciate the valuable insights you've shared. I should circulate and meet a few more people here. Perhaps we can catch up later in the evening.”
- “It's been a pleasure getting to know you and discussing [topic]. I don't want to monopolize your time, as I'm sure there are others you'd like to connect with too. Let's definitely stay in touch.” [offer business card or request theirs]
- Most people you meet will not offer you a job, but you never know who’s connected to whom.
- You can increase your chances of reaching your goals by talking to and making a good impression on as many people as you can.
- Successful networking builds mutually beneficial, positive relationships.
- Allow people to join your conversations at events, while reaching out, sharing information and connecting to people in your network.
- Thank everyone you meet or who gives you advice.
- Continue to follow-up with your contacts even after you’ve obtained a job to develop and maintain your network for the future.
- You can do so through email or LinkedIn.
- Follow up with a request for an informational interview.
Networking for Introverts
Unlike extroverts, who gain energy by being around people, networking is uncomfortable for most introverts. This isn’t because introverts are socially inept or prefer cats to humans, but because they require alone time to recharge. The good news is being an introvert doesn’t affect your ability to network and connect with others!
What is an introvert? Check out The Quiet Power Of Introverts video from BBC Ideas.
Check out the Introvert’s Guide to Networking video from Jeff Su for networking strategies from a self-described introvert.
Networking Examples
A good introduction will include your name, what you’re currently doing and the area or type of work you’re interested in. Below are some examples to get you started:
Situation: Approaching a recruiter at a career fair.
Example:
Student: Hi, I’m Alex Ramirez, a junior at Western Washington University studying Marketing. I’ve been really interested in your company, especially your work in digital marketing strategies and the innovative campaigns you’ve launched for sustainable brands. I’d love to hear more about the type of internship opportunities you have for students like me and how I might contribute to your team with my background in content creation and social media management.
Employer: Nice to meet you, Alex. I’m glad to hear you’re interested in our company. I’d be happy to share more about our internship opportunities. First, though, I’d love to hear a little more about your background in content creation and social media management?
Student: Sure! Over the past two years, I’ve gained hands-on experience through a few different roles. I currently manage the social media accounts for the student-run marketing club at Western, where I create content and develop strategies to increase engagement and grow our follower base. I’ve also completed a digital marketing internship with a local nonprofit, where I helped design and implement social media campaigns to promote their environmental initiatives. In that role, I worked on content creation across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, focusing on driving awareness and engagement through compelling visuals and targeted messaging. These experiences have given me a solid foundation in managing social media channels, analyzing engagement metrics, and tailoring content to specific audiences. I’m excited to continue building on these skills in a professional setting like yours!
Situation: Striking up a conversation at a community event.
Example:
Student: Hi, I’m Emily, what’s your name?
Community Member: Hi, I’m Jesse.
Student: Nice to meet you! I’m really interested in social justice and advocacy, which is why I came to this event. What brought you here today?
Community Member: I’ve been involved in community organizing for several years and was excited to hear about this event. I enjoy connecting with young people who are passionate about social change.
Situation: Introducing yourself after a class or presentation.
Example:
Student: Hi, I’m Mia Johnson, and I’m a student in Dr. Smith’s Psychology class.
Speaker: Nice to meet you, Mia!
Student: I really enjoyed your talk on cognitive behavioral therapy and found your insights about its effectiveness in treating anxiety interesting. I’m hoping to learn more about psychological interventions and their applications in different settings. Would you be open to sharing some advice on how I can explore this further?
Speaker: Sure, here’s my business card. Feel free to reach out to me via email to set up a Zoom call in the next few weeks.
Situation: Meeting industry professionals at a conference or workshop.
Example:
Recent Grad: Hi, I’m Jordan.
Conference Attendee: Nice to meet you, Jordan. What brings you here today?
Recent Grad: I just graduated from Western Washington University’s Computer Science program. I’m really passionate about cybersecurity and excited to be attending this event. How about you?
Conference Attendee: Congratulations on your recent graduation! I’ve been in cybersecurity for the past ten years. I’m here to stay current on industry trends.
Recent Grad: That’s great. Given your experience, I’d love to hear about how you got started in the tech industry and what advice you have for professionals just starting their careers.
Situation: Introducing yourself when joining a new campus club.
Example:
New Club Member: Hi, I’m Naya, and I’m new to this group. What’s your name?
Existing Club Member: I’m Jesse. What made you want to join the club?
New Club Member: I’ve been interested in theater production and performance art since I was in high school and saw this club at the AS Info Fair, so I was excited to join. I’m looking forward to meeting others and learning more about how I can do this for a job after I graduate! How did you get started with the club?
Ask a Viking
Find alumni to network with that had similar majors or interests using Ask A Viking!