NTFB Guide: Networking for Students Part IV

It is never to early to start networking. If you are a student and haven’t already started practising your networking skills you should definitely be looking into getting involved in networking activities particularly if you are planning to go into a professional or business position after graduating.

Networking can be an important tool for students, as it allows you to build relationships with people in your field of study or career interests.

What to do at a networking event?

It is easy enough to physically attend a networking event, but often students will do so without gaining any real benefit. Therefore, it is important to think about the networking event itself and how to make the most of it.

01. Attend events without your friends.

This may not always be possible and may sound socially ‘awkward’, but it is common for students to rely too much on being at an event with a friend or colleague. This will prevent you from stepping out of your comfort zone. You are more likely to shine on your own. If you do come with friends, make sure that you also spend some time working the room independently.

02. Be Confident

Try to avoid standing in a group of students. Remember you are there to speak to professionals and hopefully make useful connections. Take your time and approach individuals who are not yet in conversation, or who have just finished speaking. This will allow you to gain more insight and you will be able to ask any questions you have. Remember as it is a networking event, people are there to network and will be looking forward to speaking with you.

03. Introduce yourself.

Use your opening statement (elevator pitch) that you have prepared in advance to formally greet people, this ‘statement’ can be used to introduce why you are asking the question that you have prepared in order to show how you have given thought to your conversation. Don’t wait for people to come to you. Introduce yourself to others and strike up conversations.

04. Swap Contact Details

Some people will offer their business card and offer to stay in touch, particularly if they feel like they can add value and/or they had a good conversation with you.

After speaking to someone, ask if it is okay for you to send them a connection invitation on LinkedIn – not only is it polite, but by doing this, when they receive the invitation they will remember speaking to you.