Networking is all about building connections that can help you grow personally and professionally. Whether you’re looking for a new job, seeking career advice, or exploring industry insights, a strong network opens doors to new opportunities. Discover practical tips for making meaningful connections, maintaining relationships, and expanding your professional circle.
Before, During and After
Before
Build Your Network
- Create a contact list
- Seek opportunities to meet people (fairs, info sessions, etc.)
- Strategize (number of people reach out to, platform/location, etc.)
- Follow companies, organizations and influencers
Prepare to Network
- Set goals for meeting—relationship building
- Do your homework—research contact(s) and their background(s)
- Prepare questions of interest
During
- Introduce yourself (elevator pitch)
- Smile, make eye contact, offer handshake
- Ask questions (about themselves, their career path, their industry, etc.)
- Quality over quantity—focus on the quality of conversations, not the number of people
- Do not ask for a job
- Request introductions (e.g. “Is there someone else I should speak with?”)
After
Follow-Up and Maintain Connections
- Take note and reflect
- Send a thank you note
- Organize contacts
- Connect on social media
- Follow up with those they recommend
- Develop a communication plan
- Make a second impression—keep connection relevant, follow up in a few months
Informational Interviews
Organization and Department
Department Trends
- What are the challenges facing the department?
- Where do you see growth or change occurring in the organization?
Job Roles Overview
- What skills and knowledge are most critical in this organization?
- What personal characteristics do you feel contribute most to success in this department?
- What are some typical job roles in this department?
- What do you see the opportunities for growth and development?
Structure/Culture
- What is the management style in this organization?
- How are decisions made? Do people feel included in the process?
- What is a typical day like?
- What are normal work hours?
- Do people work long hours? Is there flexibility? Do people take vacations?
- How does your use of time vary? Are there busy and slow times or is the work activity fairly constant?
- How would you describe the pace and cycle of work in this area?
- I’ve built a target list of organizations in this field to research. Would you be willing to look at my list and provide suggestions you might have?
Career Field and Profession
Career Path/Occupational Outlook
- What are typical job roles available in this profession?
- What are typical career paths in this field?
- What experiences, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?
- What did you do to make yourself marketable?
- What opportunities for advancement are there in this field?
- Is the field growing?
- What are the biggest challenges facing this field?
- How do you see jobs in this field changing in the future?
- Where do you see the growth opportunities for the profession?
- How can I learn more about the field (e.g., journal, publications, professional associations, workshops, seminars, conferences, etc.)?
- What special advice would you give a person entering this field? At mid-career? Late career?
- What do you wish you had known about this field or organization before you entered it?
Success Factors
- What are the characteristics and competencies of people who are successful in this field?
- What does it take to be successful in this type of career?
- What type of person is best suited to the work in this area?
- What specific functional or technical knowledge is critical to this work?
Education, Training, and Skills
- What are the basic prerequisites for jobs in this field?
- What particular skills or talents are most essential to be effective in this job?
- How did you learn these skills?
- What are the educational requirements for this position or field? Is graduate school recommended or required?
- What personal qualities or abilities are important for success (in this field, organization, or position)?
- What jobs and experiences have led you to your present position?
- What kind of background or training is desirable for this work? Are there certain classes or training programs you would recommend?
- What degree or certification do employers look for?
- What qualifications do you seek in a new hire?
Compensation
- Aside from such tangible compensation as money, fringe benefits, travel, etc., what kinds of satisfaction and reward does this profession yield?
State of the Industry
- What developments on the horizon could affect future opportunities?
- This industry has changed dramatically in the past five years. What have you seen from inside your company?
- Where do you think the changes will happen in the next five years?
- Who are the most important people in the industry today?
Person and Position
Interviewee Information
- What is your background (both academic and experience)?
- How did your background lead you to this position?
- How did you become interested in this type of work and how did you get your present job?
- How long have you worked in this field?
- What is the most challenging/rewarding aspect of your work/career?
Job Characteristics
- How would you describe your day-to-day responsibilities?
- What are the duties/functions/responsibilities of this job role?
- What is unique about your job as compared with others, which are similar?
- What kinds of problems and challenges do you face this role?
- Describe some of the toughest situations you’ve faced in this job.
- To what extent do you interact with customers/clients?
- With which other departments, functional units, or levels of the hierarchy do you regularly interact?
- How much flexibility do you have in determining how you perform your job?
- Can you manage your own workflow, or does the nature of your work dictate the pace?
- Do you work individually or predominantly in groups or teams?
- What part of this job do you find most satisfying? Most challenging? Least satisfying?
- What projects have you worked on that have been particularly interesting?
Your Place in the Field, and Post-Interview Action
- Do you think my objective is clearly stated, realistic and achievable?
- Considering my background, how well do you think I would fit in this company and/or profession?
- Taking into account my skills, education, and experience, what other career paths would you suggest I explore before making a final decision?
- What professional journals and organizations should I be aware of?
- Is there anything else you think I need to know?
- Who else would you recommend I speak with? When I call, may I use your name?
Tips
- Do your research! Learn about the company and person you are meeting.
- It is important to come prepared for these interviews.
- The interviewee is often the person asking most of the questions.
- Ask questions about advancement, company culture, requirements for entry-level positions, and upcoming job openings.
- These questions are general; make sure the ones you ask are specific and appropriate for the organization/person.
- Remember: Say thank you! Express your appreciation and follow up with a thank you letter and/or email. If you are referred to another professional for assistance, make sure you let the original contact know the result of your outreach to that new referral.
Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Creating and maintaining an updated, accurate LinkedIn profile is essential for college students looking to build their professional network and stand out to potential employers. From selecting a professional profile picture to crafting a compelling headline and telling your story, each part of your profile plays a role in showcasing your qualifications and goals. Highlight your experiences, skills, and education, and don’t forget to regularly share updates, engage with posts, and follow companies and groups relevant to your field. A well-maintained LinkedIn profile can be a key tool in jumpstarting your career!
Profile Pic
- Your profile is twenty-one times more likely to be viewed with photo
- Choose a recent headshot that looks like you, only you!
Cover Photo
- This is an opportunity for your page to stand out and draw attention
Headline
- Professional slogan, use keywords
- Look at other profiles you admire for considerations
About Section
- Do not skip this section!
- This is an opportunity to “tell your story”
- Be concise and confident; describe qualifications and goals
Experience Section
- Employer, location, and dates
- Add description of accomplishments
- Quantify when possible
Education Section
- School and Major(s) and minor(s)
- Courses
- Education abroad
Skills Section
- Include keywords, industry-specific
- Consider keywords and skills used by Penn State alumni
- Consider words listed in job descriptions
Remember:
- Customize your URL to be unique to you
- Add other sections if able (volunteer, honors & awards, organizations, licenses, certifications, etc.)
- Share updates and relevant content regularly (share, comment on and like other posts)
- Join relevant groups (institution and industry focused)
- Follow companies of interest and relevant influencers
- Grow your network
- Keep profile updated