Networking that doesn't feel awkward

"Networking" makes most students cringe — it sounds like forced small talk and handing out business cards. Done properly, it's something much simpler: building a small number of genuine professional relationships over time.

Reframe what it's for

You're not trying to "use" people. You're trying to learn from them and stay in touch. The best networking is curiosity-led: you're genuinely interested in what someone does, and the relationship grows from there. Opportunities follow relationships, not the other way round.

The coffee-chat formula

The most useful networking tool is a 20-minute conversation:

• Reach out specifically. "I saw you moved from consulting into a strategy role at X — I'd love to hear how you made that switch." Specific beats generic every time.
• Do your homework. Read their background so you can ask good questions.
• Ask, don't pitch. People love talking about their own path. Listen more than you talk.
• Make it easy to say yes. Offer to work around their schedule; keep it short.

Follow up like a human

• Send a short thank-you the same day.
• Stay in touch lightly — share an article they'd find interesting, or update them when their advice helped. One thoughtful message a few months later keeps a relationship warm.

Use LinkedIn well

• A clear, current profile so people can place you.
• Engage genuinely with a few people's posts rather than mass-connecting.
• When you connect, add a one-line note — never the blank request.

Networking isn't a numbers game. Five people who'd happily take your call beat five hundred connections who wouldn't recognise your name.