Network with Professionals/Navigate LinkedIn
What is Networking?
Networking is the process of building professional relationships and connections. Every relationship — formal or informal — has the potential to open doors to new opportunities, advice, mentorship, and career growth. In fact, research suggests that up to 85% of jobs are filled through networking and professional connections making it one of the most effective strategies for exploring careers, gaining industry insights, and uncovering opportunities that may never be publicly advertised.
- Explore career paths and industries
- Learn about company culture and hiring trends
- Discover internships and job opportunities
- Build confidence in professional conversations
- Expand your professional community
- Connect with mentors, alumni, and peers
- Strengthen your personal brand
- Tap into the hidden job market
- Alumni working in your field of interest
- Classmates and peers
- Professors and faculty members
- Career Center staff
- Employers and recruiters
- Internship supervisors and coworkers
- Student organization leaders & members
- Mentors and advisors
- Industry professionals
- Family, friends, and community connections
- Career fairs and employer events
- Alumni panels and networking events
- Student organizations and clubs
- Conferences and professional associations
- Internships and part-time jobs
- Informational interviews
- Faculty and classroom connections
An informational interview is a conversation with a professional to learn more about their career path, industry, organization, or experiences. It is an opportunity to ask questions, gain career insight, expand your network, and build professional relationships — not to ask for a job.
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform and is widely used by recruiters, employers, alumni, and industry professionals.
A strong LinkedIn Profile can:
- Showcase your skills and experiences
- Help employers find you
- Build your professional credibility
- Expand your network
- Highlight projects, leadership, and accomplishments
- Support internship and job searches
Create your LinkedIn profile — an extension of your resume! Add a professional photo, craft a strong headline, highlight your experiences, showcase skills, and more. Use the checklist below to build a strong profile.
**The Career Center offers FREE professional photos during our regular office hours in SSC 270. Please note that office hours may vary during summer and academic breaks.
More connections will allow you to see more people and opportunities!
If you have fewer than 50 connections, challenge yourself to add 5–10 new professional connections each month.
Connect with:
Classmates, Family, Friends, Faculty, Coworkers, Advisors, Mentors, Supervisors, Alumni, Recruiters, Professionals in indistries of interest
Follow:
Professional Organizations, Companies of Interest, etc.
Connect with alumni working in your industry to explore career paths, gain insider advice, expand your network, and learn from professionals who once stood where you are today.
Use this alumni network to your advantage – Connect with your fellow wildcats and set up an informational interview!
You do not need to post every day, but regular engagement helps build your visibility and professional presence.
Ways to Engage
- Share projects and accomplishments
- Comment thoughtfully on industry posts
- Follow companies and organizations
- Join LinkedIn groups
- Celebrate peers’ achievements
- Share articles or career insights
Gain insider tips and tricks of how to use LinkedIn effectively to network, maximize your profile, and uncover internship and job opportunities in the hidden market.
Mastering LinkedIn and Networking – David DeGenova workshop
Learn tips on LinkedIn and how to connect with people/alum in your industry so you can network and open up opportunities!
LinkedIn with Ryan Zervakos
Learn LinkedIn tips and tricks from a Hybrid Sales Rep, Ryan Zervakos regarding how to strengthen your profile.
