Networking
Download our Networking handout (82KB PDF)
When you network, you build lasting and mutually beneficial professional relationships. These relationships can help you become connected and discover career opportunities.
Networking doesn't just happen when you're looking for work. Professionals continue to network throughout their career, building new networks, creating new opportunities and developing their careers.
Benefits of networking
You can:
- Gain access to the 80% of jobs that go unadvertised
- Access first-hand, current information on trends and opportunities that will help you develop your job-search strategy
- Connect with experts in your field
- Meet like-minded people who may end up being your future supervisors or colleagues
- Have fun
Building your network
1. Start by talking about your career goals and interests with people in your current network:
- Family and friends
- Supervisors and co-workers
- Fellow students, faculty members, and alumni
- Neighbours
- Acquaintances
- Members of community groups that you belong to
2. Connect with employers and professionals in your area of interest by:
- Joining a professional student association
- Becoming a student member of a professional association related to your field/industry
3. Add contacts to your network by:
- Attending career fairs
- Participating in association meetings
- Going to networking events
- Attending lectures
- Setting up informational interviews
- Calling around (warm and cold calling)
- Volunteering
Networking tips
1. Prepare an introduction that includes:
- Your name
- What you currently do – e.g., "I'm a student" or "I'm a recent graduate in [program name]"
- The area or type of work you're interested in
2. Do some research on the:
- People you're meeting – via Google, LinkedIn, etc.
- Organizations these people work for
- Industry as a whole
3. Print some simple business cards that include:
- Your name
- Your area of work or interest
- A permanent and professional email address and/or telephone number
4. Use people's time effectively
Don't spend the event talking to only one person.
5. Help others network
Networking isn't about pushing yourself on others; it's about building mutually positive relationships.
6. Follow up
Send a thank-you letter or follow-up email to everyone who provides you with advice.
To learn more about networking
Check out upcoming workshops or book a career advising appointment with a UBC Career Services Career Educator.
