Olathe campus blog

Networking made easy: three ways to connect like a pro

Written by Beth Jones | Oct 23, 2024 3:51:07 PM
If you’ve been looking for ways to build your professional network, advance your career or simply hone your speaking skills, participating in networking opportunities is one of the most important steps you can take. 

For many college students and recent graduates, however, learning how to network can be tricky. 

At Kansas State University Olathe, you have multiple pathways to networking, including ‘Cats Connect and professional training opportunities — and no matter what type of networking you’re planning to do, we’ve got three important techniques you can use to make your time as effective as possible. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

1. Understand your “why”

Before you attend a networking event, know why you’d like to network with other professionals or academics. According to Princeton University’s Center for Career Development, “Start by clarifying your goals and objectives for wanting to connect with others. There could be many reasons you may want to start networking [...].” Understanding why will help you connect with the people who can help you meet your goals. 

Of course, you can practice your “why” with people you already have relationships with before you attend a networking event. K-State's Career Center notes that you should,“Talk to the people you know about exactly what you're seeking.” Having conversations with friends, family members and colleagues about your professional goals can help you solidify your “why.” Then, when you attend a networking event, you’ll be more ready to talk with new connections. 

2. Bring conversational questions

University of Baltimore Maryland County’s Career Center recommends that networkers, “Ask open-ended questions that facilitate conversation. Remember that networking is about building relationships, not just making contacts. People want to know that you have heard and appreciate their experience and what they have to say.” 

It’s a good idea to prepare questions ahead of time that you can incorporate into your conversations. Ideally, these will be questions that are centered on your goals. For example, you could ask questions such as: 

  • What type of work do you do and what’s your favorite thing about your current role? 
  • What made you decide to pursue a career in your chosen field? 
  • What experience did you need to get started? 
  • What are some of the best professional development events you’ve attended? 
  • What blogs or podcasts have been helping you develop your career skills? 

3. Set goals

Did you know that setting goals before a networking event can help you be more successful?  

Your goals could include talking to a specific person, speaking with a certain number of people or even scheduling follow-up calls or interviews. Before you attend an event, consider what you’re hoping to get out of the experience. Are you job hunting? Do you want to make professional connections? Perhaps your goal is to explore academic programs that can help you pursue a successful career in your chosen industry.  

Of course, regardless of your goals, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education notes that you should always follow-up with connections you make after the event is over. They suggest, “Send a quick note through email, LinkedIn or wherever you’ve connected to briefly remind them how you met, what you spoke about and thank them for their time.” 

If you’ve been looking for networking opportunities, be sure to explore our professional development offerings on campus.