Networking in College Without Being Cringey: A Real Guide to Making Career Moves
When you hear the word “networking,” your brain probably short-circuits.
Especially if you’re an introvert. I mean, it’s hard enough trying to order coffee without messing up. How are you supposed to walk up to people and just… talk?
You envision sweaty handshakes, LinkedIn messages that scream “please hire me,” or that one overstressed kid handing out resumes at alumni conferences (please don’t be that person).
But you do have to network.
It’s an open secret at this point. A degree alone and some work experience won’t be enough to open doors for you in life. Things generally work out better for people who have connections.
If you’re a college student trying to build a network for your career (without sacrificing your personality or dignity), this guide is your go-to.
What Actually Is Networking?
Networking is just a fancy term for recruiting future helpers.
Think of it this way:
Life is a convoluted video game everyone’s playing. It’s crazy, it’s wild, you never know what to expect.
But having a great team makes it easier to navigate the game. Networking is you recruiting teammates to go on adventures with.
You don’t have to go for the highest-ranking players (professors, established alumni, tech recruiters).
Sometimes players at your own level or even players who haven’t reached your level can be helpful (roommates, awkward nerdy course mates, the barista at your favourite cafe, your little sister’s overhyper bestie).
Anyone could be hiding a MAJOR weapon in their catalogue; you never know who could help you out later.
Networking is building the best team to go on a real-life video game adventure.
It’s not about using people or bending over backwards to get them to like you; it’s about building real relationships.
Why Networking in College Is Lowkey Your Secret Weapon
Access to a wide range of people
If you were picking the ultimate video game team, would you only want sorcerers on your team, or would you want sorcerers, fighters, healers, and maybe even a few rogue zombies?
College is where you’ll get to build the most diverse network.
From your roommate, whose brother Ubers tech babes to your professor who’s trained six-figure earners and has them all on speed dial. Take your pick.
Opportunity to build real relationships
Being in college means you’ll likely have something in common or at least a common connection with everyone you meet.
Whether it’s having the same coffee order as that one rich kid, sharing a room with an alumnus’ sister, or taking the same night class as that weird tech kid that rumours say already has a spot at Meta.
Capitalize on that.
Instead of having to scramble for conversation starters, look for that one unique connection and use that to build a genuine relationship with each person you want to network with.
You’re not expected to know everything.
You’re a student. Sure, there’s A LOT of expectations on you, but it won’t get any better. That means that this is your last chance to get away with asking stupid questions. So ask questions. Be curious.
You’re adorable. Use that.
Asking your respected successful alum if you can branch into tech with a degree in medicine might sound stupid, but it’ll be a lot stupider to ask after graduating. So ask now. Be curious.
Even if you make a fool of yourself at first, it won’t be the last time you see these people, so you’ll get another chance to show your smart side.
Everyone loves a motivated student
You’re not competing with a CEO; you’re learning. Take advantage of that beginner energy.
“Oh, so do you really make that much money as a product manager?” isn’t an invasive question when it’s coming from a wide-eyed undergrad.
Their guards won’t be up. You’ll be given more insight into what you’ll be facing after graduation.
You’ll get more help from relaxed professionals at a little school seminar than you ever will at a career conference.
How to Successfully Network in College
1. Start Small (Like, Really Small)
Grow with people you already know:
- Classmates with interesting internships.
- Your T.A., who casually mentioned working at NASA.
- That one group member who’s always talking about business competitions.
Ask them questions. Be curious. Example convo:
“Hey, I saw on LinkedIn you interned at Spotify—how did you find that opportunity?”
“Oh, you’re actually really good at this. Did you take courses somewhere?”
Boom. That’s networking. No briefcase required.
2. Office Hours Are Networking in Disguise
Professors = low-key career plug. They’re not just there to grade your papers and give passive-aggressive comments.
- Ask about their research.
- Ask about industry trends.
- Ask if they know alumni in your field.
They’ve been around. They have contacts.
Did they pick up a call in front of you? Did they say anything about something you know? A topic on your syllabus, mentioned grabbing pizza? Shamelessly butt in. Give them your input.
“Sorry to eavesdrop, but were you just talking about quantum mechanics? I saw we have that on the syllabus. I’ve actually read up a bit on it. My major is culinary science. How do you think quantum mechanics might factor into scrambling eggs?”
“I heard you say you were getting pizza, sir, a new spot actually just opened right near campus. I heard they make a brilliant Chicago-style fried chum pizza…”
Look for little ways to get noticed for good.
They also probably want to help you and be the cool prof that launched your career (at least some of them do… choose wisely).
3. Master the Art of Not-Cringe LinkedIning
Your LinkedIn doesn’t need to look like a TEDx speaker’s profile, but it should be:
- Professional-ish photo (no prom pics).
- Short, punchy summary (“Finance major who’s passionate about sustainable investing and oat milk lattes.”)
- Highlight relevant experiences—clubs, internships, leadership roles.
Then start connecting! Add classmates, alumni, and people you meet at events.
Send personalized messages like:
“Hi [Name], I’m a student at [School] interested in [industry]. Loved your post on [topic]—would love to connect!”
People LOVE when you compliment their brain.
4. Go to Events (Yes, Even the Awkward Ones)
Career fairs, speaker panels, networking nights—go. You’ll survive. (Probably.)
Survival Tips:
- Don’t just shove your resume at someone. Talk.
- Ask questions: “What’s a typical day like at your company?” “How did you get into this field?”
- Follow up on LinkedIn or email. Not creepy. Just considerate.
- Use social media. I followed Instagram accounts of professionals in my field when I was in college. Shamelessly commented on their posts and was actually able to connect with people through that.
5. Join Clubs With Built-In Career Vibes
The secret to not having to network? Be somewhere where the networking happens naturally.
Examples:
- Business fraternities
- Tech clubs
- Women in STEM groups
- Model UN (where future politicians are born)
These are gold mines of ambitious, resourceful students—and their networks.
Also, don’t ignore less ‘professional’ spots like knitting clubs, campus bars, and the library (seriously, even with all the shushing and judgmental looks when you breathe too loud, you can still meet people at the library).
6. Slide into a Coffee Chat
Coffee chats = informational interviews, but more casual and 75% less terrifying.
Here’s your script:
“Hi [Name], I’m a student at [School] and super interested in [field they work in]. I noticed on your LinkedIn that [something personal you noticed from a quick study of their page].
I’m actually considering [something about your interest in their field] and I would love to hear more about your career path—would you be open to a quick 20-minute chat?”
Keep it short. Be genuine. People love to talk about themselves, so let them.
7. Use Your School’s Secret Weapon: Alumni
Your school’s alumni network is basically a catalogue of connections for future success. These people:
- Understand what it’s like to go to your school.
- Want to give back.
- Might be in your dream industry.
Hit up your alumni directory, join alumni events, or stalk… um, search alumni on LinkedIn. Then connect. Politely.
If you struggle with networking, Leil Lowndes’ book How to Talk to Anyone and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie taught me some tips for making conversations and networking easily.
Bonus: How to Keep the Connection Alive (Without Being Weird)
- Send a thank you message after a chat.
- Check in every few months with a quick update (“Just wanted to share that I landed an internship at X—thanks again for your advice!”)
- Share relevant articles or updates they might find cool.
Be a kind human. That’s the real networking hack.
Network Like a Normal Human
- Talk to people who are already around you
- Go to events (even the awkward pizza-filled ones)
- Slide into LinkedIn with a plan
- Ask questions, be curious, follow up
- Don’t fake it—just show up, be interested, and build relationships
Networking isn’t about having a thousand connections—it’s about having meaningful ones. So don’t overthink it.
Be yourself (but like… the version of you who’s actually presentable). Your future career-crushing self will thank you.
Wishing you peace and funds,
Dee
