Networking in Your College Years
Beginner
- Connect with your peers. Join a student organization that aligns with a personal, academic, or career interest area. A complete list of UI campus organizations can be found here.
- Join a Living Learning Community to connect with others who have similar interests.
- Connect with your professors by attending office hours. Consider bringing up topics related to the course, questions about upcoming assignments, or just to chat. Don’t be afraid to say plainly, “I’m here to start building my connections!” See a sample email introduction in the “Networking Templates” section below.
- Ask questions of a guest speaker. Listen closely and be engaged with visiting speakers. You’d be surprised at how much that will make you stand out to the guest.
- Make a LinkedIn profile. Visit linkedin.com and click “sign up” - it’s free! Set a goal to add one new connection per month. You can find more tips on the LinkedIn & Social Media page or see the Career Guide page for tips and example profile summaries.
- Ask an older student to tell you more about their internship, research, study abroad, or other field experience.
- Plan to visit with past teachers, coaches, supervisors, family friends, or others you know near your hometown during breaks. Catch them up on what your semester was like and ask them what they’ve been up to as well!
Intermediate
- Request an Informational Interview with someone in an industry or career you are interested in.
- Get useful job or internship advice from other students in Handshake. Connect with students who have interned where you hope to be interning.
- Practice your introduction.
- Attend an employer information session, panel, event, or career fair. See events.uiowa.edu and Handshake events (click on Events from the left navigation menu).
- Begin adding LinkedIn connections in your field and industry of interest and following Organizations or People.
- Comment on or like a post on LinkedIn from a connection.
- Connect to a guest speaker on LinkedIn after class or event. Make sure to send a tailored connection request instead of using the LinkedIn automatic text.
- Follow an employer page on Handshake.
- Leaving a job, internship, or club? Send a thank you email or note and ask for a reference if needed. For tips and examples see the “Networking Templates” section below, Career Guide, or our References webpage.
- Join a professional association. Select a Career Community to see lists of professional organizations.
[The Career Fair] was a bit intimidating at first – the ballroom is big, noisy, and there are lots of people. Then I remembered that the employers came to meet students, they wanted to meet me and wanted to recruit UI students. Students were all in the same spot too – we were all a little nervous and a little intimidated. Employers expect that and were friendly. – Emma
My recommendation for college students who want to grow their network is to start setting up quick 15-30 minute meetings with your colleagues, professors, and/or co-workers from your internship. Use this time as a chance to get to know each other, as well as figure out what they do and how they got to where they are. It can take some time to build up your network, but when done correctly, it can yield great success and results for years to come. – Ashley, Transamerica
Advanced
- Participate in a mock interview and ask the employer questions about their organization.
- Message an employer on Handshake!
- Participate in a conference or training hosted by a professional association. Connect and follow up with at least one other person while you are there. Remember their role and/or interests – show your gratitude and send an article or tip related to something you discussed with them.
- Connect with an alumni in your field on LinkedIn via the Alumni search function.
- Schedule time to reach out to prior connections that you want to maintain. This could be a monthly phone call with an old friend, a semesterly coffee and catch up with a previous internship, job, or volunteer supervisor, or even visiting a prior professors’ office hours.
- Send thank you cards at the end of the semester to professors or others who have made a positive impact on you that semester.
- Seek out a mentor in your field, a networking group, or leadership trainings through your employer.
- Schedule time weekly or monthly to post on LinkedIn (or other relevant site related to your field).
Myths About Networking
Myth: Networking only happens in a certain setting such as an employer information session or a career fair. You should only network if you are looking for a job or internship.
Truth: Networking can happen anywhere (in class, at the gym, on the street, while volunteering etc.) Even though there are common settings where networking takes place, it isn’t limited to a specific place because it’s about talking to and connecting with people and that can happen anywhere. Networking isn’t just about finding a job or internship, it is used as way to learn new things, share your ideas, gain feedback or help you accomplish tasks. Take advantage of group work, office hours and volunteering. Make the most out of your everyday encounters! Catching up with family and friends over break can lead to job and internship leads for example. Visiting office hours lets the professor know that you are interested in the course and the topic area; they might connect you with colleagues and opportunities that you wouldn’t know about otherwise.
Myth: Networking seems selfish. I feel like I have nothing of value to offer the other person in return.
Truth: Never underestimate how you can contribute to a relationship. Share your experiences. As a college student, you possess a unique viewpoint, and you bring valuable knowledge to the interaction. Get to know your skills and values to become confident in what you have to offer. Make mutually beneficial introductions. Maybe you can connect the person with your student group or class in some meaningful way. See if you can help solve any problems for the person you are connecting with. Maybe you can help the person publicize their event or share an opportunity with your friends.
Myth: Introverts are never good at networking. I won’t be good at networking – I’m too shy.
Truth: Introversion is about the energy you expend on a social interaction. Networking is about building 1 on 1 connections, and not necessarily being the most outgoing person in a room full of people. Aiming for authentic, meaningful conversations with a handful of people is more worthwhile than trying to talk to everyone on a more superficial level or putting yourself out there so much that you exhaust yourself. Try focusing on the experience less as a social interaction and more as a learning moment/research project – what are you trying to learn from the other person? What information can you share with them? Treat networking as less of a performance and as more of a mutual fact-finding mission.
Networking Resources
Manage your online presence and jump start your professional networking. Think of your profile as an interactive business card to attract the attention of recruiters, networking contacts, and graduate school admissions.
Informational Interviews
Learn about a career which interests you by meeting or talking with someone who is working professionally or who has completed an internship in that field.
Mentoring@Iowa
Discover mentoring programs available on campus and explore resources to help mentors and mentees make the most out of the mentorship experience.
Networking at Events
Making connections can happen in many places – class, student organizations, work, 1:1 outreach, or at events. Use our tips and resources to thrive in group networking situations.
Templates
It’s normal to feel a little uncomfortable when reaching out to someone new. What do you write in an email or what do you say? Here are some potential examples:
Verbal Introductions
- Hello, my name is _______. I’m a __ year ________ major at the University of Iowa and I noticed you work in ________. I’m interested in possible research opportunities on campus and was wondering if you had time to answer a few questions about any opening you might have in your lab and how your graduate school experience has been?
- Hi, my name is _________. I’m a __ year ________ student and hoping to gain shadowing experiences over the summer in a pediatric dental setting. Are you typically open to hosting shadows? [Yes] Can I take down your email and phone number to follow up with you once I get back to my residence hall? [Yes] Thank you! I plan to email my resume and availability to you by the end of this week. I am glad you attended the _________fair/ networking event name________.
Informational Interview
Hello,
My name is _________ and I’m a first year psychology major at the University of Iowa. I found your email on Handshake and am contacting you to ask for 45 minutes of your time to conduct an informational interview. I’d like to learn more about your organization, and I believe that your expertise could help me gain a greater understanding of what it’s like to be a ___ insert job or position title) ___. Would you be able to meet with me sometime in the next two weeks to answer some questions?
Thank you,
Your Name
For a more formal example, see here.
A note about salutations and closings: Gauge the level of formality based upon the rank of the person you are contacting, their age, and the culture of the field. A good but flexible rule to follow is to err on the side of formality first (example: Dear and using a Title; Sincerely) and then being informal once the person is informal with you (hello, hi, first name only).
A note about titles: For those without a formal title like Dr., Professor, Rev., etc., use Mr., Ms., or Mx. in the work environment. You would not use Mrs. unless the person explicitly tells you they want to be addressed this way.
A note about length: The bigger the ask, the more formal and longer your message will be. For example, a letter of recommendation request or request for a longer, in person informational interview may be longer since you are asking them to provide more of their time.
Write a Professor (schedule office hours, get-to-know you chat, etc.)
- Dear Professor ____________,
My name is __________ and I’m in your _________ lecture/discussion__. I’m reaching out to schedule office hours with you to meet and to discuss the class, especially _____topic/lecture/assignment. Can we schedule a time to meet during your office hours on Friday?
All the best,
Your Name
- Ms. ____________,
My name is __________ and I’m in your class _________ course title___. I have enjoyed having you as an instructor. I’m emailing because I’d like to learn more about your career in _____ industry____ and gain an understanding of the field through your experience. Would you be able to tell me more about your experience, as well as answer some specific questions about (enter topic)?
Kind Regards,
Your Name
Follow up with guest speaker from class
Dear Mr./Ms../Mx. _____________,
My name is ____________ and I heard you speak in my ____________ class recently. I’m reaching out to you because I greatly enjoyed your talk in class and I’d like to know more about your experiences and get advice about _________. Would you be comfortable telling me more about your career and answering some questions over phone/Zoom/email?
Thanks,
Your Name
Ask for a Mentor
Dear Mr./Ms./Mx. _____________,
My name is ____________ and I’m a ___ year ____________ student at the University of Iowa. I’m reaching out because I’m looking to gain more professional experience in my field and am hoping to learn more from someone with a lot of expertise. I know you’ve had some experience with _________________________ and I believe that you would be an excellent mentor.
Would we be able to meet and discuss a potential mentorship?
Sincerely,
Your Name
See more examples for mentoring related to graduate school/research here.
Request for a Reference
- Hello _____________,
I am/was an employee/intern of yours at _____________, I’m reaching out because I’m currently applying for a position at ____________ and I’ve been asked to provide a reference. I feel that you have a positive understanding of my skills, knowledge, and work ethic and I’d like to list you as one of my references on the application. This may mean that the organization will reach out to you in the future over the phone or through email. Would you be comfortable with this, and if so, could I have the preferred contact information to provide?
Thank you,
Your Name
- Hi _____________,
I am/was an employee/intern of yours at _____________, I’m reaching out because I’m currently applying for a position at ____________ and I’ve been asked to provide a reference. I am excited for the opportunity because ____________. It is a good fit for my _________skills and my goals. I feel that you have a positive understanding of my skills, knowledge, and work ethic and I’d like to list you as one of my references on the application. This would require you to fill out a form for me. I’ve attached the job description, my resume, and the expectations and submission directions for the organization. I appreciate your consideration of this request and am available for questions if that helps you make a decision. If you do decide to act as a reference, I would appreciate if the form could be completed by _____.
Best,
Your Name
Request for a Letter of Recommendation
- Dear Ms./Mr./Mx. _________ ,
As a student in the department of sociology, the support from the Center for Inclusive Academic Excellence played a pivotal role in helping me reach my senior year. I am happy to report that I will be walking the stage next May to receive my diploma. For my next steps, I am currently considering earning a Master’s of Social Work from Drake, the University of Iowa, or Mount Mercy.
Today, I am asking you to consider writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf. This program will require a dedication and commitment to my academics and to my professional growth as a competent practitioner. Through my time as an _______Peer Leader, participating in ___student group____ , and working at the ______ front desk, I feel you were able to witness my maturity, organization, and ability to work with others. I also believe you can testify to my personal involvement in my community and with academics.
My application and letters of recommendation are due in ______. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application with you in the near future and whether or not you are willing to be a positive recommender for me.
Thank you for your consideration of this request and for your support during my time at Iowa.
Sincerely,
Name
Name
Program of Study B.A. Candidate
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Email address
Phone Number
- Dear __________,
I hope all is well with you!
I am writing to you to discuss meeting sometime this week or next about letters of recommendation for graduate school. I plan to go into _______________. As I have taken multiple classes with you and you know my work ethic, I was hoping you could speak well on my behalf about my academic potential. If you are willing to discuss your potential as a writer for a letter of recommendation, I can share my program choices with you, my transcript, and a draft of my personal statement during our meeting.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you about times that are open in your schedule.
Best wishes,
Name
Name
Program of Study B.A. Candidate
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Email address
Phone Number
Reach out to a fellow student who has interned at an organization you’re interested in
- Hi _____________,
My name is ____________ and I’m currently interested in learning more about what it’s like to work at ______________. I was doing some research on LinkedIn/Handshake and discovered that you also interned at the same organization. I was looking to learn more about what it’s like to work for ______________ so I can go into the application process with a better understanding. Would you be able to tell me more about your experience and answer a few of my questions?
Regards,
Your Name
- Hello _____________,
My name is ____________ and I’m currently interested in learning more internships in the field of ______________. I was doing some research on LinkedIn/Handshake and discovered that you interned at the _______ in a similar role to what I’m interested in. I am looking to learn more about this so I can continue my search and application process with a better understanding of the field. Would you be able to tell me more about your intern experience and answer a few questions?
All the best,
Your Name
- Hi _____________,
My name is ____________ and I’m one of the interns here at ______________. I’m looking to get to know some of my coworkers and I’d love to meet up with you sometime for lunch/coffee to talk about ways to break into the field of ____________. Would you be interested in meeting with me any Monday, Wednesday, or Friday in the next two weeks?
Kind Regards,
Your Name
LinkedIn Connection Message (300 character limit)
- Hello _____________,
My name is _____________ and I’m a ___ year student studying ______________ at the University of Iowa. I was looking to learn more about the field, and I identified you as an expert in the topic. Is it okay if I send you a few of my questions so I can learn more?
Your Name
- Hello _____________,
My name is _____________ and I’m an intern/employee at ______________. I’m looking to learn more about ______________ and I found your profile while doing some career research. Could I send you a few short questions so you could tell me more about what it’s like to work at the company?
Best,
Your Name
See page 38 of our Career Guide for more examples.
Note: On LinkedIn, you will have better luck with a response if you reach out to an alumni, connection of one of your connections, or a recruiter.
LinkedIn Follow-Up Via Message
Hello ______________,
My name is _____________ and I’m a student at the University of Iowa. I’m messaging you to follow up on the discussion we had yesterday regarding your company and the summer internship. I wanted to connect with you here because I enjoyed our conversation, would like to answer any remaining questions you have, and receive updates on the position when possible.
All the best,
Your Name
Thank You to Supervisor, Mentor, Teacher, etc.
Dear __________,
I am reaching out because I wanted to thank you for your support, time and effort in _____class/in my internship/program____. Your support has helped me become a more knowledgeable and experienced individual in my field, and I appreciate the commitment you put into the experience. A specific time that stands out to me is _______________________.
Without your __________________, my experience would not have been the same. I look forward to staying connected in future semesters/years.
With gratitude,
Your Name
Thank You After a Career Fair
MANGO Connects
MANGO Connects is a free networking tool that helps today’s job seekers write customized networking emails and get face-to-face with their network without the guesswork. MANGO helps make networking easy, effective, and more natural.