5 Tips For Networking Better At University 

Since day one in university, we are told to talk with others and understand the world. While many times such suggestions have been part of casual conversations, these suggestions are very fundamental to the success of our future self. Networking, if I may use the more technical term for socializing, is imperative for ensuring that you are very well-connected to the web – the web of students, professors, professionals, and other stakeholders in academics and beyond. You cannot be a part of this web just by merely associating with a university; you have to actively engage yourself.

Regardless of your general proclivity towards people, you will have to talk and connect. How to do that? Well, I may have a few simple suggestions to offer. These are not out-of-the-world tips and have been reiterated over and over in several articles across the Internet world. But, the more you read about them, the more (perhaps) you will consider them seriously.

Here are 5 tips to improve your networking skills in university.

1. Participate in clubs, etc
   It is quite likely that your university manages many clubs or committees to cater to the interests of students. Many universities across the globe provide substantial financial help to these clubs or committees such as those in the United States and Japan. These associations serve as fertile ground for acquainting oneself with one’s juniors, peers, and seniors. It offers you a propelling foundation to kick-start your networking plans systematically. Assess your interests, join a club, and participate. With your regular involvement in daily club activities, you will learn myriad skills and gather information about those around you and how they might help you.

2. Connect online
   I don’t want to put it this way but I have no choice: online presence determines the strength of your network. This is the 21st century; you will end up getting connected to the alumni network, local club network, classroom network, professional network, etc. There are websites such as LinkedIn that have been crafted to ensure that you can expand your horizons and connect to the big names in and outside your university. Social media exposes you and your credentials to the world, and you must be on it to ensure that the world knows that you are here. For example, on LinkedIn, you might want to engage in discussion on the comment thread on any topic raised by an influential person.

3. It is okay to talk first
   Many times we miss out because we fail to make the first move. We feel that we might end up appearing desperate for conversations if we took the initiative. Well, if you want to know someone, you will have to talk. It doesn’t matter that the other side is not approaching you; you can do that instead. Go ahead, offer a handshake, and strike a conversation. Or, simply say ‘Hi’, and that in itself will break the ice. The point is to not push yourself into oblivion by awaiting the first move from the other side. We are all busybodies in one way or another; give the other person some slack and do what you expected him to do.

4. Talk to your professors
   Your professors are people with a great deal of experience and connections. You should try to stay on their right side. They have come a long way; they know a lot of people in academia and industry who can offer you assistance whenever you need it. That being said, do not expect easy help from your teachers if you have nothing to offer back in terms of performance and respect. You have to stand out and show your interest in building a strong relationship with them. You can do a number of things to ensure that: engage in discussions with them, write papers with them, participate during their lectures, and whatnot.

5. Stay in touch
   This is very important. It is one thing having a lot of connections, and another to maintain them. Just like you have a lot of contacts the others have that too. You should ensure that they remember you, and there are ways to go about it. All you need to do is to wish them on celebratory occasions or call them whenever you find the time. Of course, you cannot cater to each and every contact on your phone so you might want to filter in the ones which have been or could be most helpful to you.