When you think about “networking,” what comes to mind? Do you envision swapping business cards at an industry conference? Forging connections on a digital platform like LinkedIn? While networking certainly could manifest in these ways, there is no need to wait until after you are working in your chosen field to start building those kinds of connections.
In fact, graduating from college with an extensive academic network could prove just as important as earning a degree that helps further your knowledge and skill set in a particular area. As the phrase goes, “It is not about what you know, but who you know.”
For students pursuing a higher education who already bear a heavy course load and other responsibilities on their plates, finding the time (and energy) to network might seem daunting. However, with some practical networking tips for college students in mind, it is entirely possible to build a solid academic network before you even complete your degree program.
An In-Depth Look at Academic Networking
How does academic networking differ from professional networking — and why is it a critical part of the college experience?
The Importance of Building a Strong Academic Network
A strong academic network is typically not built overnight, but taking time to grow your academic network may be valuable throughout your years in school. While your network alone does not guarantee you a job or specific opportunity in your field, having connections could improve your access to certain opportunities like internships or mentorships.
Meanwhile, investing in your academic network could be an excellent way to sharpen the skills you may need to build a professional network in your chosen industry down the road. By sharpening such networking skills (such as communication and interpersonal abilities) along with your sense of self-confidence now, you could have an easier time making connections as a working professional later on.
How Academic Networking Differs From Professional Networking
Is all networking the same? Not exactly. While both academic and professional networking have similar benefits, they differ notably in their overall focus and goals.
Academic networking refers to connections that are formed within an area of study. Often, this type of networking occurs between peers in a classroom or degree program, instructors, professors, and other scholars. The goal of academic networking is to share field-specific knowledge and advance areas of study — although connections may extend into students’ professional lives as well.
Professional networking, on the other hand, typically occurs among those who are already working in a chosen field and entails building connections with other industry experts and/or mentors. With this in mind, engaging in professional networking often means attending industry events (like trade shows and/or conferences), joining professional associations, and simply interacting with coworkers. Ultimately, this type of networking is done not necessarily to advance research or share knowledge but rather to uncover new career opportunities or gain career guidance.
Preparing to Network in an Academic Setting
If you are like many college students, it is likely that you already have plenty on your plate. In addition to taking college courses toward your degree, you might be working a part- or full-time job. Some students have even further responsibilities, like caring for a family. So, how do you add “building an academic network” to your to-do list?
Identifying Your Goals
First, consider what you might hope to get out of your networking efforts, both academically and professionally. For example, if you are in the middle of your degree program, you might be interested in making connections that could lead to research collaborations, enabling you to contribute meaningful knowledge to your chosen field.
If you are nearing graduation, however, you may be seeking mentorship or dedicated advice on how to launch your career. Either way, having a general idea of what you want to get out of your networking experience could help you move forward accordingly.
Tools and Resources Needed for Effective Networking
Next, consider which tools and resources may be the most useful in achieving your goals. Many students enjoy using digital platforms, such as LinkedIn, for connecting with other students and peers in their fields. This free platform serves as a professional social network, offering a space to share your ideas and forge flourishing connections regardless of your geographical location.
Some other potentially valuable resources for busy students interested in building an academic network include:
- Academic conferences and workshops
- School alumni networks
- Special campus events (like career fairs and guest speaker presentations)
- Professional associations
Step-by-Step Guide to Academic Networking
As you prepare to put yourself out there and start building academic connections, below are a few practical tips and best practices that could be worth considering.
Step 1: Research and Identify Key Contacts
Start by doing some proactive research and pinpointing potential connections that may be meaningful to you. This could include anybody from a professor with years of experience in a niche of your interest, a contributor to your favorite publication, or even a peer with whom you have a lot in common. Once you have narrowed down some key contacts and studied their work, you may be able to move on to the next step with at least a few of them.
Step 2: Attend Academic and Social Events
One ideal way to potentially connect with others in your academic circle is by attending special events. This could include workshops, presentations, conferences, or special guest speakers on your campus. Along with social events on your school campus, you might also explore opportunities to network digitally (e.g., virtual conferences and networking platforms like LinkedIn).
If you are unable to meet with your key contacts at an on-campus event or elsewhere, do not underestimate the power of reaching out to them in another capacity — be it via email or in person.
Step 3: Engage With Professors During Office Hours
During your time in school, instructors may hold office hours on a weekly basis. Usually, these are shared with students at the beginning of the term, with set dates and times each week when students are able to drop in and meet with their professors.
These office hours may offer an optimal opportunity not just to ask for clarification or guidance on class concepts but also to get to know your professors and connect with them outside the classroom. You may attend your professors’ office hours regularly or schedule other meetings if their office hour times do not work for your needs.
Step 4: Connect With Peers and Join Study Groups
Looking for a way to spark more connections with your immediate peers and classmates? You may want to explore options for joining (or forming) a study group on campus or virtually. These kinds of peer groups could allow you to network with others while exchanging valuable insights and information relevant to your discipline or courses.
Step 5: Utilize Social Media and Online Platforms
Today, online platforms make it more feasible for students to connect with peers and professionals in their chosen field. Specifically, social media sites like LinkedIn empower users to connect from across the globe — expanding your potential reach beyond your own campus. For instance, you could search for students who are studying the same subject as you in different schools across the country. You might be surprised at how many other peers within your discipline are also looking for academic connections for research collaborations and other opportunities.
Nurturing Your Academic Connections
Establishing an academic network is something to be proud of, but it is also just the beginning. In order to keep reaping the benefits of your network, you may need to put in some additional work to nurture and maintain your connections.
Following Up After Initial Contact
Remember that there is much more to maintaining your connections than making those initial contacts. Simply adding a new connection on LinkedIn, for example, would likely not lead to much if you do not reach out and follow up with them as well. Even sending a quick message to introduce yourself and find some mutual ground could make all the difference. If you exchange contact information with a fellow student in your class, be proactive about keeping in touch or scheduling a study session together.
Maintaining Relationships Over Time
Like a garden, your academic network may yield the best results when it is carefully tended to over time. This typically means not only establishing those initial connections and following up when you need something; it also may entail nurturing those relationships throughout your entire time in school (and beyond). A brief check-in or an invitation to grab coffee could be enough to keep an academic relationship going strong — so do not shy away from reaching out.
Explore the Center for Innovation and Career Development.
Building a solid academic network while in school may both set you up for professional networking in your career as well as help you make the most of your college experience. With the above networking tips for college students in mind, you may feel empowered to put yourself out there and start building meaningful connections with your peers, professors, and other professionals in your chosen field.
At Post University, we are proud to offer our students a wide range of experiential, academic, and social opportunities. This includes our Center for Innovation and Career Development, which aims to help students make informed career decisions with dedicated, complimentary resources and support. Get in touch today to learn more, or take the next step by exploring our many program options before applying.
