5 Ways to Network at University
Whether you're in your first year, second or final year, building your professional network is one of the smartest things you can do for your career. And no, it's not too early to start.
You've probably heard the saying "it's not what you know, but who you know." While your skills and knowledge absolutely matter, having genuine connections in your future industry opens doors. Think of networking as building relationships, not just collecting LinkedIn connections and not utilising them.
Here are five practical ways to start networking at university.
Build relationships with your lecturers
Your lecturers aren't just teachers - they're experts with years of industry experience and connections you can learn from.
Industry connections
Many lecturers are still very connected to their industry, which means they have contacts. Let them know what you're interested in pursuing. They might know someone who's hiring, or they could make an introduction that leads somewhere unexpected.
Dissertation tutors
One of your lecturers will likely become your dissertation tutor in your final year. Building a good relationship early means you'll have someone who knows your strengths and can provide better guidance.
Visit your careers advisors
Careers advisors exist to help you make informed decisions about your future. They can support you with finding relevant work experience, suggesting career paths you hadn't considered, providing application tips, reviewing your CV, and offering training resources.
They're also connected to broader networks. If they can't help directly, they often know someone who can.
Attend Networking Events
The more events you attend, the more familiar your face becomes. Consistency matters. Here are some opportunities worth exploring:
Freshers' and career fairs - meet employers and get your name out there early
Guest speaker events - stick around for the reception afterwards to chat with industry professionals
Alumni events - connect with graduates who've been where you are
Student societies - they host events, collaborate with other groups, and bring in guest speakers
Virtual events - panel talks and seminars with networking opportunities built in
Check your university's social media and careers office regularly for updates on upcoming events.
Create a LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is so much more than a social networking site; it’s where professional opportunities happen. Every company, big or small, has a presence there, and you can use it to follow organisations, discover what they're working on, sign up for industry events, and see job postings as soon as they go live.
Don’t just create a profile, engage with content by commenting on posts and sharing insights. It shows you're interested and helps you stay visible.
We have a full guide on making the most of LinkedIn here…
Talk to everyone
Your friends, coursemates, people you meet at societies - they're all part of your network. You never know where these connections might lead.
A friend might land a placement at a company that's now looking for another student. A coursemate could end up working somewhere you'd love to be. Relationships are how opportunities surface, often when you least expect them.
The absolute do-nots of networking
The tips above will help you make strong impressions, but it's just as important to know what not to do. Here's how to avoid common networking mistakes:
Don't treat it like a numbers game. Quality beats quantity. If you're just collecting contacts without building genuine connections, people will notice - and they won't want to help you.
Don't overdo it at events. Many networking events include drinks. Keep it professional. The people you meet will remember you, and you want it to be for the right reasons.
Don't expect instant results. Building a network takes time. It's unrealistic to think people will immediately offer you opportunities. Check in occasionally, show genuine interest in their work, and let relationships develop naturally.
Don't pester your contacts. There's a difference between staying in touch and being annoying. Constantly messaging will make things awkward fast, and you might find yourself ignored or blocked.
Networking doesn't have to feel forced or intimidating. It's simply about being intentional with the connections you make and nurturing them over time. Whether you're chatting with a lecturer after class, attending a society event, or engaging with someone's post on LinkedIn, every interaction is an opportunity.
Your future self will thank you for it.
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