Networking can be defined as speaking with people in your field of interest to explore career
options and gather information. It is about initiating, developing and maintaining professional
connections and relationships. As you engage in career exploration and professional
development, networking will be a robust tool for compiling information and understanding
how to market yourself to potential employers.
Networking can take place in any environment, ranging from a train ride to a professional
conference. Likewise, networking encounters may also range from informal dialogues to
structured exchanges. You can even independently arrange networking meetings. The most
common type of networking meeting is an informational interview.
Informational interviewing is often the first step to building a professional network. It provides
an opportunity to have a qualitative exchange one-on-one with a network contact. Unlike a
traditional interview, you are responsible for directing the conversation and asking the
questions. These interviews are particularly useful when you have little awareness about a
career field, limited work experience, or are considering a career transition.
Regardless of the environment or formality of the networking exchange, there are three goals
to keep in mind:
Goal 1: Gather Information
With so many resources available, it is best to engage your networking contact by seeking
information that you cannot find elsewhere. Inquire about their career story and their
experiences in the field and industry. Your questions should come from a place of genuine
interest, and provide you with information that can help facilitate a well-informed career
decision.
Goal 2: Obtain Advice
Seek recommendations on how to prepare for a career in their respective field and tips for
success. Request advice about relevant courses and additional experiences/activities that will
make you more marketable, as well as support for approaching the job/internship search.
Goal 3: Leave a Positive Impression
Prepare for each networking experience by conducting industry and company research,
reviewing your experiences, and articulating your career interests and skills. Having this
knowledge in place will allow you to approach each networking exchange with greater
confidence and lead to more memorable dialogue. Leaving a positive impression may result in
additional contacts and job or internship leads.
Understanding the importance and the value of networking for your career exploration and
professional development is a start, but now begins the task of building and engaging your
network. Although the type of networking may dictate where you start, here are several steps
to help you approach networking:
Step 1: Identify Contacts and Opportunities
Your list of contacts may include a broad range of people, both inside and outside of your
chosen field. Personal referrals are individuals in your current network such as friends, family,
neighbors, co-workers, professors, etc. You can also use your personal network to obtain
names of individuals they know who are employed in your career area of choice. Direct
contacts are those individuals that you identify through professional organizations, employerhosted events, and/or social networking websites.
Also be aware of campus and local events. Conferences, workshops, panels, and information
sessions are some of the most common types of opportunities for networking. These events
happen throughout the year and at a variety of venues, both on-campus and off-campus. The
benefit of these activities is that you may find yourself surrounded by many individuals with
similar career interests. The person seated next to you may have great insight to offer.
Step 2: Initiate Connection
The way you initiate contact will depend on how well you know the person. If this is someone
you speak with regularly, a phone call may be appropriate. For contacts with whom you are
less familiar, consider sending an e-mail as a point of first contact.
Networking correspondence starts with an introduction that identifies who you are and how
you were referred. Then articulate why you are reaching out and what you hope to learn/gain,
such as information about their position, career field, and career story. Be direct in requesting
20–30 minutes of your contact’s time for an exchange. If a face-to-face meeting at their site of
employment is not possible, consider alternate arrangements, such as Skype or telephone.
In the event that you have not heard back from your prospective network contact after two
weeks, send a follow-up e-mail. If your second attempt is also unsuccessful, move on to
additional contacts who may be more receptive to your networking efforts.
If you are attending an event or program, review the program details to ensure you have
followed the appropriate protocol for participation. If an event requires payment, look for a
discounted rate for students. Once your participation is confirmed, review the event itinerary
and make any necessary travel arrangements.
Step 3: Prepare for the Networking Encounter
Before any networking encounter, preparation is a key. Because networking is about
relationship building, it is important to respond to questions asked of you and simultaneously
ask engaging questions of your contact.
Conduct Research - Investigate positions, industries, and organizations that interest you. If you
are attending a networking event, conduct research on the presenter(s) and their
background(s). By conducting research, you will be able to prepare more targeted questions
and consequently obtain more detailed responses.
Develop a Personal Marketing Plan - It is important to be comfortable articulating your skills,
values, and career interests. Consider how your experiences and activities have influenced your
career interests and then plan how you will convey this to networking contacts. Developing a
personal marketing plan that encompasses your research with your experiences will allow you
to better align the way in which you present your experiences in networking situations.
Prepare Potential Questions - Knowing what information or advice you are seeking is essential
in maximizing your time with contacts. Before your meeting, develop a list of 10-15 relevant
questions. Keep in mind that the type of questions you ask may be perceived as an indicator of
your preparation, professionalism, and/or industry knowledge.
Step 4: Conduct the Networking Meeting
On the day of your networking event or meeting, dress appropriately. For face-to-face
encounters, arrive early and to stay within the timeframe you originally specified.
Although the networking exchange will vary, it is best to start a conversation by thanking the
network contact/presenter for their willingness to speak with you. Provide the network contact
with a little background on yourself and why you are interested in speaking with him/her
specifically. You may then refer to your list of prepared questions. Do not feel an obligation to
ask everything on your list, rather let the dialogue progress organically. As time comes to a
close, express appreciation for your contact’s time and contribution to your learning, and
inquire about staying connected.
Step 5: Follow-Up
Like any relationship, it is vital that you maintain contact after the initial interaction. Send a
personalized thank-you note that highlights the value of the meeting within 48 hours. If a
suggestion or referral the network contact provided was helpful, mention this in your note.
Sending a thank-you note to everyone you speak with acknowledges your appreciation and
opens the door to further exchanges.
Because one exchange does not build a relationship, it is important that you consider ways to
maintain your connection. Develop a contact log to track contact name, date, outcome, and
any other important notes. Aim to connect with your contacts on a quarterly basis. Consider
mailing seasonal greeting cards, sending email messages, forwarding interesting industry
news/journal articles, and/or inviting your contacts to an occasional coffee break. Regular
maintenance of your network will help strengthen your professional connection.
Networking is the most effective way to meet leaders in your profession and keep abreast of
major changes in your field. It is important to approach networking with the genuine intention
of learning and connecting, not simply to obtain a position.
Opportunities for Networking (BOXED)
Northwestern University provides a variety of organized campus events to help facilitate your
networking. Here is a list of the most common career-related venues for networking:
• Career Fairs
• Employer Information Sessions
• Industry Panels
• Conferences
• Employer-Organized Site Visits
• Guest Speakers
• Externship Program(s)
 Alumni Events and Resources
Informational Interview Sample Questions (BOXED)
What is your background? Will you discuss your career path with me?
What are the major responsibilities of your position?
If there is such a thing as an average week, what is it like for you?
What are the positive/negative aspects of working in this field?
What type of individual usually succeeds in this field/organization?
What are the “hot issues” in this field?
What trends/developments do you see affecting career opportunities?
How can I become a more competitive candidate for this industry?
What steps would you recommend I take in order to prepare to enter this field?
How are hiring decisions made?
What professional associations do you recommend I join?
Can you recommend anyone else for me to contact?
Professional Introduction (BOXED OR INTEGRATE ABOVE UNDER STEP 3)
The start of any networking conversation, regardless of venue, begins with a professional
introduction. In approximately 30 seconds, your professional introduction should make a
positive impression and engage the listener in continued conversation. An effective
professional introduction has four components:
 Your full name
 Year in school and major
 Your relevant skills, strengths, or experience
 An engaging question
There are a few things to consider as you shape your professional introduction. A professional
introduction is intended to be short, so that you can engage your contact in the conversation
sooner. The brevity of the introduction also lends itself to sounding more genuine. With the
goal of being genuine in mind, you should always consider the person(s) you are engaging, the
details that are relevant to share, and the value and purpose of your inquiry.
Sample 1
Hello, my name is Monica Lee. I am a senior in Communications Studies at Northwestern. This
past quarter, I interned at a sports analytics company focusing on translating data into social
media communications. I was excited to see you were attending the career fair and was hoping
you could share more about how data intersects with communications, both internally and
externally, at your firm.
Sample 2
Hello, my name is Walter Golden. I will be earning a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology
this upcoming June from Northwestern University. A highlight of this program has been my
experience serving as a counselor to at-risk inner city students, where I worked with students in
group and individual settings. After listening to you on this panel, I was hoping you could share
more details about what prepared you to be most effective in your role as a residential
therapist.