Learn how to professionally network as a new graduate to help increase your chances of employment in your chosen field.

2. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING AS A
NEW GRADUATE

3. Professional Networking as a New Graduate
“It’s who you know, not what you know”
Professional networking can be one of the most powerful
resources.
It has the ability to set you apart from the competition and
provide access to:
• potential employers
• internal job postings
• hidden job postings
• job referrals

4. 8 Student Networking Best Practices
Don’t wait until you graduate to start networking. It’s essential to start
networking as soon as you’ve found a field of interest.

5. Professors and faculty members are professionals with
years of experience. They can provide a gateway to the
industry, advice about the field, and give you potential
referrals.
Colleagues and peers can help to acquire trade information
and act as sources of shared data. Next time, get to class
early and go up and speak to them.
1. Connect with professors, faculty
members, and peers.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

6. Scope out the companies and research some key people
attending the event. It will make it easier to break the ice if
you prepare material to talk about and find shared interests.
Google their name, find interesting information, study their
LinkedIn profile. Where did they go to school? What
organizations have they previously worked for? Are they part
of any associations or clubs? What are their hobbies?
2. Networking events.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

7. Clubs and groups can provide the opportunity to socialize,
manage contacts, and build professional relationships.
Being part of a group setting can teach you key leadership
and communication skills, and depicts you as a key team
player.
3. Join professional groups and career
networking events at school - participate and
share ideas.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

8. Introduce yourself, listen, share ideas, and build meaningful
relationships.
Remember networking can only take place through mutual
support, you shouldn’t be holding the weight of the entire
conversation. If they don’t seem interested, don’t take it
personally. Move on to the next person.
4. Network with field professionals at events.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

9. Be creative, memorable, and authentic.
The relationship should be based upon trust, respect, and
open communication. It takes shared effort and time. Leave
a good impression and initiate follow-up.
NOTE - Don’t forget to ask them their preferred method of
communication.
5. Build a relationship.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

10. Connect on LinkedIn. Ensure you attach a small note
mentioning your conversation and how great it was to meet
them.
6. Stay in touch.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

11. This gives you the chance to socialize and build
relationships with individuals coming from all walks of life.
You never know who you may come across.
7. Get involved in your community and
volunteer your time.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

12. Often, when we think professional networking, we forget
about the people closest to us that would be more than
happy to help us – family, friends, neighbours, and
acquaintances.
Connect with them, let them know about your prospective
career goals, ask for professional advice, and add them as a
friend to your LinkedIn account.
8. Don’t forget your personal network.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

13. 7 Ways to Navigate Your Network

14. This will provide you with a sense of direction with your
employment strategy. Who do you want to connect with and
why? Focus on the field of interest, concentrating your
research on key organizations and people.
1. Create Networking Goals.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

15. Add personal blog posts relevant to your prospective field
and previous work experience. Join online forums,
professional clubs and associations, and organizations that
you are interested in.
Ask your current network to write you recommendations and
refer you to their networks on LinkedIn.
2. Perfect your social media accounts and
have them job ready.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

16. Gather your network and acquire their help in the job
search. Let them know of your employment goals and what
you’re looking to do. Ask them to keep an eye out for any
employment opportunities as well as any suggestions on
how to connect with the employers or professionals from the
field.
3. Connect and enlist the help of your existing
network.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

17. Join relevant clubs and association. These organizations
tend to have specific affiliations with companies and, as a
member, you will also have special access to their network.
It will give you an opportunity to easily connect with other
industry professionals and a higher probability of getting
noticed.
4. Join professional associations and
networks relevant to your field.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

18. These are ultimately the best places to market yourself!
Put yourself out there, volunteer to be a key speaker, help
organize the event - it becomes easier to network with
people if they already know who you are.
5. Attend conferences, networking and
industry events, and recruitment fairs.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

19. Enlist the help of someone in your network that you have a
strong relationship with, essentially acquiring their expertise
on how to enter the field, join the right organizations, and
people to connect with.
NOTE - Be mindful that this relationship is made up of
mutual support.
6. Find yourself a mentor.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

20. Get your foot in the door and give the employers the ability
to envision and experience you as part of their team.
With added benefits such as networking, you can also add
learning new skill sets and organizational procedures to
your employment history.
NOTE - If there is no position open in your department,
there may be another department that you could be referred
to.
7. Consider an internship.
Professional Networking as a New Graduate

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22. THANK YOU!