Networking
Networking is intentionally making connections with people to learn about different industries or careers and meet people who can hire you! Here are a few ways you can create new contacts and look for ways to get involved. Use this search tracker to organize who you talk to and potential positions of interest.
Ways to network
Connect with CU Boulder alumni
There are more than 250,000 CU Boulder alumni. The odds are good that someone works in an industry you’re interested in! You can connect with CU Boulder alumni and other students on the Forever Buffs Network. Once you create an account, you can network or set up informational interviews with alumni to learn more about jobs or industries you’re interested in. Additionally, the Alumni Association has a variety of CU Alumni groups, including one on LinkedIn. Connect with alumni over your shared experiences on campus and start connecting with those who can help you.
Get involved with a student group
Look for groups or clubs that align with your interests and get connected to CU student organizations. You can also explore the programs, services and resources around campus.
Join a professional organization
These are groups of like-minded professionals in one field or industry. Think of them as adult student groups. Professional associations are great for industry information, networking and job postings. JobStars.com is a great place to start.
Connect on Handshake
Handshake is a comprehensive online career resource for CU Boulder students and alumni. Log in to Handshake connect with more than 180,000 organizations.
Attend a Career Services event
Career Services hosts job and internship fairs every year, connecting employers with CU Boulder talent. Our fairs bring employers from many different industries including government, nonprofit, startups and worldwide operations. These organizations want to meet CU Boulder students and alumni interested in internships and jobs. You can also come just to learn more about their companies.
Best practices for networking
While a referral or an introduction can be great, at the end of the day it's all about you grabbing life by the horns and saying, "This is who I am and this is what I do."
When we're networking, we're often so focused on sharing that we might not take the time to really listen to the other person. This is essential for building strong relationships – it shows that we're interested in what the other person has to say and that we're paying attention.
Approaching a big or small group can be intimidating. With the right approach, you can join an existing conversation or start your own successfully.
Tell your story--not the story you think everyone wants to hear. That's how you stand out, I promise.
Open yourself up to other people and connect in an emotional way. Share your goals, share your aspirations, share your hopes and dreams and what challenges you're currently facing--and then let them do the same.
Keep informed with current trends within your field of interest, your industry and your organization. Research and come with informational talking points.
Having a specific goal in mind will allow you to prepare effectively and keep you focused during networking events. It will make your conversations less ambiguous and lead to better alignment with your connections.
If you want to make a lasting impression, you need to take the time to follow up with the people you meet. So how do you follow up effectively? First, send a personalized email or LinkedIn message within 24 hours of meeting someone. This shows that you're interested in keeping in touch and will help them remember you.