The Power of Networking in Modern Day

Alicia Moquin

Associate Director of CDIC

In 2025, networking is more than collecting business cards. It is about building meaningful relationships that can assist in exploring career fields and achieving vocational goals. As students get ready to attend the upcoming Alumni Networking Night on Monday, March 24, we encourage you to prepare by following these tips for success:

Set clear goals for the event. It isn’t always about trying to get a job. Your purpose for attending networking events may vary depending on your needs. Maybe you hope to expand your LinkedIn connections or simply wish to practice your public speaking skills. Or perhaps you hope to gain greater insight into your industry of interest. Regardless of the reason, ensure you know your specific desired outcomes before the event.

Develop your Elevator Pitch. An elevator pitch is a concise 30-second introduction that tells a person who you are, what you currently do, and what you want. This makes breaking the ice and starting a great conversation extremely easy.

Prepare thoughtful questions in advance that will assist you in achieving the goals you have set for the evening. You can ask the Alumni questions about their career experiences, trends they are seeing in their industry, challenges their industry may be facing, or even their hobbies and interests. Focus on listening to their response. Your attentiveness will impress them every time.

Follow networking etiquette and best practices. Dress professionally and maintain a positive and approachable demeanor. Express appreciation for each conversation and any insight shared. Follow up with contacts by sending a personalized email or LinkedIn message.

Nurture new connections with genuine interest. Make it a habit to periodically check in with new contacts to stay connected. You might engage with their social media posts by commenting thoughtfully or sharing their content, or maybe you invite them for coffee. Remember personal details they’ve shared and follow up on them in future interactions to show you were actively listening.

Alumni Networking Night is more than just an event. It’s a gateway to your future career success. You can transform this opportunity into a lasting professional relationship by preparing thoughtfully, engaging authentically, and following up diligently. Every conversation is a chance to learn, grow, explore, and potentially shape your career path. Embrace the power of networking and let it propel you toward your career goals.

If you would like assistance with preparing for this event, please schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor on Handshake.