You can network anywhere! Most common: LinkedIn, at events, and informational interviews

LinkedIn is a social network. The more you engage with others, the more they are likely to engage with you!  

It's about “who you know” right? So don't overthink it - connect with who you know! You can connect with peers, faculty, current or former coworkers, guest speakers, recruiters, professionals, and alumni. 

• Explore jobs in your field and learn about career paths by viewing profiles of others in your field of interest.

• Network with Temple alumni and build your network.

• Research people, recruiters or professors, before meeting them for interviews.

• Stay on top of current events and updates with employers and your network.

• Share articles or personal insights regarding current topics.

• Share your thoughts and ideas by engaging in conversation.

• Learn new skills with LinkedIn Learning.

• Be vocal about your career goals and your professional development.

Learn more about how to optimize your LinkedIn profile here.  

We recently had a student ask this question, “I hear this blanket term, networking event, all the time. What exactly is a networking event?”  

A very smart panelist answered, “Pretty much every social event you attend in your life.” This was a very accurate answer as students can be networking in class, at the library, during your internship, at a musical or dance performance, a comedy club, and more. You never know who you might meet that could provide information or become a future contact. However, some of the most common places for more formalized networking can include career fairs, employer events, professional organization meetings, conferences, and alumni or work events.  

• Extend a firm handshake to promote a confident and positive demeanor.  
• Maintain proper posture and eye contact.  
• Do not forget to SMILE!  
• Never speak negatively or gossip about others in conversation.  
• Connect via the LinkedIn app!  

• Include a brief introduction about yourself.

• Indicate why you are writing to this individual.

• State your interests or experiences in the person's field, organization or location.

• Why you would like to converse. Be straightforward; tell them you are asking for information and advice. 

• Always include a sentence about how and when you will contact this person again. 

For a list of sample questions to ask during an informational interview click here.  

• Make sure that you are in a location with good service and internet connection.  
• If you have scheduled a phone call, be sure to initiate the conversation at the precise time.  
• Answer with a greeting such as, "Hello, this is Joe Smith.”  
• Avoid distractions and surrounding noises. It is important that both you and the person(s) on the other line can clearly hear and understand what is being said.  
• Do not eat, type, or participate in any other activities while on a call. This includes driving! Offer the individual your complete attention.  
• Talk slowly and clearly to ensure that you are being understood.  
• If meeting on a video conferencing platform, make sure your background is not distracting and you are well lit.
• Always remain professional. Even if you are feeling relaxed and comfortable with the person on the other line, it is important to remember that this is a professional conversation.   

• Make sure you are using a professional email address.  
• Do not use shorthand abbreviations such as "lol", "yo", "u", "you guys,” emojis, or other slang.   
• Make sure that you check all spelling, punctuation, and grammar.  
• Include a salutation, closing, and signature.  
• Review your email prior to sending it and put yourself in the recipient’s shoes. How might they interpret your phrasing?  
• Be mindful of the content you share. Once you have emailed something, it is available for anyone.