4 ways to feel more confident when networking

Valerie Padilla — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:25:17 +0000

4 ways to feel more confident when networking Valerie Padilla Wed, 02/26/2025 - 08:25

Career Services

Networking events, like career fairs, are valuable opportunities to connect with professionals and gain exposure for your job or internship search. However, feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by the idea of striking up conversations with employers is completely normal. Fortunately, a little preparation can help you feel more at ease. Use these strategies and tips to help you approach networking confidently and authentically and to make the most of every opportunity.

Do your research

Familiarizing yourself with the employers in advance can help you feel more comfortable and turn what might feel like a conversation with a stranger into a more meaningful interaction. Use your Handshake account to review the list of employers attending the fair and compile a list of who you’d like to speak with. Research their company’s products, services and recent news. You’ll also want to research the size, location, history, culture and mission to see if and why you would want to work with their company as well as how your skills could add value to their team.

Take your research a step further by using LinkedIn to look up specific attendees and learn about their roles. New employers are added daily to the list, so check the Handshake career fair page regularly to see who will attend each event.

Prepare talking points

When you talk with a professional representing a particular company, ask thoughtful, open-ended questions that demonstrate your knowledge and interest. Asking intentional questions can also help you better understand whether you want to pursue their potential career or internship opportunities. Consider asking about:

Company culture

What makes you proud to work for this company?
What is the difference in how this organization operates compared to other places you have worked?
How does the organization promote team building and a positive internal culture?

Career development

Do you think your career path is typical of others in similar positions?
What are the opportunities for advancement in this field?
What job search strategies do you recommend for a college student interested in your organization or field?

Job responsibilities

What tasks and responsibilities do you have in a typical day?
What do you spend most of your time doing at work?
What is your favorite part of your job?

Work environment

How and when do employees provide each other with feedback?
What is your work-life balance like?
How do managers motivate employees after successes and failures?

Required experience

How did your education prepare you for your job?
What classes or programs would you recommend taking to pursue this career path?
What advice do you wish you had gotten in college?

Stay in touch

Remember, employers meet with many students at fairs and networking events, so focus on making a lasting impression and building rapport. It’s important to keep the conversation going by following up. If you receive contact information, send an email thanking them for their time. Reintroduce yourself, reference specific points from your chat and express interest in the next steps.

Quick tip: At in-person career fairs, each employer will have a QR code at their table. Scanning it allows them to view your Handshake profile, download your resume and message you after the fair.

Gain experience

One of the best ways to gain confidence in networking is through experience. Career Services offers a variety of workshops and events you can attend to refine and practice your networking skills. Check out a few of these upcoming events:

First-Gen Career Networking Night | March 6
Virtual All Industires Career and Internship Fair | March 12
Careers in Your Backyard Networking Night: Spotlight on ��Vlog�ƽ��'s Outdoor, Recreation and Tourism Industries | March 13
Just In Time All Industries Career and Internship Fair | April 1
Queer in Career: Virtual Employer Panel | April 8
Navigating Careers: Arab-American Perspectives | April 10

Career Services provides numerous tools to support you wherever you are on your journey. For more networking tips, meet with a career advisor or schedule a mock interview.

Networking events, like career fairs, are valuable opportunities to connect with professionals and gain exposure for your job or internship search. Use these strategies and tips to help you approach networking confidently and authentically and to make the most of every opportunity.

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Career Development

4 ways to feel more confident when networking

Do your research

Prepare talking points

Stay in touch

Gain experience

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