The Art of Networking: Building Connections That Matter at University

University is more than just lectures, essays, and exams—it’s also a prime opportunity to start building your professional network. Whether you’re aiming to break into a particular industry or simply want to explore future career options, networking is an essential skill that can open doors and create lasting connections. At Cardiff University, you have plenty of opportunities to build your network. Here’s how to do it effectively.

1. Why Networking Matters

Networking is often misunderstood as being about who you know, but it’s more about creating meaningful connections and building relationships over time. These relationships can offer guidance, advice, and support as you progress through university and into your career. More importantly, networking can help you tap into opportunities that may not be advertised elsewhere—such as internships, job offers, and collaborations.

By starting early, you can build a foundation of contacts who can provide insights into industries, share opportunities, and offer mentorship when you need it most.

2. Start Within Your University

The first and easiest place to begin networking is with your peers and lecturers. Your classmates may seem like friendly faces now, but in a few years, they could be working in industries you’re interested in. Building strong connections with your coursemates means you’re supporting each other from the very start.

Lecturers and tutors are also invaluable contacts. Don’t just attend lectures—engage with your professors by asking questions and seeking advice. They have years of experience and often have industry connections that can benefit you. If you demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject and maintain a good relationship, they might even recommend you for internships or research positions.

3. Take Advantage of University Events

Cardiff University frequently hosts career fairs, guest lectures, and industry networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet professionals in your field and get a foot in the door. When attending these events, don’t just collect business cards or LinkedIn connections—aim to have meaningful conversations. Ask about their career paths, the skills they’ve found most valuable, and any advice they have for someone entering the field.

It’s worth preparing a few thoughtful questions beforehand so you can engage confidently and leave a lasting impression. Follow up after the event with a polite email or LinkedIn message thanking them for their time, and perhaps referencing something specific from your conversation.

4. Join Clubs and Societies

Cardiff University has a wide range of clubs and societies that cover both academic and social interests. Joining a society related to your field of study can help you connect with like-minded people who share your career goals. For instance, if you’re interested in business, joining the Entrepreneurship Society or the Cardiff Business Society can be a great way to meet fellow students who are passionate about the same industry.

Even clubs that seem more social in nature can lead to unexpected networking opportunities. Meeting people from different faculties and backgrounds can broaden your network in ways you might not expect. You never know who you’ll meet or where those connections could take you in the future.

5. Utilise LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an essential tool for building your professional network while still at university. Set up a profile if you haven’t already, and make sure it’s complete with your education, experience, skills, and a professional photo. Connect with classmates, lecturers, and people you meet at university events.

But don’t just stop at collecting connections. Engage with your network by posting updates, sharing articles relevant to your field, and commenting on others’ posts. Networking is as much about nurturing relationships as it is about establishing them, and LinkedIn is a perfect platform to maintain those connections over time.

6. Seek Out Mentorship

Finding a mentor can be a huge asset to your networking journey. A mentor is someone more experienced in your field who can offer advice, share their knowledge, and guide you through decisions related to your studies or career. Cardiff University offers various mentorship programmes, where you can be paired with alumni or industry professionals.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you admire, either in person or on LinkedIn, and ask if they’d be willing to meet for a coffee or chat about their career. The worst they can say is no, but many professionals are happy to give advice to students and young professionals who show genuine interest.

7. Stay Authentic

One of the most important aspects of networking is staying authentic. Networking isn’t about using people to get ahead—it’s about building relationships based on mutual respect and interest. Be yourself, show genuine curiosity in others, and avoid being transactional in your approach.

When you’re authentic, people are more likely to want to help you and stay connected. Networking shouldn’t feel forced or superficial, so focus on quality connections rather than quantity.

8. Follow Up and Stay in Touch

Building a network doesn’t end once you’ve made an initial connection. It’s important to follow up and maintain the relationships you’ve formed. If you meet someone at an event, send a message afterwards thanking them for their time and mentioning something from your conversation. Keep in touch periodically—whether it’s by sending a holiday greeting, sharing an article you think they’d find interesting, or asking for advice on a particular issue.

Regularly nurturing your connections means that when you eventually need help—whether that’s a reference, advice, or a job recommendation—you’ll already have an established relationship in place.

Finally….

Networking at university is all about building genuine, lasting connections that will benefit you throughout your career. By starting with your classmates, lecturers, and university events, and expanding your network online and through mentorships, you can create a strong foundation for your future. The key to successful networking is authenticity, persistence, and a genuine interest in the people you meet. Remember, it’s not just about what others can do for you—it’s also about what you can offer in return.