Networking: Helping Students Build Connections with Purpose
Many students hear the word “networking” and think it means being pushy or having all the answers. Faculty and staff can reframe networking as a natural way to learn, build relationships, and discover opportunities, especially through curiosity and conversation.
Key Messages to Share with Students
Networking is about learning, not asking for a job
It’s a chance to hear real stories and gain insight into industries, roles, and pathways.
It’s Okay to Start Small
Reaching out to one alum, talking to a guest speaker, or introducing oneself at an event all count.
Relationships Matter
Most opportunities come through people, not job boards. Building connections early opens doors later.
Tips for Talking with Students
- Frame it as curiosity: Ask students what they’re curious to learn more about—then help them think of who might know more.
- Demystify informational interviews: These are low-pressure conversations focused on listening and asking questions.
- Reinforce that it’s normal to feel awkward: Remind students that professionals want to help and were once students too.
Leverage Your Own Network
As a faculty or staff member, you may know professionals, alumni, graduate students, or colleagues working in a variety of industries. A small gesture from you, like offering a contact or making a warm introduction, can have a lasting impact on a student’s confidence and career development.
How You Can Help
- Share a connection: If you know someone working in a field a student is interested in, offer to make an introduction.
- Offer to write an introductory email: A short note that frames the connection and introduces the student makes the first step much easier.
- Model professional outreach: By helping students draft a message or sharing how you’ve maintained your own connections, you help them build confidence and skills.
- Talk about your own path: Sharing your career journey, or the people who helped you along the way, reinforces the value of relationships in professional life.
Sample Language for an Introductory Email
Hi [Contact Name],
I wanted to introduce you to [Student Name], a current [year/major] at [Institution] who is exploring careers in [field]. They’re curious to learn more about your work and career path. If you’re open to a short conversation, I know they’d be grateful for your insights.
I’ll let you two take it from here!
Sample Conversation Starters
- “Is there anyone working in your field of interest that you’d want to learn from?”
- “Would it help to talk with someone who’s been in your shoes before, like a recent alum?”
- “Have you thought about doing an informational interview? It’s a great way to learn without pressure.”
- “A lot of opportunities come from connections, want help figuring out where to start?”
Campus Resources to Share
Point students to helpful Career Edge resources, such as the Networking resource page. See below for more details.
Help students connect with alumni by major, industry, location, or job title. These tools are especially helpful for informational interviews and learning about real career paths.
St. Thomas Connect offers a built-in network of alumni who have opted in to help students, making outreach feel more approachable.
LinkedIn: Students can search the university’s alumni page to explore common career paths and reach out to alumni directly.
These are low-pressure opportunities to meet professionals, hear about their experiences, and practice asking questions. Many events feature alumni who are eager to support students. Keep track of opportunities in Handshake!
Step-by-step support on how to reach out, what to ask, and how to follow up. These guides are designed to help students feel more confident and prepared.
Informational Interviewing – University of St. Thomas | Career Development Center
Informational Interview – Questions to Ask – University of St. Thomas | Career Development Center