1. Networking Approaches
Your family, friends, and their friends
School alumni databases
Colleagues, bosses, and friends from internships
Students or friends of professors and mentors
Daily networking events organized by official school organizations and clubs
Industry lectures, Open Day events, case competitions, etc.
2. How to Use LinkedIn for Networking?
Step 1: Complete Your Profile
A professional photo + basic education and work/internship experience—never leave it blank. Think about it: when you receive a connection request from someone with a completely empty profile versus someone with a complete profile, photo, and work history, which are you more likely to accept?
Step 2: Add Connections
You can search and add classmates, friends, colleagues, alumni you know. Beyond these, you can add their friends or colleagues. LinkedIn shows how many mutual connections you share—more mutual connections make it easier for others to accept your request.
Of course, there are many HR people from companies on LinkedIn; you can add them directly too. Also, LinkedIn has groups—joining alumni groups and similar will greatly expand your network.
3. How to Write a Cold Email?
Whether through an alumni database or LinkedIn, once you get someone’s email address, it’s time to send them a message.
After introducing yourself, briefly mention how you got their contact. If recommended by a professor or mutual friend, be sure to name-drop them—this can significantly boost your chances of a reply.
Don’t be overly explicit about wanting an internship or job. Focus on your interest in the industry or field. You can also mention what you know about them, your interest in their company and role, and include any insightful observations you might have.
Finally, politely ask if you could chat on the phone or grab a coffee. Remember, brevity is key—avoid long emails. Include your resume as an attachment to help them understand you better.
4. What to Talk About on the Phone?
If networking over the phone, aim to keep it around 20 minutes—not too long.
Introduce yourself within 2–3 minutes, covering your background and internships. Especially explain why you’re interested in their company or role.
During the conversation, avoid closed-ended questions. Let it flow naturally, like two friends chatting. Don’t just talk about work—touch on topics they enjoy, like sports, weather, fashion, or even light gossip.
Also show genuine interest in them: ask what they like most about their job, what they dislike or would change, and how they balance work and life.
Finally, ask if they have any questions for you. A pleasant chat is built on mutual respect and a two-way exchange. Approach it with a friendship mindset—get to know them, respect them, and build a relationship.
Remember, people are willing to connect when they see what you can offer them. Don’t reveal too early how much you need their help—it may backfire.
5. How to Chat During Coffee Chats?
A coffee chat isn’t just casual coffee talk—it’s more like a “pre-interview.” Every detail matters and can open doors to top companies.
Showcase your strengths during the conversation. In networking, a short but impressive self-introduction adds huge points. Clearly tell them who you are, what you’re researching, what you excel at, and what you want to do after graduation—this helps them remember you quickly.
Go beyond just name, school, and major. Make insightful comments about the company’s recent activities or share unique perspectives. This leaves a stronger impression and shows you’ve done your homework.
If the company has an opening and you express interest, they’ll often voluntarily offer to help. If there’s no opening, you’ll still get your name out there, building familiarity for future opportunities.
Of course, if they don’t give clear signals, be more proactive. For example, say, “This chat has been really helpful. I’m very interested in XXX—could you take a look at my resume?”
Avoid spending the whole time complaining about how lost you feel—it wastes time and leaves them confused. Prepare thoughtful, quality questions to leave a good impression.
6. Always Follow Up!
After a meeting or phone call, always send a thank-you email to show appreciation for their time. Follow up within 24 hours if possible. Mention key points from your conversation, like, “Thanks to our chat, I now have a deeper understanding of XXX.” Specific thank-you notes build goodwill. Essentially, let them know they truly helped you, and their time was well spent.
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