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StudyCorgi Blog College & Career
The Ultimate Guide to Networking: How to
Stand Out at College Events and Career Fairs
by StudyCorgi
Updated: May 2nd, 2023
College events and job fairs o2er new opportunities to students. During these
events, they can connect with top industry professionals, meet new people, and
broaden their network. This experience can be frightening and overwhelming, so our
experts have outlined several tips to help you make the most of these
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opportunities. This article prepares students for such occasions, explains how to
deal with potential contacts, and gives advice about what steps to take after
networking events.
The strategies that you will Cnd on this page will help develop practical
communication skills, pursue career growth, and search for employment
opportunities. Our article will be helpful for students who wish to build a solid
network of contacts during their college years. In turn, their e2orts will increase
their chances of success in their professions.
Table of Contents
01. Importance of Networking
02. Pre-Event Preparation
03. Navigating the Event
04. Post-Event Follow-Up
05. Top Networking Mistakes
06. References
The Importance of Networking for Students
If you are a student, you have likely heard about the importance of networking many
times. Professors, career advisors, peers, and maybe even your parents all sing the
same tune – networking is an essential skill. It is no secret that knowing many
di2erent people opens up new and unexpected possibilities.
However, this is not the only beneCt of networking. Let’s discuss all its advantages
and why attending college events and career fairs is essential. First, let’s talk about
what networking is.
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In a nutshell, networking refers to face-to-face conversations in a professional or
semi-professional environment. These interactions build the foundation of
relationships with potential employers and peers.
There are several advantages to this practice:
Building industry Attending these events allows you to establish a direct relationship with top professionals, who can become
connections. instrumental in landing you your next job. You may refer to them to give your applications more validity.
Setting the foundation Additionally, students may be noticed by industry experts. This is free exposure and may beneCt your career.
of your career. Searching for jobs will be a lot easier with the help of networking.
Getting professional These events also serve as important centers of information when deciding which career to pursue. Ask
advice. attendants about the current opportunities and challenges each path o2ers.
Such career events provide great ideas for projects and essay topics. You may get Crst-hand knowledge and
Finding new ideas.
fresh ideas that make you look at things di2erently.
Discovering fresh job During job fairs and college events, you may come across recruiters and vacancies, some of which may have
opportunities. opportunities for your level of expertise.
Learning about the
These events give a clearer picture of your Celd of interest. This information is excellent for academic and
current state of the
professional purposes. Ask around and see which qualities companies look for in candidates.
industry.
Becoming more Meeting new people will make you more conCdent in your abilities. Students also learn self-advocacy and
conKdent. valuable communication skills at these events. This attitude will serve them well after graduation.
Pre-Event Preparation
Now that you know about the beneCts of professional networking, you might be
interested in attending such events. For some, this will seem like a chance to spend
several hours in the presence of interesting people. But, for many others, the idea of
attending job fairs can be stressful and even intimidating. Whichever way you may
be feeling, it is essential to thoroughly prepare for networking events to make your
best impression. First, let’s get the myths and facts straight:
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There are several things you can do to better prepare yourself for a networking
event:
1. Describe what you want to gain from the event.
Walking around aimlessly and waiting for opportunities to come your way is a losing strategy. Write down your goals before and during the event. Maybe
there are certain people you wish to meet and with whom you want to discuss certain things.
2. Research those you wish to talk to.
Carefully research the attendants and speakers you want to approach. You’ll Cnd the most common information on their LinkedIn proCles and in Google
search results. Know how these people can beneCt you in the long run.
3. Contact them before the event.
There’s no need to wait until the last minute to reach out. Write personal emails to other attendants and express your desire to meet them. You may
signal that you’ll be present at the occasion through the use of hashtags on social media platforms.
4. Dress to impress.
To make a favourable impression on everyone who is present, you must decide what you’ll wear several days in advance. The choice depends on the
form of attire (casual or formal). Remember that your Crst impression is crucial, so take the time to research the best outCts for a networking event.
5. Standardize contact information.
You’ll receive information from Crms during a job fair or a networking event. The problem is that many of them may have di2erent forms: from lea`ets
to business cards. Track this information with a smartphone or a notebook, and you’ll spend less time sorting it out afterward.
6. Prepare to talk about yourself.
Other attendants will want to learn something about you as well. Take time to consider the path you wish to pursue, your interests, and your dreams.
This way, the sharing of information won’t be one-sided.
Navigating the Event
In her book The Secrets of Savvy Networking, the American author Susan RoAne
wrote the phrase “It’s not what you know or who you know, but who knows you.”
We believe that during college events, this advice is indispensable for any student.
At a Crst glance, meeting many people and collecting numerous business cards
seems very important. In fact, many students use this approach at such events.
However, the truth is that if you pay attention to quality over the quantity of
communication, you can take advantage of it in a better way. In this part of the
article, we’ll tell you how to get out of your routine and be remembered by potential
employers. You should consider three aspects: communication, body language, and
questions to ask.
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Communication
The most important part of communication is having the right approach to people.
After all, a networking event is all about building meaningful relationships with
people. You’ll only have one chance to make an excellent Crst impression – but
don’t worry! With our advice, we’re conCdent you’ll e2ortlessly become the star of
any event.
Get ready in advance, set goals, and be speciKc
To begin with, you should decide what you expect from the event. Set your aims –
for example, finding three potential employers or being around people from
di2erent organizations to make valuable connections. Your goals should be
reasonable and achievable, and you shouldn’t spread yourself too thin. Familiarize
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yourself with the invitation list to prepare for introductions and present a
successful and promising image.
Remember that networking events are just yet another social setting. Be polite, kind,
and genuine, and you will no doubt make a good impression on your conversation
partners.
Be friendly and conKdent, and don’t be afraid to make acquaintances
Think about how you can cultivate the conversation because simple compliments or
admiration won’t lead to a long discussion. Be polite and remain calm because
you’ll be meeting your potential colleagues. Feel free to participate in a debate or
start a conversation if you notice the right person. Even if it’s the event’s organizer,
making an acquaintance will open up new prospects for future meetings.
Ask the right questions
Often at these events, people try to get to know each other and tell others as much
about themselves as possible. However, to stand out and be remembered, we
advise you to also ask questions about work or inquire about the career path of the
person you are talking to. At the same time, you’ll want to strike up a memorable
conversation that is sincere and deep. Hence, we recommend making a list of
possible questions. If you have no idea where to start, you can read a list of our
suggestions below.
Practice active listening and taking notes
One e2ective way to show that you’re paying attention is to demonstrate your
understanding. You can do this by paraphrasing someone else after a meaningful or
challenging statement. This way, you can demonstrate your involvement in the
conversation. This is one of the fundamental techniques for establishing working
contacts for future productive relationships.
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We also advise you to take notes after each encounter. After all, the emotional rush
of the moment can cause you to forget even the most crucial information. However,
if you take quick notes in shorthand at the critical points, you’ll be able to
demonstrate your professionalism and the value you place on the conversation.
End the conversation politely and keep in touch with new contacts
The quality of conversations should be signiCcant, as most interactions are quickly
forgotten. You can hint at an interest in further communication at the end of your
talk. For example, ask to be kept informed about the progress of a promising
company project. After exchanging contacts, you can Cnd these people on LinkedIn
and continue communicating there. You could even invite them to a business lunch
or a meeting.
Body Language
Body language is also essential during networking events. Your facial expressions,
the position of your hands, and even the way you stand can tell a lot about you. We
are not suggesting that you always have be in total control of your body or face.
After all, the most important thing when making new connections is to be yourself
and have fun. Nevertheless, it’s good to remember the tips we’ve outlined below
before your event. Perhaps take the time to practice in front of the mirror to ensure
your body language looks open, friendly, and professional.
Keep a physical distance and make eye contact
If you have scanned the crowd and found the people that you’d like to talk to, don’t
hesitate to approach them. You should remember people’s boundaries and use a
comfortable social distance to start the conversation. As a rule, this is a distance of
one to three meters, or roughly six feet. This way, you won’t be intruding on
anyone’s personal space.
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Eye contact also plays a role in the process of initiating conversation. Modern
technologies have made it difcult for some people to maintain eye contact but it
is usually encouraged in a professional environment. However, remember that there
are some cultural sensitivities in which prolonged eye contact would be
inappropriate or o2ensive.
Smile and practice mirroring
It’s no secret that a smile is a perfect tool for putting a person in a good mood. With
a smile, you can show your readiness to make contact, and your interlocutor can
reciprocate your feelings. The practice of mirroring gestures and the facial
expressions of your conversation partner works in the same way.
Unconsciously copying your interlocutor’s body language will make a person feel at
ease when they communicate with you. All your non-verbal signals will make people
feel comfortable around you, and your conversation will be more friendly, natural,
and relaxed.
Choose an appropriate type of handshake
The moment of introduction is vital because this is the Crst impression you will
make on the person. And one of the most important non-verbal greeting gestures is
a handshake. This may surprise you, but there are actually quite a few ways to
shake hands! We recommend you learn more about them and practice them,
because your handshake can show your self-conCdence.
If you want to make a good impression with your handshake, here are some tips to
keep in mind:
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Watch your hand movements
The position of your hands is worth mentioning because it can nonverbally attract or
repel another person. For example, if you fold your hands on your chest, you signal
your unwillingness to continue the conversation. It also serves as an indicator of
secrecy or disinterestedness.
If you don’t know where to put your hands, the best advice is to keep them within
sight. There is no need to hide them in your pockets. You can put your hands by
your sides, but don’t ball them into a Cst. Instead, leave them relaxed to show your
openness and trust.
Watch your foot position and your walking gait
Your gait can also tell a lot about you. Keep your posture, and walk conCdently with
regular steps. If you rush or walk quickly, you’ll give the impression of a disorganized
person with no leadership qualities.
When you reach the person you want to talk to, keep your feet straight, don’t cross
them. Also, try to ensure that the toe of your shoes always faces the person you are
talking to. This is a sign of your engagement and attentiveness to the conversation.
Questions to Ask
Knowledge of suitable ways to communicate and the appropriate body language are
vital to ensure that you come across as memorable during a networking event. Once
you’re sure that people will remember you, it’ll be much easier to follow up with
them in the future. However, remember that these events should also beneCt you
and give insight into your future career aspirations.
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For this reason, we’ve listed a set of helpful questions you can pose during
networking events. Write them down and practice them before attending the event,
and we guarantee your evening will be proCtable.
What led you to pursue a career in this Celd?
What are your primary job responsibilities in this position? Could you describe a typical workday in this position?
What skills do you consider to be essential for success in this profession?
What experience or qualiCcations did you need to obtain this job?
How long have you been employed in this role? Could you tell me about your background and the experience that led you to this career?
Which professional organizations or associations do you belong to? Do you consider them particularly important?
What do you see as the future of this Celd? Are there any emerging trends you anticipate in the next few years?
Would you still choose the same career path if you were to start over?
What aspects of your job do you Cnd most and least enjoyable?
Can you discuss a signiCcant challenge you have encountered in this position?
Looking back, what advice would you have liked to receive when starting your career?
What recommendations would you make for someone interested in trying this line of work, such as through an internship or volunteering opportunity?
Could you describe the professional development opportunities in this Celd?
Do you suggest researching other Celds or professions before choosing this career path?
Could you recommend someone else for me to speak with about this career? And could I tell them you referred me to contact them?
Post-Event Follow-Up
The success of an event won’t matter if you don’t follow up on your conversations.
The work doesn’t end after getting back home after having a great experience. Now
is the time for action! The next 24 hours after a networking event is the prime time
to reconnect with those you met. Here we’ll explain the actions that will help you to
achieve this goal.
Check
First, take a look at the contact information you have gathered. Do this right after getting home so the data is fresh in your
out your
mind. Structure the Cndings. Start with the most relevant people and continue down the list.
contacts.
Follow up Once done with the list, make calls and send follow-up emails. It’s crucial to do this shortly after the event, and it’s best to do
with a call this Crst thing in the morning. Calls should be made during regular business hours, and don’t ask for favors in the Crst follow-
or email. up letter.
Think of As well as timely, the message should be impactful to impress its reader. Each word has to be tailored from start to Cnish.
an exciting Using an existing template and changing the name of the recipient won’t do. Your message has to be unique and relate to the
message. conversations held during the event. Otherwise, it will be overlooked.
OYer
The email shouldn’t be a copy of what was already discussed. Instead, it needs to hint at your skills and past experiences.
your
This information should tie in with the services you can provide for the employer.
services.
Schedule If things go well, you might get a positive response from the contact. Politely ask them to schedule an ohine meeting. This
a meeting. way, you are more likely to build a relationship and maintain it.
Connect
Lastly, make each contact a part of your social media network. Ask to connect on LinkedIn to build on your professional
on social
connection. In time, you may ask them for recommendations. This step requires a lot of work and patience.
media.
Top 10 Networking Mistakes to Avoid
If you feel as though your networking event did not go as planned, don’t feel
discouraged. A single failure is not the end and you will likely have the opportunity
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to try again. However, to have you better prepared, we’d like to explain some of the
most common mistakes students make during networking events. Check them out
to avoid looking unprofessional or confused before potential employers and peers.
To make sure your networking event is successful, make sure you avoid…
1. Skipping the preparation step. One of the biggest mistakes is attending without researching the guests or the purpose of the occasion. Take the time to
learn crucial information about events, attendants, and your goals.
2. Not tracking new contacts. When present, write down who you talked to and about what. This way, you’ll better understand where the new contacts
work and what they’re interested in. Tracking contact info is equally important.
3. Forgetting to follow up on the event. There’s nothing worse than attending a great event and never reconnecting with those you met. Be sure to send a
message or make a phone call to remind them about yourself.
4. Losing touch with new contacts. Remember to connect with new acquaintances on a regular basis. Call them up for a cup of co2ee or a happy hour to
maintain the relationship and stay on their radar.
5. Being too demanding. Networking is all about establishing new relationships. Don’t rush things, especially if you want sound advice or help later on.
Asking for favors from the start will re`ect on you poorly. The other party will believe that you’re only talking to them because you want something
from them.
6. Talking over everyone. Another mistake students make is not letting other people talk. This approach will quickly make others lose interest in the
conversation. Learn to listen, and you might hear something valuable.
7. Being too cautious. Networking may be intimidating, especially if you don’t have previous experience. However, it’s important to come up to people and
introduce yourself. Take a small break if you’re too overwhelmed or tired.
8. Behaving inappropriately. Remember that you’re at the event mainly for professional reasons. Mind your manners, be civil, and respect the personal
space of others. Being well-behaved will do wonders for your personal and professional life.
9. Staying quiet. Sometimes, attendants are reluctant to engage others in a conversation. They stay silent or answer questions in the simplest terms. To
perform well, prepare several questions and answers for hypothetical conversations.
10. Talking only to the big guys. Beginners often try talking to people with higher seniority and expertise than they do. However, there’s much one may learn
from those of their own status. Make sure you socialize with all kinds of people at the event.
Thanks for reading our article. We wish you the best of luck in your networking
journey and hope that you’ll make many meaningful connections with our advice. If
our article helped you, don’t forget to share it with your friends and peers!
References
1. What is Networking, and Why Do You Need to Do It? – Columbia University
2. Networking: What It Is and How to Do It Successfully – Julia Kagan, Investopedia
3. Tips for Networking Events – University of Illinois
4. How to Prepare for a Networking Event – Christine Bernier Lienke, FlexJobs
5. 8 Tips to Prepare for Networking Events – Rebecca Rivera, Indiana University
6. Attending a Networking Event – Career Transition Partnership
7. How to Navigate a Networking Event – South Florida Interactive Marketing Association
8. 7 steps to stand out at networking events – Elizabeth Carey, Hult International Business School
9. How To Follow Up After A Networking Event – Recruitment Central
10. 12 Potential Networking Mistakes and How To Combat Them – Indeed Editorial Team, Indeed
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