6 expert tips to boost your professional networking skills
February 03, 2025
Networking is one of the most powerful tools in your career toolkit. Whether you’re searching for an internship, a job, or just looking to build meaningful professional connections, networking can open doors in unexpected ways.
Networking isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about building relationships that can support you throughout your career. Every small step helps, whether you’re reaching out to a professor, introducing a friend to a colleague, or attending a career event.
We asked six Career Services experts at AU to share their favorite networking tips—insights they’ve gained from years of working with students and employers.
Here’s what they had to say:
- It’s about connections not contacts.
“Remember that networking only works if you think about it in terms of connections, not contacts. You must engage with people authentically and look for ways to help others and offer value. It’s not just about making a contact and asking for things.” - Chris de Kok, Director of Career Services
- Lean into LinkedIn.
“Leverage LinkedIn to research and connect with AU alumni who are making an impact in various fields. Identify those alumni whose career paths align with your interests and reach out with a personalized message. Introduce yourself, express your admiration for their work, and ask if they would be open to a brief informational interview to share insights about their journey. Many alumni are happy to support fellow AU students—take the initiative to build these valuable connections.” - Leticia La Voy, Assistant Director of Career Services, Employer Engagement
- Talk to everyone.
“Tell anyone and everyone that you’re on the hunt for a new internship or job opportunity! You never know who may come in handy. I had a student once who worked at a grocery store and happened to mention to a customer during small talk at the cash register that he was looking for an internship, and that exchange led to a marketing internship at the customer’s business!” - Dalin Johnson, Campus Internship Coordinator
- Help others connect.
“Introduce classmates and/or colleagues to each other. Networking is not only about who you meet—it is also about who you connect. When you help others, they will remember you when opportunities pop up.” - Maria Valenciano, Skills Infusion Program Coordinator
- Be curious and authentic.
“Lead with curiosity, ask meaningful questions, and show genuine interest in the other person. People love to share their experiences, and you’ll learn a lot in the process. Be yourself. Authenticity is key! People connect with people, not just resumes or job titles. Show your personality and be open to organic conversations.” - Alex Ziemann, Career Counselor
- Reconnect with people you already know.
“Networking doesn’t have to mean talking to people you don’t know. It also means re-connecting with people you do know and catching up on each other’s lives. This can be an old friend from high school, a neighbor, a family friend you only see once a year. Regardless, it’s a great way to let people know where you are in your career journey and to share your experiences and advice with one another. And you never know what connections they may have made since you last spoke with them!” - Tory Nair, Career Counselor
Take the next step
Aurora University is committed to helping students and alumni navigate the world of networking from the start of their academic journey through their careers. AU offers students and alumni opportunities to build their networking skills in a variety of ways, including through career fairs, on-campus employer visits, workshops, training sessions, and LinkedIn groups.
Want to take the next step in networking? Visit AU Career Services or join one of our upcoming networking activities or events. These include:
Career Fairs: Meet potential employers, explore industries, and practice your networking skills in a professional setting.
Career Corner: Stop by this on-campus space in Dunham Hall where employers connect with students for internships and full-time roles.
LinkedIn Training: Learn how to create a compelling profile and effectively use LinkedIn for networking and job searching.
New Grad Networking Group: Join other recent grads in building your professional network and navigating the early stages of your career.
Employer Events and Panels: Gain insights from industry professionals and connect with recruiters actively hiring AU students.
Your next opportunity might be just one conversation away! Learn more at aurora.edu/career.