How to Build a Network When You Feel Like You Don’t Have One
Reframing networking as relationship-building — with low-pressure ways to get started.
Why Networking Feels Hard (and Why It Doesn’t Have to Be)
Picture this: you walk into a career fair. Everyone else seems to know someone, or at least looks like they belong. You think to yourself, “I don’t have a network” or “I’m not a natural at small talk.”
Here’s the truth: you already know how to build relationships. Networking is just that.
It’s not about handing out business cards or perfecting a polished pitch. It’s about building genuine, two-way connections — learning from others, asking thoughtful questions, and staying curious about your own path.
Whether you’re exploring career paths, preparing for internship recruiting, or just trying to figure out what’s possible, here are practical ways to start building a network from wherever you are.
1. Start With Who You Know
You probably already have a network — it just may not look the way you expect. Think beyond “professional contacts” and consider:
Classmates and project teammates
Professors and academic advisors
Alumni from your university
Teammates from student orgs, clubs, or jobs
Family friends or neighbors in interesting fields
All of these people can help — by sharing their paths, making introductions, or offering advice. Start small. Reach out, express curiosity, and build the muscle.
💡 Reflection Prompt: Who are three people in your existing circle you could reach out to this month?
2. Be Ready to Share About You — and Learn About Them
Networking isn’t about asking for favors — it’s about creating a real connection. That means being prepared on both sides of the conversation: knowing what to share about yourself, and knowing what to ask to learn about them.
Ask Thoughtful Questions (Be Curious)
Great networking starts with listening. When you ask good questions, you not only gain valuable insights — you show that you’re engaged, curious, and respectful of the other person’s experience.
Here are a few go-to questions:
What was your first role after college, and how did it shape your path?
What do you enjoy most about your current job or company?
What do you wish you had known as a student entering the field?
How did you figure out what kind of work or industry was the best fit for you?
What trends or skills do you think are important for early career talent in your field?
💡 Pro tip: Do some light research beforehand (LinkedIn, company bio) so your questions feel specific and intentional.
Be Ready to Talk About Yourself (With Intention)
The person you’re speaking with is likely curious about you, too. You don’t need to rattle off your resume — just share your story in a way that gives them a clear picture of where you are and what you’re working toward.
You might talk about:
What you’re studying or exploring (and why)
What you’ve enjoyed in past internships, classes, or activities
What skills you’re trying to build
What motivates you or gives you energy
How you spend your time outside the classroom — passions, hobbies, side projects
Even something simple like: “I’ve been really interested in brand strategy and I’m trying to understand what paths are available in marketing after college” creates a meaningful starting point.
💡 Reflection Prompt: How would you introduce yourself in two sentences to an alum you’ve never met?
3. Use Campus and Online Tools
If you don’t know where to start, here are a few resources to explore:
Your university’s alumni platform or directory
LinkedIn (search alumni by school + industry)
RippleMatch for internship and early career role discovery
Student orgs or professional associations related to your major or interest
💡 Reflection Prompt: Which platform or tool could you explore this week to find one new person to connect with?
4. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
You don’t need a huge network to open doors. Sometimes, one thoughtful conversation leads to an introduction, which leads to another opportunity — and the ripple effect begins.
Set a simple goal:
Reach out to one new person this month
Follow up with someone you already know
Say yes to an info session or coffee chat
Networking isn’t a checklist — it’s a practice. And the more you do it, the easier and more natural it becomes.
💡 Reflection Prompt: What’s one networking action you can commit to in the next 7 days?
Final Thought
Networking isn’t about being polished or having it all figured out. It’s about staying curious, open, and genuine. Every conversation you start plants a seed — and those seeds can grow into opportunities you can’t yet imagine.
Want more strategies for building meaningful connections and preparing for your career? Explore our curriculum at LaunchPoint Talent — designed to help students move from uncertainty to clarity, confidence, and momentum.
