When you’re applying for internships or jobs, a strong resume and cover letter matter, but so do the people you know. Building a professional network can help you discover opportunities, learn from others, and stand out during the hiring process.
Networking isn’t just for experienced professionals. Whether you’re starting from scratch or growing your connections, it’s one of the most valuable career skills you can build. Here’s why networking matters, and how to get started.
What Is Networking?
Networking is the process of building professional relationships with people who share your career interests or work in your industry. Whether it’s through LinkedIn, career events, alumni groups, or everyday conversations, the goal is to learn from others, exchange experiences, and build meaningful connections that support your career growth.
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Why Is Networking Important?
A strong professional network can help you discover opportunities, learn from experienced professionals, and stand out during the job search. The more connections you build, the more likely you are to hear about new roles, gain career advice, and grow professionally.
Here are three ways networking can help you find (and keep!) your dream career.
1. Job Search
A strong resume and interview skills can help you land interviews, but networking can help you get your foot in the door. Your connections may offer advice, introduce you to recruiters, or let you know about opportunities before they’re widely advertised.
“Although you might not see the benefit to networking right away, simply having a connection with someone will help you later on when you are looking for a new career,” says Jim Sullivan, CEO of JCS Recruitment. “You are able to reach out to them to see if there may be opportunities for you in their company, or they might remember you and reach out when something becomes available.”
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2. Career Development
Networking isn’t just about finding your next job, it can also help you grow in your current one. Building relationships with experienced professionals can lead to valuable advice, professional development opportunities, and even future promotions.
“The business world moves like this,” Stefan Smulders, founder and CEO of Expandi, explains. “When someone inside an organization mentions your name… you can get a life-changing opportunity just because you had the right contact in the right position.”
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3. Knowledge Exchange
Networking is also a great way to learn from others. Whether it’s industry insights, career advice, or different perspectives, your connections can help you make better career decisions.
You may even find a mentor who can help you navigate your career and set meaningful goals. And don’t limit yourself to one industry. Connecting with professionals from different fields can give you fresh ideas and new ways to solve problems.
Why Is Professional Networking Important for Students?
For students and recent graduates, networking can make a big difference when applying for internships and entry-level jobs. Recruiters often prefer “warm” candidates – people who’ve connected with them before applying.
In fact, a survey of students who completed Forage job simulations found that 75% of those who landed internships networked with a recruiter before applying. Building relationships early can help your applications stand out, lead to more interviews, and even uncover opportunities you might not have found otherwise.
How to Start Networking
If you’re new to networking, start with the people you already know.
“I personally think that the best place to start networking is at college or university,” Smulders says. “The other students won’t only become your friends, they’re your future colleagues, so by helping each other succeed in your pursuits, you’re assuring future contacts in a lot of places.”
Classmates, professors, alumni, friends, and family can all become valuable professional connections. From there, expand your network by attending career fairs, industry events, alumni meetups, or connecting with professionals on LinkedIn.
If you already have a job or internship, take advantage of opportunities to meet people across your organization.
“Even at work, there are plenty of opportunities to network,” Sullivan says. “Always introduce yourself to those you work with, and also go out of your way to get to know a little bit about those you work with… Also, attending networking events in your area can help to really widen the amount of business professionals you know.”
How to Network as a Student
For students, reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn can help you get the introduction you need to become a “warm” candidate. If you reach out, make your message personal—mention why you’re interested in the company, what you’ve learned about the role, or how a Forage job simulation helped you explore that career path.
You can also attend career fairs, employer information sessions, networking events, and virtual recruiting events. These are great opportunities to learn more about a company, ask thoughtful questions, and make connections before you apply.
The earlier you start building your network, the better. Even a few meaningful connections can lead to valuable advice, referrals, and future job opportunities.
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Maintaining Your Network
Building a network is just the beginning – staying connected is what makes it valuable. Check in with your connections from time to time, whether that’s grabbing coffee, scheduling a virtual catch-up, congratulating them on a new role, or sharing an article they might find useful.
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, but remember that networking is a two-way relationship. Look for ways to support others, share opportunities, or offer help where you can. Strong professional relationships are built over time, not just when you need something!
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