How to Network in College & Open More Career Doors

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Even if you're not the most outgoing person in the room 👀

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Let’s face it—networking can sound intimidating, especially when you’re just getting started in college. Maybe it feels awkward or you’re not sure what to say. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a fancy suit, a polished résumé, or tons of experience to start making connections that lead to real opportunities.

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Networking is really just about getting to know people—people who can help you, and people you can help too. Whether you're trying to land an internship, discover hidden scholarships, or just explore career paths, relationships are the secret sauce. And like any skill, networking gets easier the more you do it.

Don’t stress about being perfect—practice makes better. Every conversation, DM, or new connection helps build your confidence.

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Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can start building a network that actually works for you👇

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1. Start with people you already know 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

You don’t need to start from scratch. You already have a mini network around you—classmates, professors, RAs, club leaders, even your friends’ friends.

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• Go to club meetings or join orgs that match your interests
• Actually talk to classmates—study groups can become job leads one day
• Use professor office hours—they can connect you with internship and research opportunities
• Volunteer on campus—it’s a great way to meet people and build your reputation

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2. Create a LinkedIn—even if you’re just starting 💻

Think of LinkedIn as your online handshake. It’s not just for professionals with years of experience—college students belong there too.

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• Set up a simple profile with your school, major, and a friendly photo
• Add any clubs, part-time jobs, or volunteer work you’ve done
• Start connecting with classmates, professors, and guest speakers
• Comment on posts or share interesting things you’ve learned—just show up

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3. Show up to events (even when you don’t feel like it) 🗓️

College campuses are full of career fairs, speaker panels, and workshops. Showing up—even for just 30 minutes—can lead to real connections.

• Bring a friend if you’re nervous, but don’t just hang out with them
• Introduce yourself to a speaker or recruiter and ask a question
• Follow up afterward (even just to say thank you!)
• Use your school’s career center—they know about jobs and internships you won’t find online

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4. DM people you admire 👏 (yes, really)

Social media isn’t just for memes—it's a great place to connect with people doing cool things in your field. A quick message can lead to real conversations.

• “Hey! I saw your post about interning at [Company]—how did you find it?”
• “Loved your talk at [event]—any advice for someone starting out?”
• Most people are happy to share their journey—just be genuine and respectful

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5. Remember: it’s about relationships, not resumes ❤️

You’re not networking just to “get something.” You’re building long-term connections. Some of your biggest opportunities may come from the people you meet today.

• Stay in touch with people—send a “just checking in” message every few months
• Say thank you when someone helps you out
• Help others when you can—recommend a friend, share a resource, or introduce someone to your network

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Want to go further? We’ve got your back 💥

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Inside the College Funding Hero student portal, you’ll find tools to help you actually build your future:

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• 🎓 Scholarships (including ones you won’t find on the big sites)
• 💬 1:1 office hours with a college funding expert
• 📚 Courses on money, FAFSA, career prep & more
• 💡 Templates and checklists to help you network, apply, and stand out

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We’re here to help you fund your future—and connect with the people who can open doors along the way.

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👉 Join the Portal & Start Opening Doors

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