Build Your Network: How to connect with confidence
It doesn’t matter what your starting point is whether you feel very confident networking or are just getting comfortable with the idea. The more you network, the easier it becomes. Networking with intention means approaching each conversation with curiosity and purpose, not just to “get,” but to learn.
Six steps to help you improve your networking efforts
1. Clarify and identify your goals
Before you attend an event, take ten minutes to think about what you actually want to learn or take away. Are you exploring a particular industry? Curious about a company? Looking for insights on career paths or skills valued? Having a clear focus helps you ask better questions and connect with the right people. You don’t need a perfect plan — just a clear sense of direction. When you know your “why,” it’s easier to shape your conversations more naturally and with intention.
2. Do your homework
Networking feels much less awkward when you’re prepared. Check the attendee list or panel speaker bios and note down a few people or companies you’d like to meet. Read up on their work or LinkedIn profiles so that you can start a genuine conversation. Doing this research demonstrates your professionalism and motivation — and certainly makes you more memorable.
3. Focus on genuine conversations
Some students feel a little awkward when networking as the interactions may not feel natural at first. However, if you are authentic and genuinely curious, you will build stronger connections. For example, you can ask people about their experiences — what surprised them in their career journey, or what advice they’d offer someone at a similar stage of their career. Listen actively, share your own perspective, and look for common interests rather than forcing an exchange of topics. You might be surprised to find out you share the same hobbies, travel, or cultural experiences. Meaningful connections grow from sharing insights, not just LinkedIn requests!
4. Follow up thoughtfully
After a conversation, send a short message to thank someone for their time. Mention something specific you discussed to help remind them of your discussion. This small step helps transform a brief chat into a networking relationship, opening up opportunities for future conversations. Keep in touch periodically — share updates, thank them if their advice helped, or comment on something relevant they’ve posted. Consistency builds trust and keeps your name on their radar.
5. Use your network to learn, not just to “get”
Networking isn’t only about job leads — it’s a way to learn from others’ experiences and broaden your perspective. Ask alumni about challenges they’ve faced or trends they see in their industry. These insights help you refine your own career goals and decision-making. When you focus on learning rather than asking for something, you’ll often find that opportunities come naturally.
This is exactly how Imperial Business School alumna Ellie Schofield (MSc Climate Change Management and Finance 2024-25) approached networking. Coming from a biology background with no prior finance experience, she focused on broadening her understanding.
“First, I tried to understand the landscape, the difference between investment banking, asset management, buy side, sell side. Then I made myself a networking schedule (two to three calls a week), just to learn what people actually do. It wasn’t about getting a job, it was about understanding.”
By turning networking into a learning process, Ellie built industry knowledge and connections that helped her step into sustainable investment banking.
Her experience shows that curiosity and openness to learning can open doors in any field.
6. Make networking part of your routine
You don’t need to wait for big events to build connections. Start small — attend a careers panel, join a student society, or have a quick coffee chat with someone from another programme. Networking works best as a steady habit, not a last-minute scramble before applications.
So, how will you begin networking with intention?
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