How Imperial students network: UK and European career tips
Practical strategies, cultural insights, and real student experiences to build lasting professional connections
In today’s highly connected job market, networking is one of the most powerful career skills students can develop. At Imperial Business School, students have access to exclusive UK and European networking opportunities—from career fairs and alumni events to professional clubs and coffee chats. These experiences not only open doors to graduate jobs and internships, but also help students build lasting professional relationships that extend across industries and borders.
In this blog, we explore how Imperial students approach networking in the UK and across Europe, sharing real student insights, cultural differences, and practical tips for building connections that truly last.
The UK approach: professional yet personal
Camilla Smith, an MSc Investment and Wealth Management student, with work experience at JLL, Keensight Capital, and Lifecycle Investment Partners, shared her experience of networking in the UK.
“Networking was highly encouraged, especially for new joiners.” She added: “ there are two forms of networking: the classical and the informal. Nowadays, one of the most popular is the coffee chat. This is a one-to-one conversation where colleagues can share experiences in a more casual environment.”
The main goal is to get some information about the background of people and why they chose their role.
Additionally, if you have the opportunity to talk to senior members, a coffee chat is a simple way to ask for advice in order to perform well. Camilla explained that referrals are often at the root of networking opportunities. Such sort of connections can also be built on internal or external events, like panels and social gatherings.
She emphasised the value of attending such events:
“I have found almost all business-related events beneficial in some way, and they helped me learn more about people’s early career goals, while gaining friendships and connections.”
Her advice for students:
Be approachable and friendly. Connect with people on LinkedIn right away, as it streamlines the process if you want to get in touch later.
Networking across Europe: a spectrum of styles
Networking in continental Europe often follows a different rhythm. Europe spans a wide spectrum of networking approaches, from the direct, business-first model to the relationship-centered culture.
Michaïl Maréchal, President of the Imperial Business Continental Europe Business Careers Club and MSc Investment & Wealth Management student, compared networking styles across Europe.
“The nuances of networking in Europe can be quite extreme. In the Netherlands, everything is very straightforward. You can be direct about your goals and motivations, which can be seen as quite cold.”
In contrast, in Southern Europe, networking tends to be much more relationship-driven. Michaïl added: ”You build trust first, then talk about professional matters.” His top tip is to keep up with football results, as this is a common topic in Europe.
Moreover, he highlighted how subtle interest can become unexpected networking tools.
“In particular, in finance, people often talk about watches. It’s always an easy way to start a conversation, and what you wear can even display your personality.”
Michaïl noted that the UK sits somewhere in the middle of these two concepts. It’s still about personal connection, but with more structure and professionalism.
He also emphasised how powerful a personal network is and added, “Don’t just look out for the highest managers, every conversation can lead to something.”
Imperial, being a very international setting, offers countless opportunities to connect with people from various countries, who can give insights about local job markets and recruitment practices.
Michaïl recommended reaching out early:
Talking to students from a specific country will help you understand the culture and prepare your answer.
Our top tips for networking across the UK and Europe:
- Be proactive and curious: Attend events, reach out to peers, and alumni
- Adapt your style to the setting: Cultural awareness is key
- Leverage LinkedIn: Follow up quickly and professionally
Whether you’re starting your career in the UK or looking to work across Europe, one message is clear: networking is a long-term investment. But it’s also about being open and curious. Every conversation counts, and at Imperial, you have the network to make them happen.
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How Imperial students network: UK and European career tips
In this blog, we explore how Imperial students approach networking in the UK and across Europe, sharing real student insights, cultural differences, and practical tips for building connections that truly last.