Networking is building and maintaining relationships that help you grow academically, personally, and professionally. As a student, networking involves connecting with peers, professors, alumni, and professionals in your field of interest.

Engaging in networking activities can help you:

1. Unlock Career Opportunities– Building relationships with peers, professors, and industry professionals can lead to internships and job offers, as many positions are filled through referrals.
2. Gain Valuable Mentorship and Guidance – Connecting with experienced individuals in your field provides access to mentorship, advice, and insights that can guide your academic and career decisions. Mentors can provide encouragement, share their journeys, and assist you in overcoming obstacles, which helps you grow both personally and professionally.
3. Develop Essential Soft Skills – Networking helps develop essential soft skills like communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities. These skills boost workplace confidence and improve your ability to articulate ideas, listen actively, and build relationships through regular interactions with diverse individuals.

Examples of Networking Activities.

On-Campus Networking Activities

1. Attend Career Fairs – Engage with employers, collect business cards, and ask about job or internship opportunities.

2. Join Student Clubs or Professional Organizations – Example: Pharmacy Club, NCPA, or student government.

3. Participate in Guest Speaker Events or Panels – Ask questions and connect with the speakers afterward.

4. Attend Departmental Mixers or Alumni Events – Introduce yourself to alumni or faculty and exchange contact information.

5. Volunteer at College Events – Work alongside staff, faculty, and visiting professionals to expand your network.

Professional Networking Activities

1. Create and Maintain a LinkedIn Profile – Connect with classmates, professors, and professionals in your field.

2. Conduct Informational Interviews – Reach out to professionals to learn more about their career paths.

3. Attend Industry Conferences or Webinars – Participate in breakout sessions and follow up with presenters.

4. Job Shadowing – Spend a day observing a professional in your desired career field.

5. Join a Professional Association – Examples:

   • Pharmacy: American Pharmacists Association (APhA), ASHP, NCPA

   • Education: NACE, AAC&U

   • Business: AMA, SHRM

Virtual Networking Opportunities

1. Attend Virtual Career Fairs or Online Meetups

2. Participate in Professional Webinars or Panels on Zoom

3. Engage in LinkedIn Group Discussions or Post Professional Updates

4. Join Online Mentorship Programs – e.g., through Handshake, LinkedIn, or your school’s career center.

5. Connect with Guest Speakers or Recruiters After Online Events

Examples of Proof Students Can Submit

• Screenshot of LinkedIn connection or message exchange.

• Event registration or attendance confirmation email.

• Reflection paragraph describing who they met and what they learned.

• Signed verification from a faculty advisor or event organizer.

SUPPORT/FEEDBACK

1. Contact MEC Career Management Center –   Career Management Contact Informationwebsite: https://www.mec.cuny.edu/student-success/career-management/resources/
2. Get help with engaging in networking activities by submitting your request through the SEEK Academic Support Center (ASC) system. Click here to complete the survey.

2. For those in AGRO 103 course ( Career Readiness Course), you can get feedback from your Professor.

3. Contact your advisors for assistance –
Dr. Rebecca Reid – rcenatus@mec.cuny.edu

Ms. Takisha Randall – Trandall@mec.cuny.edu

Dr. Jewel James – jjames@mec.cuny.edu

References

Importance of Networking. (2023). https://www.universitylabpartners.org/student-voices/importance-of-networking?

Kohle, C. (2024). 7 Networking Tips for College Students . https://au.topresume.com/career-advice/networking-tips-for-college-students?

The Career-Boosting Benefits of Networking as a Student – Education At Work. (n.d.). from https://eaw.org/the-career-boosting-benefits-of-networking-as-a-student/