Networking Resources

Fact: Networking is about building meaningful relationships and community over time.

Many people associate networking with self-promotion or requesting immediate help, particularly in formal or high-pressure settings. In reality, the most effective networking is rooted in genuine connection. It involves engaging with others to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from one another.

Strong professional relationships are developed through continued engagement, mutual support, and authentic interest. Rather than focusing on short-term outcomes, networking is most valuable when approached as an ongoing process that contributes to long-term growth.

Fact: Networking occurs every day across academic, professional, and personal settings.

Networking is not limited to structured events or formal environments. It takes place in classrooms, workplaces, and everyday interactions. Interactions with classmates, instructors, colleagues, and peers all contribute to your network.

Recognizing the value of these existing connections is an essential first step. By being intentional in your daily interactions, you can build a strong and supportive professional network over time.

Fact: Networking is a skill that can be developed by anyone.

A common misconception is that successful networking requires a naturally outgoing personality. In reality, networking is less about being extroverted and more about being thoughtful, curious, and engaged.

Approaching conversations with a willingness to listen and learn can be just as effective as being highly social. With practice and preparation, individuals with a wide range of communication styles can build meaningful professional relationships.

Fact: Networking is most effective when it is ongoing.

Waiting until you are actively seeking a job can make networking feel urgent and transactional. Instead, building and maintaining relationships over time allows for more authentic connections and reduces pressure.

While a single conversation may not immediately lead to an opportunity, it can contribute to long-term professional growth in significant and often unexpected ways. Many opportunities arise through ongoing relationships, referrals, and word of mouth. Networking is a long-term investment in your professional development.

Fact: Networking is about building a supportive and engaged community of meaningful, long-term relationships.

The strength of your network is not determined by the number of contacts you have, but by the quality of your relationships. Meaningful connections are built through consistency, reciprocity, and genuine engagement. 

Over time, these relationships can evolve into valuable sources of guidance, collaboration, and mentorship. At the same time, it’s important to recognize that not every connection is meant to last for years. Some connections you make may only lead to a single meaningful conversation, which also has value.

Fact: Networking can help you gain clarity and direction.

Some individuals hesitate to network or follow up with contacts because they feel they need to have their career path fully defined before reaching out to others. However, networking itself is an important tool for career exploration and helps you better understand your interests, skills, and goals.

Engaging in conversations with others can provide insight into industries, roles, and career paths, helping you make more informed decisions about your next steps.

Fact: Authenticity and self-awareness is more important than perfection.

While tools such as a personal narrative or brief professional introduction (also known as an elevator pitch) can support your conversations, networking does not require a memorized script. The most effective interactions are grounded in authenticity and genuine interest.

Taking the time to develop clarity around your skills, experiences, and goals is important and can help you communicate more confidently, but your ability to connect with others is what leaves a lasting impression.

Fact: Networking is valuable at every stage of your professional journey.

Whether you are exploring career options, changing industries, or advancing in your current role, networking plays a critical role in professional growth. It can help you gain insights, understand industry trends, and identify opportunities that may not be publicly available. Networking also helps you build relationships that support long-term career success.

Understanding and utilizing the resources and opportunities available to you, such as academic communities, professional organizations, and online platforms, can strengthen your networking efforts over time.

Networking is about building relationships through conversations and connections across your personal, academic, and professional life. It happens whenever you talk with others, including classmates, instructors, colleagues, friends, or professionals in your field, while exchanging ideas, experiences, and support. Networking works best when it’s genuine, curious, and relationship‑focused.

Effective networking allows you to:

• Explore career paths and industries
• Gain insider insights and advice
• Build confidence and communication skills
• Learn about career  opportunities 
• Connect with people who can encourage or collaborate with you

Networking is not:

• Only for extroverts
• Limited to formal events
• Manipulative or one‑sided
• Something you do only when you need a job

The main way people find jobs is through connections, referrals, and word of mouth. That means many opportunities exist in a “hidden job market,” accessible only through relationships. You never know where a single conversation might lead.

Networking can lead to:

• Insider information about roles or companies
• Referrals and introductions
• Opportunities that are never posted online
• Long‑term professional friendships and mentorships

One of the biggest misconceptions about networking is that it only involves recruiters or senior executives. In reality, you can network with almost anyone, anywhere. Every person you meet has the potential to share a different story, perspective, and set of connections. Networking is about recognizing the value of the everyday interactions you have with others.

Your network can include:

• Peers and classmates
• Family and friends
• Current and former employers
• Professors and instructors
• UCLA Extension alumni and alumni from other institutions you’ve attended
• Recruiters and hiring managers
• Folks from community organizations, gyms, or faith-based groups you belong to

A helpful tip is to create a spreadsheet to track your outreach. Keep note of who you contacted, when you reached out, when you connected, and any follow-up actions that are needed. Staying organized not only helps you manage your efforts more effectively, but also ensures you don’t miss opportunities to reconnect or follow up.

Begin with familiar environments and existing connections. Engage in conversations with friend or family connections, classmates, instructors, or colleagues, and focus on learning about their experiences. Comfort with networking develops over time, and starting with small, low-pressure interactions can help build confidence.

When reaching out, especially to cold contacts you don’t know, it’s important to remember that not everyone will respond or follow up. A lack of reply isn’t a reflection of your value or effort. Often, people are simply busy, miss messages, or may not be active on certain social media platforms on a daily basis. 

It’s also worth acknowledging that it’s completely normal to have a significant portion of outreach attempts go unanswered. Don’t let it discourage you or take it personally. The more people you reach out to, the more likely you are to hear back. Also, persistence is key. If a couple of weeks go by without a response, send a polite follow-up.

When transitioning into a new field, networking is extremely beneficial to help you make the career change in a strategic way. It gives you an opportunity to gain insights into your targeted industry’s job market trends, required skills and experience, and helps you understand what it’s like working in that field on a daily basis. You can learn how to articulate your past experiences and transferable skills that apply to the industry you’re pursuing. Through networking, you can identify people who can provide support, advice, and possibly mentorship.

Career changers can:

• Reach out to supervisors or colleagues outside their immediate team
• Reconnect with professors, mentors, or past colleagues who made an impact
• Leverage UCLA Extension staff, instructors, and alumni
• Join professional associations and attend industry events
• Engage with alumni from previous institutions

Focus on learning instead of directly asking for a job, focus on learning. Set up informational interviews to help clarify your next steps and position yourself more competitively. Ask questions such as:

• What skills or experiences helped you break into this field?
• What classes, certifications, or tools would you recommend?
• What advice would you give someone transitioning into this role?
• What professional organizations do you recommend I get involved in?
• Is there anyone else you would recommend I speak with to gain more knowledge?

Networking doesn’t end after one conversation. Strong professional relationships grow over time. Keep in mind that the best relationship‑building is ongoing, not transactional.

To maintain your network:

• Check in periodically through a quick message, coffee meeting, or email
• Practice reciprocity by offering help, sharing resources, or celebrating others’ achievements
• Ask thoughtful questions and listen actively
• Express gratitude and send thank‑you notes

When connecting with others, it’s important to understand what you want to communicate about yourself. Defining your own personal brand is a way to understand how to present yourself by combining your skills, experiences, values, and goals. When you’re clear on your direction, networking becomes more focused and confident. Once you understand your brand, you can use it in:

• Your resume and cover letters
• Interviews
• LinkedIn profile
• Elevator pitch
• Professional conversations

Self‑reflection helps strengthen your personal brand. Ask yourself:

• What are my strengths and accomplishments?
• What values or experiences shape my identity?
• Where do I want to go next?

An elevator pitch is a brief professional introduction that combines three elements: 1) who you are, 2) what you bring, and 3) where you’re headed. Think of your pitch as a starting point, not a memorized script.

A strong elevator pitch:

• Lasts 30 seconds to 1 minute when spoken
• Is 3–4 sentences when written
• Is tailored to the situation or audience
• Sparks interest and conversation

An informational interview is a brief, structured conversation with a professional to learn about their role, career path, or industry. These conversations are valuable for clarifying career goals, gaining insider insights, understanding required skills and qualifications, and expanding your network. They also offer a low-pressure way to practice professional communication and discover opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. It’s not a job interview, but it can influence your career decisions and sometimes lead to future opportunities. Informational interviews can be conducted in person or virtually, and with a variety of people including friends, family, alumni, recruiters, or professionals at companies you admire. The more specific and targeted you are with the contacts you reach out to, the more authentic and helpful the outcomes will be.

Best practices:

• Request no more than a 45 minute phone call, in person, or virtual meeting and respect their time
• Prepare thoughtful questions
• Research the person and their organization
• Do not ask for a job
• Always follow up with a thank you message (within 24 hours is ideal)