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11 Networking: A Guide to Making Connections

Cascadia College COLL101 Team

Introduction

Networking is a valuable skill that helps you learn from others, build connections, and explore potential academic or career paths. While the idea of “networking” may sound intimidating, it’s really just about having meaningful conversations—asking questions, seeking advice, and learning from people with experience. This guide will help you understand the fundamentals of networking and give you strategies for connecting with faculty, staff, and professionals outside the college.

In College 101, this chapter will be useful for you if you selected the Informational Interview Career Exploration activity. 

Networking with Cascadia Faculty & Staff

Faculty and staff aren’t just here to grade your papers  and approve your registration. They’re also valuable parts of your college network. These are people who understand their field, know how to navigate the system, and want to help. But, they’re also balancing full schedules, so approaching them with clarity and respect is key. 

Best Practices for Internal Networking

      • Be specific. Don’t email with “Can we talk about my future?” Instead, focus on something concrete: a career field, a class topic, or a Pathway you’re curious about.
      • Respect their time. Faculty and staff are often juggling meetings, teaching, advising, and other committee work. Ask for a short meeting (15-20 minutes), and show you’re prepared.
      • Do your homework. If available read their bio on the College website, check out their LinkedIn and come prepared with specific open-ended questions to ask them.
      • If you don’t hear back after a few days you can send one follow-up email.

Sample Email to Faculty or Staff

Subject: Informational Interview Request

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I’m currently taking College 101 and completing an assignment where we conduct an informational interview to explore possible career paths. I’m interesting in learning more about your background in [field or area], and how you got started in your career.

If you’re available, I’d really appreciate the opportunity to speak with you for 15-20 minutes, either in person or on Zoom, at a time that works for your schedule. I’m hoping to ask a few questions about your Pathway and any advice you might have. I can send you the questions ahead of time, if you’d like.

Thank you for considering my request, and I appreciate your time!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

💡Pro-Tip! If emailing a staff member using their first name is usually fine. If reaching out to a dean, director, or vice president, it’s best to use their title and last name (e.g. Dean Alvarez).

Networking with Professionals Outside the College

Connecting with professionals outside our campus community can give you real-world insights into different careers and industries. These conversations can help you learn what a job is actually like and whether it fits your interests.

You’ll likely reach out to two types of people:

1. People You Know

This includes:

      • Friends and family,
      • Family friends,
      • Former teachers,
      • Coaches or supervisors from past jobs,
      • Friends of friends

These are referred to as “warm leads” in the networking world because you already have a connection or at least a shared context to build on.

Sample Email to a Professional You Know

Subject: Informational Interview Request – College 101 Assignment

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well! My name is [Your Name], and I’m currently a student at [College Name] taking a College 101 class focused on career exploration. For one of our assignments, we’re conducting informational interviews to learn more about different career paths.

[Optional personal connection line: My aunt, [Relative’s Name], mentioned that you work in [field/industry], and I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more about your role.]

I’m really interested in learning more about [their job field—e.g., UX design, healthcare administration, nonprofit work], and I was wondering if you might be available for a brief (15-20) conversation sometime soon. I’d love to hear about your career path, your current work, and any advice you might have for someone just starting to explore their options.

If you’re available, I can be flexible with scheduling and happy to meet virtually or in-person [depending on their location!] whatever is easiest for you. Thank you so much for considering my request!

Best regards,
[Your Full Name]

These kinds of conversations are often easier to start and can be incredibly helpful. Don’t hesitate to reach out just because you haven’t talked to someone in a while. People generally like to be helpful—especially to students.

2. People You Don’t Know

This includes:

      • Professionals you find through LinkedIn or Google
      • Speakers from events or panels
      • Authors of blog posts or articles in your field of interest

These are called “cold contacts.” They don’t know you yet, so your message should be brief, respectful, and clearly explain why you’re reaching out.

What if They Don’t Respond?

When reaching out to someone you don’t know, there’s a chance you might not get a reply—and that’s okay! Professionals are often busy, and it’s not a reflection on you or your potential. Some people just don’t have time, and others might miss your message entirely.

If you don’t hear back after a week or so, it’s okay to send one polite follow-up. If there’s still no response, move on and try someone else. That’s a normal part of networking—and it’s why it’s helpful to reach out to more than one person at a time.

Sample Message to an External Professional

Subject: Informational Interview Request – College 101 Student

Hello [Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I’m a student at Cascadia College, currently taking a College 101 course focused on career exploration. As part of an assignment, I’m conducting an informational interview with someone in a field I’m interested in—[insert field or job title]—and your work at [Company/Organization] stood out to me.

I was wondering if you might be available for a brief 15 – 20 minute conversation over Zoom or phone. I’d love to hear more about your career path and any advice you’d be willing to share. I can share the questions ahead of time, if you’d like.

Thank you for considering my request. I really appreciate your time.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Top Ten Tips for Successful Networking

  1. Start with People you Know[1]
    • Overtime your network will expand to people you’ve just met, but begin networking with people already in your circle: friends, family, professors, advisors, etc. It’s easier to practice communication skills in familiar territory. Plus, you never know where a connection can lead!
  2. Do your Research[2]
    • If you’re scheduling an informational interview or have a specific question for someone, try to learn more about them and their experience. This helps make sure your interview questions are applicable and signals to the interviewee that you’re interested in what they have to say.
  3. Ask Thoughtful Questions

    • Ask open-ended (not yes or no) questions to start a conversation. Here are some examples of open-ended questions:
      • How did your college experience influence your path?
      • What inspired you to pursue this field?
      • What advice would you give someone interested in this field?
    • When in doubt, you can always start with: can you tell me more about… 
      • Can you tell me more about what a typical day looks like for you?
      • Can you tell me more about how you decided on this path?
  4. Be Ready to Share Your Goals

    • You don’t need to have a perfectly polished elevator pitch at this stage in your college journey—but it’s helpful to have a general idea of your interests and goals. When you’re networking, people may ask, “What are you hoping to do?” or “What brought you to this field?” Having a brief, honest response ready helps others understand how they might support you.

      Your goals don’t have to be set in stone. A simple sketch—like “I’m planning to transfer and major in environmental science,” or “I’m exploring careers that combine writing and media production”—is enough to guide the conversation and make your connection more meaningful.

  5. Expand Your Online Presence
    • Connecting with people online is an effective and accessible networking strategy. Depending on your chosen Pathway, your online presence might take the form of an updated LinkedIn profile, a personal website, or even a digital portfolio. These tools not only help you stay connected with your field, but also give the people you’re networking with a clear, professional snapshot of who you are and what you’re working toward.
  6. Be Conscious of your Digital Image[3]

    • As you start using online networking tools, it’s important to be aware of how you present yourself online. Employers, internship supervisors, and even scholarship committees may search your name as part of their screening process.

      Take time to clean up your online identity. Consider setting personal social media accounts  to private, and remove any content that might be seen as inappropriate or unprofessional.

      A good first step? Google your own name and see what comes up. If the results don’t reflect the version of you that you’d want a future employer to see, take action: update your privacy settings, archive or delete posts, and start building a digital presence you feel good about. Learn more about tracing your online presence. 

  7. Be Patient 
    • Relationships take time. Not every conversation will lead somewhere immediately, but it all adds up overtime.
  8. Stay Connected

    • You don’t need to follow up every month like clockwork—but don’t be afraid to reach out, either. If you have a question, want to share good news, or come across something that reminds you of a past conversation, it’s perfectly appropriate (and often appreciated) to check in.

      Networking isn’t about constant communication—it’s about staying on someone’s radar in a natural, thoughtful way. Some of the best professional connections last for years with just an occasional message. A former mentor, supervisor, or colleague might be someone you worked with briefly a long time ago—but if you built a good connection, don’t hesitate to reach out when it matters.

  9. Reflect
    • After a conversation, take time to reflect on what you learned – you may find that you’re more interested in a career or field or you might find that it doesn’t fit as well as you thought.
  10. Grow Your Network 

    • Your network should grow with you—even after you’ve found a job. You never know when you’ll need advice, support, or a new opportunity.

      Many roles are filled through connections, not job boards. That’s why networking isn’t a one-time task. Follow up when someone shares a lead, and don’t ghost the people helping you out. A quick thank-you goes a long way.

Wrapping Up

Networking isn’t just for job interviews or professional conferences, it’s for right now. Every conversation you have, every question you ask, and every connection you make is part of building your network.

Start with people you know. Be curious. Follow up. Don’t stress about having all the answers. Your network is there to help you figure things out.

Whether your first informational interview feels awkward or amazing (or a bit of both), you’re practicing a skill that will serve you for years to come. So go ahead! Send that email, ask that question, and start growing a community that supports your goals.

  1. 10 Proven Networking Tips to Boost Your Career. (2025, January 7). Bentley University. https://www.bentley.edu/news/10-proven-networking-tips-boost-your-career ↵
  2. Career Center. (n.d.). 10 Tips for Effective Networking. University of Maryland, Baltimore County. https://careers.umbc.edu/students/network/networking101/tips/ ↵
  3. Career Center. (n.d.). 10 Tips for Effective Networking. University of Maryland, Baltimore County. https://careers.umbc.edu/students/network/networking101/tips ↵

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College 101 Collection Copyright © 2025 by Cascadia College COLL101 Team is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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