Networking for young people

Networking doesn’t have to be cringeworthy: A real talk guide for young professionals

Let’s get one thing out of the way: the word networking might very well have a bad reputation. It probably makes you picture awkward small talk, LinkedIn messages that feel like cold calls, or stuffy events full of people pretending to love canapés (I can't stand them personally). 

But here’s the truth: networking doesn’t have to be fake, forced, or weird. At its core, it’s just about making real connections with people who can help you grow—and who you can help in return. At the core of it, there’s not much more to it.

If you’re just starting out in your career, here’s why networking matters and how to do it in a way that feels human. (Hopefully not unlike this article!)

 1. Why networking is more than just a buzzword

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” That’s not entirely true (you do need skills), but who you know can certainly open doors that might otherwise stay shut. The job you didn’t see posted. The mentor who gives you that extra bit of belief in yourself. The friend of a friend who remembers your name when something exciting comes up. Ultimately, the right skills are vital but so is the right fit in terms of personality and engagement with other people, networking is a great chance to prove that you have those last strengths in spades. Good networking is how that happens. It’s how opportunities spread. And it’s not reserved for people with fancy job titles. When I joined the BT Grad Scheme back in 2007/08, we were introduced to the importance of networking, and even then we were raised on texting/IM’ing, actually talking to people took some getting used to, but it was well worth it.

 2. Start with people you already know

Networking isn’t always about reaching out to strangers. It can start with classmates, coworkers, tutors, former managers, your cousin’s mate who works in tech—basically anyone who might be able to share advice or point you in a helpful direction. One of the reasons that we try to maximise our course attendance is because your fellow attendees are ultimately some of the first people you can network with.

When it comes to networking, it can be a little bewildering as to how go about doing it. Ultimately you should do the following: Ask questions. Be curious. “How did you get into your field?” or “What’s the best advice you got when you were starting out?” Most people love talking about their journeys, and just asking those questions can make you memorable. Lots of older, more senior folks just love talking about their journey and experiences, sometimes through ego (we’re all human) and sometimes because they want to pay down their experience to the next generation.

 3. Use LinkedIn like a human

LinkedIn can feel like a corporate jungle (it most certainly is at times), but if you use it right, it’s a goldmine. Follow people you admire. Comment on their posts (authentically—no generic “Great insights!” fluff). If you message someone, make it personal. Something like:

“Hey Sarah, I saw your post about transitioning into UX design. I’m just starting to explore that field and found your story super helpful. Would you be open to a quick chat sometime?”

That’s it. No pressure. No need to sound like a robot. Just be honest and respectful of their time.

 4. Go to events (even if you're nervous)

Yes, walking into a room full of strangers is intimidating. But events—whether they’re local meetups, uni careers fairs, or niche online webinars—can be game-changers. The trick? Set small goals. Aim to have just one or two real conversations, not collect 30 business cards. When I served in the Royal Navy (many moons ago), I had a shipmate who hadn’t been in much longer than I had, and yet when he first joined our ship, he walked round our mess deck introducing himself, boldly shaking people’s hands, acting like he’d known them for years! In short, he faked it till he made it. The rest of the mess thought he was a salty old seadog (me included) but he admitted to me later that he’d only joined the RN a few months before me, but it worked, 100% it worked.

Here’s a tip: asking someone what brought them to the event is a great icebreaker. And remember, everyone feels awkward at these things. You're not alone.

 5. Give as much as you take

This is where a lot of people go wrong. They treat networking like a transaction. “What can you do for me?” But the best networkers think in terms of relationships, not favours.

Even (especially) if you’re early in your career, you have things to offer—energy, new ideas, fresh perspectives, or just kindness and support. If someone helps you out, say thank you, and mean it. Keep in touch. Share something they might find useful later on. You’ll be surprised how far simple generosity can go. The world of industry, whichever it might be, is greased with humanity and good intent.

 6. Be patient and stay genuine

Networking isn’t magic. You won’t get your dream job after one coffee chat. But over time, the connections you build can become a powerful part of your professional life.

The best part? When you focus on being real—actually getting to know people, not just trying to impress them—it becomes a whole lot less awkward. Listen twice as much as you speak, give people your fullest attention and make eye contact (don’t glare at them like an axe murderer, but just enough to let them know you’re taking in every word). 

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a suit, a perfect pitch, or a million followers to start networking. You just need the willingness to reach out, show up, and be curious. It’s not about selling yourself—it’s about building relationships that last.

So go ahead, message that person on LinkedIn, say hello at the next event or follow up with someone you admire. Your future self will thank you for it. (That extends to reaching out to us, by the way!) You might even consider joining your local business chamber of commerce and introducing yourself there too! Good luck!