What you missed (and what you need to know): networking edition

Hi !

A huge thank you to everyone who joined our fireside chat with Andy Nelson on networking to get your first job!

We had such a great time learning about the art of building genuine connections, and the do’s and don’ts of networking.

If you couldn’t make it, no worries—you did miss out on a lot of fun, but we’ve got you covered with the highlights!

To watch the full webinar with Andy’s insights, click here.

Before we dive into Andy’s incredible insights, we’re brewing up some seriously awesome stuff to help you land the career of your dreams—but we need your input on how you’d like to learn! 🎯

Without further ado, here’s a quick rundown of the key points Andy shared to help you master networking with confidence:

👉🏼What exactly is networking?

Networking isn’t about awkward small talk or formalities. It’s about building genuine connections with reciprocity in mind—offering and receiving value.

Before you start, ask yourself: What’s my goal? Whether it’s exploring career paths or gathering information through informational interviews, narrowing your focus to specific sectors, companies, or groups makes outreach more effective.

👉🏼Finding Networking Opportunities

Platforms like LinkedIn, Slack communities, and niche job boards are goldmines for finding relevant groups and individuals. Test your career interests by engaging with professionals in those spaces—think of it as a scientific experiment!

No work experience? No problem

Start by:

• Commenting on relevant posts.

• Curating insights from others’ content.

• Creating your own content to showcase your learning journey.

👉🏼Networking for Introverts

Not a fan of big events? That’s okay! Play to your strengths with smaller one-on-one conversations or online events. Use Andy’s three go-to questions to spark meaningful discussions:

• What inspired you to work in this space?

• How has this field changed in the last three years?

• What changes do you see coming in the next three years?

Key Mindset Shift:

Networking doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If it does, ask for help—from a friend, mentor, or coach. Focus on learning and enjoying the process rather than fixating on the results.

As Andy likes to put it:

We hope these tips inspire you to take the next step in building your network. Your next big opportunity might just be one conversation away!

Happy networking,
✨ Cathy