Networking is simply:

• Having conversations
• Asking questions
• Learning from others’ experiences
• Staying in touch

Think of it as career curiosity in action, not asking for a job.

Networking can help you:

• Learn what different jobs and industries are really like
• Discover internships, co-ops, and job opportunities
• Build confidence talking with employers and professionals
• Get advice from people who’ve been where you are now

Many opportunities come from who you know and who knows you—and that starts with one conversation.

You’re probably networking more than you think. Common places include:

• Career fairs and employer events
• Classroom speakers and site visits
• Clinicals, co-ops, internships, and part-time jobs
• Student organizations and campus events
• LinkedIn and other professional platforms
• Informational interviews

You don’t need anything fancy. Try one of these:

Simple Openers

• “Hi, I’m a Cincinnati State student studying ___. What do you do?”
• “What’s your career path been like?”
• “What do you enjoy most about your role?”

At a Career Fair or Event

• “What kinds of roles do you typically hire Cincinnati State students for?”
• “What skills do you look for in entry-level candidates?”

On LinkedIn or Email

• “I’m a Cincinnati State student interested in ___. Would you be open to sharing advice about your career path?”

Good networking conversations usually include:

• Your major or program
• Your interests or career goals (it’s okay if they’re still forming!)
• Questions about the person’s role, company, or industry
• Listening more than talking

You don’t need to have everything figured out—that’s the point of networking.

Following up is what turns a one-time conversation into a relationship.

Within 24–48 hours:

• Send a short thank-you message or email
• Mention something specific you discussed
• Express appreciation for their time

Example:

“Thank you for taking the time to talk with me at the career fair. I appreciated learning more about your role and your advice on building experience while in school.”

Do:

• Be polite, curious, and professional
• Ask thoughtful questions
• Be yourself
• Say thank you

Don’t:

• Ask for a job right away
• Dominate the conversation
• Use slang or inappropriate language
• Ghost after the first interaction

Not everyone loves small talk—and that’s okay.

• Introverts can focus on one-on-one conversations
• Online networking counts
• Asking good questions matters more than being outgoing

There’s no “right” personality for networking.

The Career Center can support you with:

• Career fairs and employer events
• Resume and LinkedIn reviews
• Interview preparation
• Career exploration tools
• Practice networking conversations

You don’t have to do this alone—we’re here to help you build confidence and connections.