Building a Professional Network as a Fresh Graduate

Dear May 2025 Grads especially international students, Graduated now.. Excited? Nervous? Wondering how to land a job in the U.S. as visa deadlines loom? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Let’s talk real job search strategy. Here are some out-of-the-box networking + time management tips that worked for me and many others because the "just apply online" route? It’s not enough anymore. Networking tip #1: Become a connector, not a collector Don’t just collect LinkedIn connections. Engage. After every virtual or in-person event, send a thoughtful message: “Hey [Name], I loved your take on [topic]. Would love to stay in touch and learn from your journey.” Then follow their content, leave a meaningful comment weekly. Not just "Great post"—say why it resonated. Real Example? I did this with a speaker from a conference. A week later, they referred me to a role I didn’t know existed. Networking tip #2: DM like a human Cold messaging can work if it’s warm in tone. No one likes “Hi, can you refer me?”. Try this: “Hi [Name], I’m a May 2025 grad, exploring roles in [your field]. Your path at [Company] is inspiring! What advice would you give someone starting out?” You’re not asking for a job— You’re building trust. Jobs often follow. Networking tip #3: Start your own thing No industry events? Create one. Host a 20-minute Zoom chat with peers and invite 1 professional. Call it “Something Creative.” Record it, post snippets on LinkedIn. Now you’re no longer chasing people— They come to you. Time Tip #1: Pick 3 buckets daily Job search feels endless—so make it finite. Every day, pick only 3 things: 10 application 10 follow-up 1-2 learning or networking action Then rest. Your brain needs consistent progress, not burnout. Time Tip #2: Theme your week Mon: Research companies Tue: Tailor resume + apply Wed: Networking messages Thu: Interview prep Fri: Personal branding Sat: Review progress Sun: Rest or reflect Theme = clarity. Clarity = momentum. Bonus Tip: Show your work in public Share your job search journey online. Post about projects, learnings, even rejections. One classmate posted his weekly job goals + learnings. He got a DM from a hiring manager who was watching silently. You never know who’s watching. International students—this road is hard, but it’s not impossible. You just need to play it smart, support each other, and show up consistently. If you’re on this journey, You’ve got this. #May2025Grads #InternationalStudents #JobSearchTips #Networking #TimeManagement #F1VisaJobs #OPT #CPT #CareerGrowth #LevelUp

I landed 2 internships with zero experience in data. Not by applying. But by learning how to network — one conversation at a time. 📌 If you’re not at from an Ivy college, 80% of companies at your career fair won’t sponsor. That’s not unfair — That’s just how it works. 👉 Your job is to find the 20% that do. I focused only on that 20% at two career fairs. And I walked away with two internships. 📍 How I Started With Zero Network Just arrived from India. No U.S. experience. No connections. No idea how hiring worked. But I was extroverted. And I genuinely cared about people’s stories. So I started with what I had: → Friends from undergrad in the U.S. → Family friends in any industry → My cousin (data scientist in Australia) → Anyone who could connect me to a sponsor-ready company 💬 My cousin gave me advice I’ll never forget: "Stop building Titanic survival analyses. No one cares. Build projects that show how you think like a business person — not just a coder." So I picked real problems from real industries. And I focused on insights that could help teams make actual decisions. My 3-Step Networking Process: ✅ Step 1: Start with warm contacts I listed 15 people I already knew. And booked as many calls as I could. 🎯 One day in class, I gave a thoughtful answer. My professor, Jason Cirilo, said: "That’s a great take. Let me introduce you to someone in the industry." He connected me to Rakshit Goyal! That one intro taught me more than any textbook would. Now he shares great job search content on LinkedIn — go follow him. ✅ Step 2: Attend everything — even irrelevant events I went to every event on campus. Not because they were useful. But because I needed reps. Every awkward conversation made me better. I stopped rambling. I started asking better questions. ✅ Step 3: Use LinkedIn — but do it right → Engage with someone’s posts for 3–4 days → Send a connection request with context → Follow up after they accept with a good question 📬 The Realities of Outreach → 20% response rate is normal → Follow up after 5 days → If no reply after 2 follow-ups, move on — no emotion You don’t need a perfect resume. You need 100 real conversations. Start before you need the job. Because by then, it’s already too late. 👇 What’s your biggest challenge with networking as an international student? Drop it below — I’ll reply to a few directly. 📸 One of the proudest moments from this journey and a bucket list moment: Having my family visit me at American Airlines HQ. They saw where I work. I saw what it meant to them. #InternationalStudents #NetworkingTips #CareerFair #JobSearchStrategy #F1Visa #NetworkingForStudents #CareerAdvice #InternshipSearch #LinkedInNetworking #GradSchoolLife #PersonalBranding

The job market has a problem: Entry-level positions that demand 2-3 years of experience. Make it make sense! How exactly are new graduates supposed to enter the workforce when every "beginner" role requires them to have already begun? I've been thinking about this because of my own career journey. Want to know how I landed EVERY single job in my 20s? Not through applications. Not through fancy degrees. It was ALL through referrals from people in my network. Someone who knew me, vouched for me, and opened doors that would have remained firmly shut if I had just been another resume in the stack. This is why I tell every young professional that your network is your most valuable asset – especially when you're starting out with zero experience. Here are 3 ways to build meaningful connections early in your career: ✅ 1. // Turn informational interviews into ongoing relationships. Don't just have coffee once. Follow up every quarter with thoughtful updates and specific questions. ✅ 2. // Join professional communities where your target employers hang out. Every industry has Slack channels, Discord servers, or local meetups where real conversations happen. ✅ 3. // Offer genuine help before asking for anything. Can you create something valuable for someone you admire? Research a topic they're interested in? Solve a small problem they mentioned? …and of course leverage LinkedIn. Start posting here and building connections. The best networkers I know don't collect connections – they build relationships by adding value first. 📌 Question: What was your first job and how did you get it? Was it through an application or a connection? I’m genuinely curious. Tell us about it.

Hot take: Every new grad in media should have a podcast. I KNOW I KNOW… everyyyyoneeeee has a podcast these days 🙃 But hear me out, creating a podcast (even a scrappy one) can actually help you land your next opportunity. Here’s why:  I once coached a media student who wanted to network but felt really weird just cold messaging people on LinkedIn. And honestly? Fair LOL. Networking can feel like a one-way street: person A wants advice, time, or a connection from person B. As we talked through her fears and her need to build more experience, I suggested this: Start a podcast. Not to go viral. But to build relationships. Here’s how we did it: 1. Descript for the win – One of my favorite tools ever. She recorded, edited, and created clips all in the same app. Zero production overwhelm. 2. Smart networking – We made a list of 5 people she admired, then used a LinkedIn commenting strategy to warm up the connection before asking them to join her show. 3. Strategic sharing – After each episode, she’d post a short clip and tag the guest and their company on LinkedIn. The full version went on YouTube. The result? Within 6 months, she landed her dream internship working on the social team of a major entertainment company she had admired since high school. One of her short podcast clips, just a 45-second video highlighting a guest’s advice on breaking into media, caught the attention of a recruiter on LinkedIn. The recruiter was impressed not just with the content, but with how she ran the entire project. Why did this work? 1. She stayed consistent: Not with posting every day, but with building real connections within her industry. 2. She wasn’t trying to go viral: She was trying to grow community and her authority. 3. She showed companies what she could create in real time and her podcast became a living+breathing part of her portfolio. If you’re a student or recent grad trying to stand out, build your portfolio, or get in the room with people you admire… Start the thing. Even if only 12 people listen. Even if it’s not perfect. Even if it’s just a project on your resume. You don’t need to be discovered. You need to be visible. Whether it’s a podcast, posting content, or just COMMENTING on posts… start BUILDING your voice. _____________ Hi, I'm Nikki ❤️ and I share real-world strategies to help you stand out, get hired, and build a career that feels like YOU. Follow @NikkiPebbles if you're ready to grow your career your way.

Every opportunity that changed my life came from a relationship (not a resume). 6 tips to build a network that actually works for you: 1/ Check In Without Needing Anything ↳ Send "how are you?" texts more often than "can you help me?" emails. ↳ People forget what you said, but they remember that you stayed in touch. 2/ Give Before You Get ↳ The best networkers give help more often than they ask for it. ↳ Share opportunities, make introductions, send useful articles. 3/ Start Building Today ↳ The worst time to build relationships is when you desperately need them. ↳ Your next job won't come from a blind job app. It'll come from someone you know. 4/ Make It Personal ↳ Remember birthdays, kids' names, their big wins. ↳ One genuine conversation beats 100 business cards. 5/ Stay Consistent ↳ Set reminders to reach out quarterly. ↳ Small efforts compound into strong connections. 6/ Be The Connector ↳ Introduce people who should know each other. ↳ Become known as someone who helps others win. The net worth of your network compounds faster than your 401(k). Every promotion, every opportunity, every breakthrough... They all started with a relationship. Your dream job is one conversation away. But that conversation only happens if you've been nurturing relationships all along. Start today. Text someone you haven't talked to in months. Not because you need something. Just because relationships are your most valuable career asset. What's your favorite way to network? Reshare ♻️ to help someone in your network. And give me a follow for more posts like this.

“You have to network in the U.S.” My ears used to bleed every time I heard this. When I moved to the U.S., everyone kept repeating it: “Build relationships.” “Get referrals.” “It’s all about networking.” But no one ever explained how to do it. So I figured it out myself. — I started with my professors. They’re always willing to help, and they have incredible alumni networks — students who now work at top companies. Most people just don’t ask. — Then I used LinkedIn — properly. And that’s how I landed my role at Microsoft. Here’s what I learned: *Don’t start with recruiters.* They’re overwhelmed with resumes screenings, cold messages, and coordination tasks. Your message may never be seen or prioritized. Instead, reach out to people who: - Are already in your target role - Work as managers or above - Have been at the company longer - Are often involved in hiring decisions - Know the team, culture, and expectations These are the people who can offer real insight — and real support. In my case, the person I built a relationship with at Microsoft: - Referred me internally - Reached out to the Hiring Manager - Ended up being on my interview panel That changed everything. If you’re job searching: - Be intentional with your outreach - Ask meaningful, curious questions - Don’t lead with “Please refer me” — build trust first When the relationship builds, they’ll ask for your resume! P.S. I help international students and professionals land internships and full-time jobs in the U.S. Follow me for practical tips on #networking #resumes #interviews #careerstrategy. #ThatIndianCoach – From where you are, to where you want to be!

I get a lot of requests for coffee chats and referrals, and I've noticed some recurring mistakes in how people reach out. I want to share the strategies that have helped me achieve a 70% response rate. LinkedIn is incredible for connecting, and with thoughtful outreach and content, you can increase your outreach response results. The Don'ts (Vague): 🚫 "Hi there, I'm graduating in May and open to positions at [Insert Company Name]." Why this doesn't work? - It's too generic. No one person knows every open role. - It shows a lack of research. - You're shifting the work onto the recipient. The Do's (Specific & Intentional): ✅ "Hi [Insert Name], I noticed you're a Program Manager at [Insert Company]. I'm interested in the Program Manager role [Insert Job Link] and would love to connect for a 20-minute coffee chat to discuss: - Your interview process - Your day-to-day schedule - Your top challenges and how you overcome them - Any tips you can share Key Strategies for Success: - Targeted Job Titles: If you want an engineering role, connect with engineers. For data analysis, reach out to data analysts. Keep it relevant! - Experience Alignment: Aim for individuals with career tenures closer to your desired level. New grad? Connect with those 2-3 years into their journey. - The Follow-Up is Crucial: After a successful coffee chat, send a personalized THANK YOU. Include 1-2 specific points you discussed to show you were engaged. Strategic and intentional outreach is crucial, especially with so many people looking for jobs right now. It's all about thoughtful research and making it easy for the person you're contacting. What are your favorite outreach tips or questions? Let's connect and share! 👇 #LinkedInNetworking #CareerAdvice #JobSearchTips #StrategicOutreach #ProfessionalDevelopment #NetworkingTips #CoffeeChat #JobHunting #CareerStrategy #NoCeilings #CoffeeChatStrategy #NetworkWithIntention

New grads — if “networking” makes you feel uneasy or a little cringe, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be awkward, transactional, or fake. One of the most effective — and authentic — ways to build professional relationships? Informational interviews. Think of them as curiosity-driven conversations, not sales pitches. Here’s how to get started: 📌 Use LinkedIn to find people in roles or industries that interest you 📌 Ask for 20–30 minutes to learn about their career path 📌 Lead with curiosity, prep thoughtful questions, and show appreciation 📩 Nervous about reaching out? I’ve created templates to make it easier (graphics below 👇) 💬 Not sure what to ask? I’ll drop go-to questions in the comments. Truthfully, this approach helped me land my job at LinkedIn. Through low-pressure conversations, I learned what really mattered in the role, built real relationships, and followed up when the time was right. Next week: I’ll wrap up this mini career series with tips to crush your next interview. #InformationalInterviews #NewGrad #Networking #JobSearchWithClaire ___ 🔔 Follow me, Claire Silcox, to catch the final post ♻️ Tag a new grad who's navigating the job search 💼 Explore career coaching at clairemsilcox.com

One trick that helped me get job at Walmart 3 months before graduation- NETWORKING! 👉I reached out to approximately 3,500-4,000 people on LinkedIn since December 2023. 👉About 300-400 individuals responded. 👉I engaged in calls or email conversations with 150-200 people through platforms like Topmate.io, Zoom, LinkedIn calls, phone calls, email, and ADPList.org. 👉There were days when I had continuous calls booked from 5pm to 11pm, one after another 👉These conversations helped me get my resume reviewed, receive feedback on my approach, and learn to articulate my work more effectively. How I achieved such a high response rate: 1. I started by reaching out to my 1st-degree connections. 2. Then, I contacted people from my past companies who are currently working in the US. 3. Next, I connected with people who graduated from my college. 4. Finally, I expanded to 2nd-3rd connections (it's easier to get a response when you have a common connection). Pro tip: Always try to find a common thread with the person you're reaching out to – it significantly increases your chances of getting a response While most interactions were one-time occurrences, many evolved into weekly connections. The best part about networking is gaining friends within your domain who not only help you grow but also understand your journey and hustle. This win goes to everyone who responded and agreed to spare their time for a call. However, special special mention to: Aditya Khandelwal who became both a mentor and such a great friend. He guided me throughout the process, took mock interviews, provided honest feedback, and helped me improve my approach. Also listened to all my rants the entire time 🙈 Salvatore V. Vicarisi Jr. who so generously helped me navigate the stressful process. Consistently boosted my morale, checked in before and after every interview, and always ended call with refreshing, positive pep talks. Had the loudest cheer when I got the job🥹 There were so many people i just connected once sharing roles and providing me referrals left right and center , grateful for you all❤️ Building genuine connections made all the difference for me. Don't hesitate to reach out and learn from others in your field!

Everyone says, “Network your way into a job.” But no one tells you how to make your message actually stand out. I used to send generic cold messages that got zero replies. Then I started attaching specific questions or insights about the company or role. That’s when conversations started. Here’s how to network well: - Don’t ask for a referral in your first message. Start a conversation. - Mention a specific project or product the person worked on that excites you. - Ask one thoughtful question, not “Can I pick your brain?” - Keep it under 3 sentences. Respect their time. Here’s are a few templates you can use: - Hello! I applied to a SWE internship at Meta and had a few questions about the work culture. Would you be open to connecting? I appreciate your time! - Your work in [field/area of expertise] is truly remarkable. As an aspiring [role], I'd greatly appreciate the chance to connect and gain invaluable guidance from your journey. - I'm captivated by your unique approach to [specific aspect of their work]. Could we connect? I'd love to learn more and potentially explore opportunities for collaboration. - Hello! I read the research paper you published on XYZ topic. As a master’s student, I’m interested in pursuing research in similar fields, I’d be thrilled if you could connect! - I'm fascinated by your work on [specific project/initiative]. As an aspiring [role] in [field], I'd love to connect and learn from your expertise. Would you be open to a brief chat? - Your recent [article/interview/presentation] on [topic] resonated deeply with me. I'm keen to explore [related area of interest] and would appreciate the opportunity to connect. Your message should be short, specific, and easy to reply to. Most people just say, “Hi, can you refer me?” Be better than most people. #networking #techcareers #jobsearch #30DaysOfCareerGrowth Day 6 of #30DaysOfCareerGrowth