Connecting with professionals through networking allows you to learn more about careers and organizations of interest while building relationships with people who will become your colleagues and contacts as you progress in your career.
Networking in Person: Making New Contacts
In-person networking events are an important activity for meeting new contacts and learning about the language, culture and key issues of your chosen field. Identify and plan for in-person networking events through your department, student groups or disciplinary associations, or by using platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite to find local events in your area. Learn how to prepare for networking events and join us for Networking Nights throughout the year.
Talking to Humans Workshop
Learn how to network effectively and hone your skills with this presentation from the Office of Career & Life Design.
UT Austin Networking Nights for Graduate Students and Postdocs
Mingle with advanced degree alumni and fellow graduate students at our dynamic networking events. These gatherings are ideal for forging connections and fostering professional relationships.
Networking Online: Developing Professional Relationships
Networking online is an invaluable resource for graduate students exploring potential career paths and building connections beyond academia. By actively networking online, you can discover career options, identify mentors and even access job and internship opportunities that might not be publicly listed.
Identify and connect with professionals of interest in your extended network through networking platforms like LinkedIn or HookedIn, the official UT Austin social networking platform. Make sure your profiles on these platforms reflect your experiences, skills, and career interests so professionals with whom you connect can learn more about you.
Informational Interviews
How to Do Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are an important type of networking in which you have a conversation with an individual about their professional experience. Informational interviews are common across career sectors, and many professionals see them as a way to help students, recent graduates, and those new to the field.