What I’d Tell My Younger Self About Networking
It’s graduation season now, and thinking back to my own college graduation a decade ago… there’s one thing I wish I had done differently and please learn from my mistake: build and maintain my network.
When I was in school, I was lucky to have incredible professors, supportive internship supervisors, and classmates doing exciting, inspiring things. But I made a mistake that many people do—I didn’t stay in touch. I assumed those relationships would naturally hold over time, and I thought networking was something you only did when you needed a job.
After graduation, I began my career on the business side of the sports industry. It was a slow start. I struggled to find roles that felt meaningful or offered real growth. Eventually, I realized one of the biggest challenges was that I had let my early network fade. Rebuilding it took time—and a lot of intentional effort.
Over the years, I’ve learned that relationships don’t maintain themselves. They need to be nurtured with small gestures: check-ins, congratulations, sharing updates. And when you do that, your network doesn’t just stay alive—it grows. Many of the best opportunities I’ve had came through people I already knew. I just needed to keep the connection warm.
So if you're just graduating or even a few years out—don’t underestimate the power of your alumni network. It can be one of the strongest communities you’ll ever have. Stay connected. You’ll be glad you did.
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Networking is a crucial skill that extends far beyond just exchanging business cards or adding contacts on social media. Effective networking involves cultivating genuine, long-lasting relationships that can provide support, guidance, and opportunities throughout your career. One important aspect to understand is that networking is not only for job hunting; it's a continuous process. Staying in touch with professors, supervisors, classmates, and colleagues can lead to unexpected collaborations and opens doors to new ventures. Alumni networks are particularly valuable because members share a common bond and are often eager to help. To maintain a strong network, small but consistent efforts are key. Regular check-ins through emails or social media, congratulating others on achievements, and sharing relevant updates create goodwill and keep connections active. These actions help your network grow organically, making it more likely that you'll be remembered and supported when you seek advice or opportunities. It’s also worth noting that rebuilding a faded network takes intentional effort but is achievable. Engaging in industry events, joining professional groups, and volunteering can help reestablish and expand your connections. Remember, the quality of your relationships matters more than quantity. In summary, proactive and sincere networking from early on, especially during and after graduation, can significantly impact your career trajectory. Embrace your alumni community, nurture your professional relationships, and watch how these connections evolve into meaningful opportunities over time.
