Avenue

The power of everyday networking

It's well known that those looking to boost or change their career may benefit from attending dedicated networking events such as conferences or professional gatherings. But our Careers & Employability Manager Fiona Stubbs argues that more informal, creative ways of networking can be just as powerful – and easier to achieve. 

Forget the business cards. The best networking happens in everyday conversations. A chat with a colleague, a thoughtful LinkedIn comment or reconnecting with an old university friend can all lead to unexpected opportunities. 

Whatever stage you're at in your career, networking is about building genuine relationships, not promoting yourself. Those relationships might give you an insight before an interview, introduce you to a future employer or simply inspire a new way of thinking.  

Finding the spark 

For many people, one conversation can make all the difference. Alumna Zuzanna Boguslawska (BSc 2022) shares how a networking event gave her the confidence to pursue a completely new career. 

"After completing my degree in Human Biology, I decided to pivot entirely and pursue a career in tech,” she says. “Two years ago, I was filled with self-doubt. As a woman trying to break into a male-dominated field with a non-traditional background, the transition felt daunting. While applying for a role at a tech company, I attended one of their networking events featuring a panel discussion on women in tech.

"I met several incredible women who had already broken into the industry as product managers and web developers. Speaking with them openly about my doubts was a turning point.” 

 

Zuzanna Boguslawska

“One woman, who was also a self-taught programmer, generously shared the exact courses and resources that had helped her when she was in my shoes. Another participant explained what makes a great product manager and showed how she'd used her own 'squiggly' career path and transferable skills to succeed. That single event transformed my self-doubt into confidence, proving that my non-traditional background wasn't a weakness, it was a strength." 

Embrace the novelty 

It's often not your closest friends who introduce you to new opportunities, but the people you know a little less well: a former classmate, another alumnus, someone you met at a conference or even a regular face at your local cafe. These are sometimes known as your ‘weak ties’. They move in different circles, bringing fresh perspectives, new ideas and opportunities that may never reach your immediate network. Looking beyond your closest circle can often lead to the most unexpected and rewarding professional connections. 

Of course, the best networking isn't about collecting contacts, it's about building relationships. 

The best networkers don't ask, ‘What can this person do for me?’ They ask, ‘How can I help?’ Could you make an introduction, share an opportunity or simply celebrate someone's success? The strongest professional relationships are built through generosity, not self-promotion. People are far more likely to remember those who make their lives a little easier than those who simply ask for a favour. 

Networking doesn't have to be time-consuming or formal. Often, it's the small, consistent actions that build lasting relationships: 

• Ask people about their career journey and listen with genuine curiosity. 
• Follow up promptly after meeting someone with a short email or LinkedIn message. 
• Share an article, podcast or an upcoming event that might interest someone in your network. 
• Introduce two people who could benefit from knowing each other. 

Used well, LinkedIn can be a powerful networking tool. My simple rule is: ‘be interesting, be helpful’. A few ways to make the most of the platform include: 

• Share occasional updates about projects, learning or ideas, not just achievements. 
• Personalise connection requests where possible. 
• Comment thoughtfully on other people's posts rather than simply clicking ‘Like’. 
• Join conversations in your sector and contribute your perspective. 
• Don't only appear when you're looking for a job, build relationships consistently over time. 

The strongest professional networks aren't built in a day or at a single event. They grow through curiosity, generosity and staying connected over time. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, help someone else or discover a different path. Whether you're taking your first career steps or considering your next move, investing in relationships is one of the most valuable career skills you can develop. 

This feature was first published in October 2026.

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