tips for networking for uni

heyy, i've been invited to an event to network with peers of my age, and meet international firms and companies- really nervous on how to talk to people there seeing as i'll be alone and won't know anyone.
any tips?? help me outt!

Reply 1

username872704

0

19

I'll admit, I hate networking too but I generally mooch about stalls and displays at work events I've had to attend until I spot a good opportunity to ask a question or comment on something. That's the ice broken and after that it's easier.

Reply 2

Kingston Reps

Official Rep

15

Original post by user88663

heyy, i've been invited to an event to network with peers of my age, and meet international firms and companies- really nervous on how to talk to people there seeing as i'll be alone and won't know anyone.
any tips?? help me outt!

Hi @user88663

Wow that is exciting that you have been invited to such an event, sounds like a good opportunity.

I have attended a similar event before and what helped me was creating a list before I went of a few questions I could ask when I got there to hopefully start some conversation. I even found some good ideas on google that may be worth a try.

I would also do some research on the firms/companies before you go, so you know which you are really interested to speak to and it may also help you think of some questions. Just be curious.

Also remember that everyone else there is in a similar position, they just want someone to talk to as those events can sometimes get boring. Especially if they are behind a stand that is what they are there to do, have conversations. Sometimes even general conversations are great as they create that connection with someone.

I hope this helps and good luck at your event :smile:

-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

Original post by user88663

heyy, i've been invited to an event to network with peers of my age, and meet international firms and companies- really nervous on how to talk to people there seeing as i'll be alone and won't know anyone.
any tips?? help me outt!

Hi!

I’ve been to a few careers fairs and it is scary going alone and having to talk to strangers. I agree with @Kingston Reps that having a set of questions prepared is a good idea. A few questions you could ask industry members is:
why did you chose to work in your industry?
What’s your favourite part about your job?
What’s the most interesting project you’ve been a part of?
How did you get into your industry?
Can I get your LinkedIn?
(This one is good for making new contacts)

Don’t forget that the industry members are there for you to talk to! Have fun and enjoy the opportunity :smile:

Reply 4

hallamstudents

Official Rep

18

Original post by user88663

heyy, i've been invited to an event to network with peers of my age, and meet international firms and companies- really nervous on how to talk to people there seeing as i'll be alone and won't know anyone.
any tips?? help me outt!

Hi there,

This is an exciting opportunity, even thought it might feel scary at the time!

I would say to be prepared before you go and think of as many questions as you can do that you would ask people, just is you know you always have something to talk about if you need to so you don't need to worry about thinking of things to say whilst you are there.

Try and research before you go who will be there and see if there are any specific questions you could ask them, so if you find yourself in a position where you don't know who to talk to or what to say, you know where you could go and what to talk to them about.

Once you have started speaking to some people, it will really break the ice and you will get into the swing of it and your confidence will grow! Try and make sure you are genuinely interested in what people are saying as it will be clear that you are interested and this will make people want to speak to you more which is great.

I would also recommend maybe just preparing a little bit about yourself in your head which you can say when you introduce yourself to people or if you get asked any questions about yourself. It sounds silly as of course you know answers about yourself but sometimes in the moment your mind can go blank so it's good to just be prepared with a little bit you can say about yourself and also think of answers to questions such as what are your goals, ambitions etc. It's better to be over prepared as this way you won't be worrying about what to say and you can just be yourself!

My last advice would just be to be yourself. You will be great and once you get into the swing of the event, your nerves will go away and you can just focus on networking!

I hope some of this helps and good luck with the event! :smile:

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 5

CardiffUni Rep

Official Rep

12

Original post by user88663

heyy, i've been invited to an event to network with peers of my age, and meet international firms and companies- really nervous on how to talk to people there seeing as i'll be alone and won't know anyone.
any tips?? help me outt!

Hi there,

This is a really exciting opportunity! My biggest advice would be to be yourself! I've also written a blog on ways that you can maximise your employability at university through networking and various other opportunities that you can find here: https://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/insiders/resources-to-start-building-a-career-at-university/.

All the best,
Jaz - Cardiff student rep

tips for networking for uni

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you