how do i network?

5

(for context im in year 12) so i need in-person work experience opportunities related to computer science for the summer (probably next year bc i think im too late to apply for anything rn). i was talking to a friend of a friend and he got alot of opportunities bc one of his parents has a job in this field and therefore has lots of connections. my family is more orientated around finance and dont really have many computer science-y connections and im just wondering how to network... my school hasnt organised any careers fairs yet and i tried to find people i recognise on linkedin, but i havnt got up to much. is there anything else i can do? if im lucky i can find something to do online for the summer, but in-person stuff would probably make my applications stronger. thanks

Reply 1

mesub

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

22

Original post

by secretshrimp

(for context im in year 12) so i need in-person work experience opportunities related to computer science for the summer (probably next year bc i think im too late to apply for anything rn). i was talking to a friend of a friend and he got alot of opportunities bc one of his parents has a job in this field and therefore has lots of connections. my family is more orientated around finance and dont really have many computer science-y connections and im just wondering how to network... my school hasnt organised any careers fairs yet and i tried to find people i recognise on linkedin, but i havnt got up to much. is there anything else i can do? if im lucky i can find something to do online for the summer, but in-person stuff would probably make my applications stronger. thanks

I love networks (if we're talking computer networks)!!

Anyways if we're talking networking (in the soical sense), then you need to be in places that you'll be seen. LinkedIn, careers fairs, exhibitions etc.

If you're looking for work experience, proactively start reaching out to firms and ask them if they're able to offer anything. Tell them what you'd be able to bring to the table.

Reply 2

Macclesfield

11

A lot of networking can really just be thought of as making work-related friends; Go to Computer Science based conventions, meetups, clubs, etc, meet people and be social! Talk about your work, make friends in CS, and work with those friends on projects. LinkedIn is great though, and you should ideally post somewhat often about what you're doing in related to your work/projects - Employers (from what I know!) like to look on LinkedIn to see what you're currently doing, and it's nice to see someone is avid on their work, posting about it regularly.

As for your school not organizing career fairs, I'd highly recommend you speak to someone about it. Often, a lot of networking doesn't happen simply because no one wants to be the first to "do it", even though everyone wants it. Ask your teachers about work experience opportunities that they're aware of, ask the school to organize career fairs, and get involved as a student "to be remembered", if that makes sense? You want to be the first thought/reference when someone needs a work experience over the summer, and schools tend to be subscribed to a lot of newsletters which publish work experience opportunities. Go out and ask all your teachers every now and then if they've got any new updates on opportunities, because they probably do. Always follow up on opportunities!! Never let teachers forget!!

I hope this is useful, this is just what I know from looking at networking in my own time, and what works from my attempts. Good luck!!!

Reply 3

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

13

Original post

by secretshrimp

(for context im in year 12) so i need in-person work experience opportunities related to computer science for the summer (probably next year bc i think im too late to apply for anything rn). i was talking to a friend of a friend and he got alot of opportunities bc one of his parents has a job in this field and therefore has lots of connections. my family is more orientated around finance and dont really have many computer science-y connections and im just wondering how to network... my school hasnt organised any careers fairs yet and i tried to find people i recognise on linkedin, but i havnt got up to much. is there anything else i can do? if im lucky i can find something to do online for the summer, but in-person stuff would probably make my applications stronger. thanks

Hi there,

You're not behind at all, the fact that you're already thinking about work experience and how to network as a Year 12 student is actually really impressive. A lot of people don’t start taking this seriously until much later, so give yourself credit for being proactive.

I totally get what you mean about not having family connections in tech, it can feel a bit discouraging when you see others land opportunities through people they know. But that doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage long-term. You can still build your own network from scratch; it just takes a bit of persistence and creativity.

Here are a few things you can start doing:

Leverage your school and teachers:
Even if your school hasn’t hosted a careers fair yet, it’s worth chatting with your computer science or maths teachers. Sometimes they know alumni, companies, or university contacts you could be put in touch with. You could even ask if they’d be willing to reach out on your behalf.

Cold-emailing local companies:
It sounds intimidating, but this can really work. Look up local companies and send a short, polite email explaining who you are, what you’re studying, and that you’re keen to shadow someone or do a few days of experience in the summer. Be specific about what interests you like coding, robotics, cybersecurity, etc. Even if 9 out of 10 don’t reply, one good opportunity can make all the difference.

Explore university taster days or outreach programmes:
Some universities, Salford, run STEM and computing summer schools for Year 12s. These can give you experience working on real projects, learning with lecturers, and networking with peers who have similar interests. Keep checking websites to see when opportunities are available.

Online communities & events:
Look at platforms like GitHub, where you can contribute to some open-source projects. There are also some online hackathons or mini competitions you can join, which are also great to put on your CV.

LinkedIn:
You’re right that it can feel hard at first when you don’t know anyone, but keep building your profile, even if you just add classmates, teachers, or people you’ve met at events. Post about any coding projects or interests you’re working on, it helps get you noticed. You could even message alumni from your school who are now in tech and politely ask for advice, you’d be surprised how helpful people can be!

You're already thinking like a future Computer Science student, just keep putting yourself out there and saying yes to what comes your way. It builds up over time, even if it’s slow at first 💻🌱

Good luck 😊
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

how do i network?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you

How The Student Room is moderated