It really is less scary than it sounds. And even better: as a student you often - and per[1]haps without knowing it - already lay the foundation for a nice network. An example: during his master’s program, my son worked in a project group with students from dif[1]ferent disciplines. He loved that collaboration. But when the project was over, the group fell apart like loose sand. Even when they meet now, they walk silently past each other. And this turns out to be no exception: working students I talked to told similar stories.

A pity, because you already know that you can connect well with these people and you already have a bond with them. What if you did maintain those contacts? What could it get you? Networking is much more than a business card party. It is about establishing and maintaining real relationships, especially outside your own field of study. In this way you not only broaden your horizons, but you build a net[1]work of people with ambition - people who might later make a difference to your career.

Grabbing opportunities

One alumna of a technical school chose a completely different direction: she now works at the munic[1]ipality because she wants to make a positive impact on the world through community projects. How did she end up there? Through contacts she made during her student days.

Therefore: grab those opportunities now. Do a year of committee or board work. It’s good for your resume, but most of all you get to know people. Start small. Did you do a project with a guest lecturer from the business community? Send a thank-you email. Do you have a graduate supervisor? Ask how he or she ever got started. Go to lectures, career events or alumni get-togethers at your university.

Not a trick

You really don’t need to storm in with a tightly practiced elevator pitch. Just start with: “What do you find most special about your position?” Listen and keep asking. People are surprisingly happy to talk about themselves. Use that to your advantage. Before you know it, you’ll find common areas of interest.

So: grab that coffee (or that beer), open LinkedIn and take that first step. Networking is not a trick. It’s just getting to know people. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need to get to the right place.

Edith Snelders Head of Office for Alumni Relations and University Fund Eindhoven. The views expressed in this column are her own. From August she will be one of Cursor’s columnists.