Networking that Works
Networking isn’t collecting business cards. It’s building real relationships that pay off over years — sometimes decades. Here’s how to do it without feeling fake.
Most students dread networking because they imagine it as cold sales. It isn’t. A good network is built one genuine conversation at a time.
1Before, During, After
Before
- Pick 3–5 companies to target — quality over quantity
- Read each company’s careers page and one recent news item
- Prepare your 60-second self-introduction
- Have 2–3 specific questions per company ready
During
- Smile, firm handshake, eye contact, name clearly stated
- Ask, listen, then react — don’t deliver a monologue
- Take a discreet mental note of something specific
- Close with: “Would you be open to connecting on LinkedIn?”
After
- LinkedIn request within 24 hours, with a personal note
- Reference what you discussed — they meet 50 students that day
- If they mentioned a vacancy, apply and tell them you did
- Track who you met in a simple sheet
2Your 60-Second Self-Introduction
The structure
- Who you are — name, programme, year (5 seconds)
- What you’re interested in — function or industry (15 seconds)
- Why — a project, course, or experience that shaped this interest (20 seconds)
- What you’re looking for — internship, insight, a specific programme (20 seconds)
“Hi, I’m Anna — I’m in the second year of the Business Economics bachelor at the UvA. I’m exploring corporate finance, especially M&A. I worked on a valuation project last semester for a Dutch SME and that’s what hooked me. I’d love to hear what your team at [Company] actually does day-to-day, and how someone in my position usually gets their first exposure to that kind of work.”
“Hi, I’m Marek — I’m finishing my MSc in Business Analytics at the UvA. I’m interested in consulting roles where I can combine data work with client-facing problem-solving. I built a churn-prediction model for a B2B client during my thesis and I really liked the moment of presenting findings to non-technical stakeholders.”
3Questions Worth Asking
- “What kind of projects has the team been working on recently?”
- “What sets this company apart from others in your view?”
- “How does the company think about [a specific industry challenge]?”
- “What does a typical first six months look like for an intern?”
- “What qualities make someone successful in their first year?”
- “How do new joiners get matched to teams or projects?”
- “What made you join, and what’s kept you here?”
- “What’s surprised you most since joining?”
- “If you were in my position, what would you focus on?”
- “How do people typically progress from junior to mid-level?”
- “Are there mentoring or training programmes in place?”
- “Where does most of the real learning come from?”
4LinkedIn — Your Professional Front Door
The essentials
- ✓Professional headshot — clear background, smiling. Use the free Sefa Headshot Stand at Career Week.
- ✓Headline beyond just your degree: “MSc Business Analytics @ UvA · interested in consulting & data-driven strategy”
- ✓About section in first person, 3–4 short paragraphs, ends with what you’re currently exploring
- ✓Two or three recommendations from professors, managers, or committee chairs
“Hi [Name], great to meet at the Sefa Career Week today — I really enjoyed our chat about the data-analyst rotation in your graduate scheme. Would love to stay in touch.”
“Subject: Thank you — great speaking at [Event] about [topic]
Hi [Name], Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at [Event] yesterday. I really appreciated your insight on [specific topic] — it gave me a much clearer picture of what working in [team / function] actually looks like. I’m planning to apply for [the role / programme] you mentioned. Either way, thank you again for your generosity with your time. Kind regards, [Your name]”
5Common Networking Pitfalls
Walking around hoping to “see what happens” is the most common mistake. Even three target companies is better than none.
If you only ask “do you have a job for me”, you’ll lose every conversation in the first 30 seconds. Be genuinely curious first.
Step into the circle when there’s a natural pause and introduce yourself politely. Don’t hover for ten minutes.
The week ends, exams hit, and the connection dies. The follow-up is where 80% of the value lives.