Tapping into your professional network is an integral part of job hunting after graduating from college. That means, however, that college students should start networking while still working on their degree.

Even though students' time is filled with reading, writing and studying—and if you're an online student who's working, there's even more on your plate—networking now can give you an advantage later. In fact, a 2023 study of public relations students found that 94% of undergraduates and recent graduates found jobs by networking with others online.

Try these tips to get started on building your network today.

Introduce yourself in each class

In an online class, it can be easy not to think about something as small as an introduction, but it is an important part of building relationships. Try to introduce yourself to your classmates and professor within the first week of class, whether that's by email or through the private messaging tool on your school's online learning platform. You could share information such as where you're from, what degree program you're enrolled in and your career goals.

And if you want to make a really good impression, ask questions in your message. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found a positive relationship between asking questions and being liked.

Be active in class discussions

Participation in an online forum or discussion board may be a required activity for your class. Take this opportunity to connect with your classmates beyond what is required by introducing yourself, asking questions and sharing encouragement.

This is especially important if it's for a class that is specific to your degree program. Your classmates are more likely to be interested in or have the same career goals as you do. If you get to know each other in class, it can make it easier—and perhaps less stressful—to reach out to them after graduation.

Try to meet your peers in person

Just because you're an online student doesn't mean you can't meet your classmates offline. If there are other students in your area, consider reaching out to them about an in-person meetup. You can plan a study session or a chat over coffee.

In-person industry events could also be a great place to meet up. Not only will this give you an opportunity to connect in person with your classmates, but you can also work together to network with experts in your field.

Leverage your personal connections

You don't have to limit your network to people you met in university or in professional settings. A great way to start building a network is by tapping into your existing personal connections such as family, friends and neighbors.

As you're working on your online degree, share your career aspirations with your personal connections. Better yet, if a personal connection is in your target industry, ask them for advice or mentorship. It can be easier asking someone you know rather than a stranger.

Attend virtual events

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual events were gaining traction, and they're even more prevalent today. This makes attending traditional networking events—such as career fairs and industry events—easier for online college students.

A quick online search can help you find and register for virtual events. Look for job fairs, industry conferences or even virtual meetups with professionals in your field of study. But just because you can attend from the comfort of your home doesn't mean you don't have to put your best foot forward. Dress professionally, log in from a quiet space and ensure you don't have a cluttered or unsightly background. As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date

With more than 1 billion members in more than 200 countries, LinkedIn remains one of the most valuable tools for making connections in your industry.

After creating your account, grow your network by inviting people to connect. Start with people you know. This will help LinkedIn recommend people who are relevant to you and who may have connections in common.

Next, make sure you optimize your profile. Here are a few optimization tips from LinkedIn:

  • Choose the right profile picture
  • Add a background photo
  • Make your headline more than a job title
  • Turn your summary into your story
  • List your relevant skills
  • Request recommendations

After you've optimized your profile, don't let it stagnate. Start sharing and posting in your LinkedIn feed, comment on posts from industry influencers and people in your network, and write endorsements for those connections who deserve it. You may be surprised by the reciprocity of your network.

Stay active on social media

According to a 2023 survey of 100+ in-house recruitment, talent acquisition and employer branding teams by Content Stadium, 98% of them use social media for recruitment purposes. The top five platforms they use are:

  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • X (formerly Twitter)

Being active across multiple platforms can help ensure that you're present where the recruiters are searching for talent. But you'll also want to make sure you're putting your best foot forward. Double-check all of your profiles to ensure that whatever images and/or posts you have online present you in a positive and professional light.

Connect with your school's career services department and alumni organization

Career services are offered by most colleges and universities, and you can often access them while you're a student and after graduation. Besides common services like resume reviews and interview preparation, they may offer networking opportunities and access to job listings.

Alumni organizations are a great way to expand your network. For one thing, you already have something in common as graduates of the same institution, which will make it easier to connect. These groups can also be helpful for finding mentors or job opportunities outside of normal channels.

Lynn University, for example, has official alumni accounts on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). It also has a private group on LinkedIn that's administered by the university's Career and Alumni Connections. Following these accounts while in school can help you build connections with alumni members before you even graduate.

Stay in touch

No matter how you initially connected with someone in your network, don't let the relationship dwindle. Check in with each person from time to time using the "ask questions" tactic. The connections will feel more meaningful this way, which can help when you need to reach out for career advice or about a job opportunity.

If you're worried about how to keep track of everyone, try creating a spreadsheet. Include each person's name, contact information as well as any other pertinent information about them (current company, where they live now, etc.). Then set a regular outreach cadence and track both when you last contacted them and when you'll reach out next. All of this information will help you have purposeful conversations on a regular basis.

Elevate your career with an online degree from Lynn University

Whether you're looking to add to your education or want to expand your career opportunities, an online degree from Lynn University may be right for you. You can continue to work and take care of your family while getting a personalized education from a highly respected university.

Explore our online degree programs, or contact us today to learn more.