How to Start Building Your Career Network Before Graduation
Written by: Bella Kats, 3rd Year Honours BMOS Consumer Behaviour
Photos by: Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
Building a career network before graduation is one of the most valuable steps you can take as a student. No matter what career path you are interested in, the connections you make during university can help you discover opportunities, gain advice, and feel more confident about your future. At Western, there are many easy and natural ways to start networking before you graduate.
Use LinkedIn Early
One of the best places to begin building your network is LinkedIn. It allows you to stay connected with classmates, professors, and professionals long after graduation. Creating a strong profile early helps you establish an online presence and makes it easier for others to learn about your interests and experience. You can connect with friends and peers, explore Western alumni working in fields that interest you, and follow companies you may want to work for in the future. Western’s Career Education team also offers LinkedIn resources and profile support to help students use the platform effectively, along with access to LinkedIn Learning to help build networking and professional skills.
To help strengthen your profile, Western even offers a free professional headshot photobooth in UCC 210 (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). You can learn more here: Free Professional Headshots.
Get Involved in Clubs and Student Groups
Joining clubs is one of the easiest ways to meet people and grow your network on campus. Academic and career-focused clubs bring together students with similar interests and goals, which makes networking feel more natural and less intimidating. Clubs often host speaker events, workshops, and networking nights that connect you with alumni and professionals. You can explore student clubs and organizations through the USC Clubs system, or connect with peers and mentors through Western Mentorship Programs.
Attend Career and Networking Events
Western hosts many career-oriented events throughout the year, including career fairs, employer information sessions, and professional panels. These events allow you to speak directly with working professionals and learn more about different career paths. Even if you feel nervous at first, attending helps you become more comfortable starting conversations and asking questions. You can find upcoming career events through Western Connect, and explore internship or job opportunities on Handshake.
Talk to Your Professors
Professor office hours are often overlooked, but they are a great way to build professional connections. Visiting office hours to introduce yourself or ask about your professor’s career path can lead to meaningful conversations. Professors have extensive experience in their fields and often have valuable industry or academic connections. Building these relationships can be helpful for advice, references, or future opportunities.
Use Western’s Career Support Services
Western’s Career Education services offer coaching appointments, workshops, and networking guidance to help students prepare for their future careers. Students can book one-on-one appointments, attend skill-building workshops, and access job search resources through Career Education. These services help you practice professional conversations and approach networking with confidence. You can also access additional professional development support through the Learning Development and Success.
Start Small and Stay Consistent
Networking doesn’t mean having everything figured out or asking for a job right away. It’s about starting conversations, staying curious, and building genuine relationships over time. By using LinkedIn, joining clubs, attending career events, and taking advantage of Western’s resources, you can begin building a strong career network before graduation and set yourself up for long-term success.
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