Networking When You Know Nobody

Networking sounds like something for people who already have connections. In practice it is simply talking to people who do the job you want, and anyone can start.

Start with people you already have

Classmates who graduated a year before you, teaching assistants, relatives' friends, people from your training courses. Many of them work where you want to work.

Use LinkedIn properly

• Complete your profile with a clear headline, for example "Accounting graduate | Excel, financial analysis".
• Follow companies you want to join.
• Connect with people in your target role and add a short note.

A message that gets replies

"Hello [name], I am a recent [field] graduate interested in [role]. I saw you work at [company] and would appreciate ten minutes to ask how you started. Thank you."

Ask for advice, not for a job. People like to help when the request is small and clear.

In the conversation

Ask how they got their first role, what the team looks for in juniors, and what they would do in your place. At the end, ask if there is anyone else you should talk to.

Keep in touch

Send a thank-you message, share an update when you finish a project or get an interview, and offer help where you can. A referral usually comes from someone who remembers you.