Professional Connections and Networking

Developing connections with professionals working in a particular field, faculty and staff who can mentor and guide you, and peers who can share their lived experiences navigating important career decisions can be game changers in career exploration and securing opportunities of interest. For many people, networking can seem overwhelming and stressful. Below, you will find strategies to consider to help make networking more comfortable and natural to navigate.

What is networking?

Building and maintaining productive relationships for employment, business, or personal benefit. Relationships are a two-way street and should add value to both parties involved. These connections can change and evolve over time and may offer guidance, mentorship, employment support, and/or employment opportunities.

Why should I network?

Networking can help you:Representatives from a creative agency speaking with school of education students

  • Explore career pathways and opportunities in a specific field
  • Identify key skills and experiences needed to break into and succeed in a particular field
  • Establish professional relationships that you may call upon to help you
  • Gain job leads (uncover the “hidden job market”)
  • Understand trends or growth areas in your area of work
  • Learn interview skills without the pressure of an actual interview
  • Gain organization-specific insights for a cover letter that will make a positive impression
  • Continue to grow and evolve throughout your career with a support team around you
  • And more…

Who should I network with? - Existing connections

We all have people in our personal or community-based network who can help us learn and support us.
Examples of people we may consider connecting with include:

UW Community​ Family & Friends​ Extended Community Work​
Advisors, faculty/instructors Parents​/Guardians Teachers, coaches, or mentors Supervisors​ or leaders
Classmates Siblings​ Religious or other affinity group members Co-workers​
Wisconsin alumni Extended family Chamber of Commerce ​Potential future employers
Student organizations Friends of the family Social media connections​ Professional associations

Who should I network with? - New connections

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LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a great tool for facilitating professional connections and staying connected with people in your professional networks. Use the advanced filters to search for connections affiliated with UW–Madison, the School of Education, or other communities of which you are a member. Creating a professional profile is important to navigating LinkedIn.

UW Alumni

The Wisconsin Alumni Association is where Badgers belong. It’s the place for you to continue to engage with the university and other alumni and friends and enhance your Wisconsin Experience.

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Field-specific professional associations

Many fields have professional associations with member benefits which includes access to a professional network. Connect with faculty and instructors for more details related to your field of interest.

How do I prepare to begin networking?

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Connectors, Career Fairs & Networking Events

Attending networking events to build connections and learn about your options is still a great opportunity.

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