Networking can feel… awkward. You walk into a room, everyone seems polished, confident, and qualified. Add in the “networking mask” everyone puts on perfect smiles, rehearsed intros, business cards flying, and yeah — it’s easy to get the ick.
Charli Downton, Career Development Program Manager at Dress for Success Indianapolis (DFSI), says networking isn’t about collecting contacts — it’s about creating opportunities through genuine connection.
“I think the first thing is seeing them as a human,” Charli says. “Connect from a human standpoint, not just a professional transactional standpoint.”
Shift Your Mindset: From “Networking” to “Meeting People”
Instead of thinking, “I need to network,” try: “I’m here to meet people.”
When you focus on human connection first:
- Ask questions
- Find common ground
- Talk about life, not just résumés
One story that perfectly captures this: A woman attended an event, not to “secure a job,” but just to be there. She chatted casually with someone — talking about school, life, and even discovered they had overlapping childhood connections. That person later became her boss. No strategy. No pressure. Just connection. By the way, the woman at that event was Charli — and that genuine conversation ultimately led her to her current role at Dress for Success Indianapolis.
You’re Never “Too Early”
College students: it’s never too soon to start connecting. Networking at this stage is about:
- Exploring
- Learning
- Opening doors to internships, mentorships, and first jobs
“People engage more when you’re curious and open, rather than trying to prove you have all the answers,” Charli says.
What to Say Without Awkwardness
Instead of generic praise, try questions that invite conversation:
- “I really liked your point about ___, could you expand on that?”
- “That made me think about ___, what’s your experience with that?”
Take advantage of Q&A moments — they’re natural opportunities to be seen and remembered.
Read the Room & Wrap Gracefully
Networking is about listening too. If someone seems distracted:
- Glancing around the room
- Giving short responses
- Trying to move on
…wrap it up politely:
“I’d love to continue this sometime — would you be open to grabbing coffee?”
Follow-Up Without Being Pushy
Online networking counts. A simple approach works:
- Send one thoughtful message
- Follow up once (about a week later)
- Leave it if there’s no response
If it’s meant to happen, it will.
Keep Connections Alive
Networking doesn’t end after one conversation:
- Say hi when you see them
- Engage with their posts
- Check in occasionally
“Whether it’s taking notes or just internally remembering, identify what you really connected with and lead with that,” Charli says.
Even a quick “Hope you’re doing well!” keeps relationships natural and meaningful.
Be Real… Professionally
You don’t need to overshare to be authentic. Relate, share, and connect—but keep it appropriate.
The Mindset That Makes Networking Easy
Charli’s tips:
- Just do it. It will feel uncomfortable. That’s normal.
- The worst they can say is no.
No one keeps score. If a conversation doesn’t go anywhere, it just wasn’t the right connection — and that’s okay.
Key takeaway: Stop treating networking like a performance. Start treating it like a conversation. The “ick” disappears.
