Why You Should Start Networking as a Student – and How to Do It

Networking is one of the most powerful tools for building your career, yet many students overlook it. Whether you are searching for internships, exploring career options, or preparing for your first graduate role, your professional network can open doors that qualifications alone cannot.
Jan 30 / Anna Buckley

Why Student Networking Matters and How to Get Started

Networking is one of the most powerful tools for building your career, yet many students overlook it. Whether you are searching for internships, exploring career options, or preparing for your first graduate role, your professional network can open doors that qualifications alone cannot.

With research showing that 60% of jobs exist in the hidden job market, connecting with the right people can give you access to exclusive opportunities, insider insights, and long-term career support (Alexa-jane Morre, 2014). But where do you start?

This guide breaks down 5 practical ways to build your network as a student, so you can make valuable connections that will support your career growth now and in the future.

1. Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market

Top employers receive thousands of applications from students with similar academic backgrounds and technical skills. So, what sets you apart?

Networking is a form of professional self-promotion, allowing you to demonstrate confidence, communication skills, and initiative—qualities that recruiters actively look for.
Building relationships with peers and industry professionals can give you inside knowledge on job openings, recruitment processes, and what firms are really looking for—information that isn’t always publicly available.

Start attending university networking events, career fairs, and industry meetups, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. Employers remember candidates who show genuine enthusiasm and a willingness to engage.

2. Gain Industry Insights and Learn Fast

Nothing beats first-hand knowledge when it comes to understanding industry trends, career progression, and workplace culture. By speaking to professionals who are already working in your desired field, you’ll gain insights that go beyond what’s taught in the classroom.

Many students who complete our Summer Analyst Training Programme say that the connections they make with peers and mentors continue to help them navigate their careers long after the programme ends.

If you’re not sure where to start, look up professionals on LinkedIn, join relevant student societies, and attend panel talks where you can hear directly from industry leaders.

3. Be the First to Hear About New Opportunities

Most job openings, especially in finance, aren’t posted on public job boards. Instead, they’re filled through internal referrals and recommendations. Networking helps you build relationships with professionals who can give you early access to internships, graduate roles, and hidden opportunities.

To take advantage of this:

  • Engage on LinkedIn – Follow companies and connect with professionals in your field.
  • Attend university career events – Many top firms send representatives to networking sessions and employer-led workshops.
  • Get involved in industry communities – Whether it’s finance, consulting, or tech, there are student-friendly networking events designed to help you connect with insiders.

The more people you know, the more likely you are to hear about an opportunity before it becomes widely available.


4. Build a Support System and Professional Friendships

Networking isn’t just about job hunting—it’s also about building relationships that support you throughout your career.

Starting out in industries like finance can be challenging, especially when adapting to long hours and fast-paced environments. Having a strong network means you’ll always have people to exchange ideas with, ask for advice, and rely on when things get tough.

Many professionals find that the people they meet at university events, internships, and summer programmes become lifelong friends, mentors, and colleagues.

5. Invest in Your Future Career Success

Networking isn’t just about landing your first job—it’s about long-term career growth.

The professionals you meet today may become future colleagues, mentors, or even hiring managers. Having a strong network in place before you need it ensures that when opportunities arise, you already have people willing to vouch for you.

Think of networking as an investment. The more effort you put into building and maintaining relationships now, the more doors will open for you in the future.

How to Start Building Your Network Today

If you’re ready to take your networking seriously, here are a few steps to get started:

✅ Create or update your LinkedIn profile – Ensure you have a professional photo, an engaging bio, and your education and experience listed.

✅ Attend career events – University fairs, guest lectures, and employer networking sessions are excellent starting points.

✅ Join professional communities – Student investment societies, business clubs, and industry networking groups can help expand your circle.

✅ Engage online – Follow industry leaders, share insightful content, and interact with professionals on LinkedIn.

✅ Follow up and stay in touch – After meeting someone at an event, send a polite follow-up message to keep the connection alive.

Want to Build a Strong Professional Network Now?

The AmplifyME Summer Analyst Training Programme connects students with industry experts, recruiters, and a global alumni network of professionals working in markets, banking, and quantitative finance.

Join us to gain hands-on experience, make valuable connections, and set yourself up for success in the finance industry.

📍 See last year’s cohort at our annual Morgan Stanley training day and learn more below.