Take stock of your current networks: Which networks do you already belong to, including sports clubs, choirs, etc.? Write them down. In a second step, consider which additional networks you could join specifically to support your job search.

• Ask your role models and potential mentors which networks they use and could recommend to you.
• Research which associations, professional organisations and interest groups exist in your industry, at ZHAW, in your city and in your region.
• Find out whether there are alumni associations for your degree programme.
• Search established online networks such as Xing and LinkedIn, as well as other platforms, for professionally relevant groups.

Think about your specific networking goals. It is important to set them strategically and then pursue them. You should also develop your profile in line with these goals.

Ask yourself whether you primarily want to exchange ideas about your current situation and benefit from the experiences of like-minded people. Or are you looking for something specific, such as an internship or a permanent position? Is your next step a promotion? Whatever your goals may be, networks can support you if you choose them carefully.

Your goals should ideally always be SMART:

S = specific, concrete
M = measurable, verifiable
A = action-oriented, focused on action
R = realistic, achievable
T = time-bound, to be achieved within a specific period

You have defined a goal. Now it is time to sharpen your profile. How does your network perceive you? How can you make yourself known to employees, recruiters and HR professionals at reputable companies?

• Who are you?
• What are your characteristics and qualifications?
• Where do you want to go professionally?

One way to sharpen your profile is the Elevator Pitch.

As a student or graduate, you can never start networking too early because you never know who you might meet and which doors they may open for you. In principle, networking can happen anywhere – at a party, on holiday or at a business appointment.

Networking is about consciously building relationships with other people. This usually happens through personal contact, either verbally or in writing. Always be friendly when networking and engage with the other person. Offer help first instead of immediately asking for specific career support.

Building contacts is pointless without maintaining them, as a network only benefits both sides when the participants are active. This does not mean that you have to call everyone every week, but networking is not a one-way street. It involves continuously giving and receiving. For example, you can share interesting articles, recommend someone or offer help when it is needed and appreciated.

Students, graduates and professionals may feel reluctant to activate their network when it comes to their own careers. Questions such as “Would it be too forward to simply contact them and ask about vacancies?” are not uncommon. Many people also consider such an approach opportunistic.

However, it should be said that it can indeed be opportunistic if the steps described above have not been followed, meaning that you ask for help before offering any yourself, only take instead of giving or contact someone only when the situation is already urgent.

Our advice: Be brave! As long as you remain polite, the worst that can happen is receiving a rejection.

Of course, the person you contact may not have a dream job available for you. However, they may have heard that another company is currently looking for someone, or they may remember you in a few months when a vacancy becomes available in their own department.

One thing is clear: Asking politely will never leave a bad impression. In fact, most people will view it positively that you confidently take the initiative.

Your networking strategy should always suit you. This applies not only to your personality, but also to your degree programme and the industry in which you want to work. Are you very introverted but force yourself to attend networking events and engage in uncomfortable small talk? That does not have to be the case. Of course, networking always involves stepping slightly outside your comfort zone, as you often interact with people you do not know.

However, it is advisable to find a networking strategy that genuinely suits you as a person. For example, if you are not comfortable speaking about yourself but enjoy discussing specific topics, network during presentations, meetups or online within those subject areas. You will probably leave an even better impression there than through superficial and uncomfortable conversations at a general networking event.