Network & Make Career Connections

What is Networking?

Networking is connecting with individuals who know about or work in career fields of interest to you. Most students network regularly without knowing it through social media, campus organizations, attending job fairs, or with peers in class. You can also be intentional about networking by joining LinkedIn, PeopleGrove, or a Professional Association.

The more you network, the more opportunities you give yourself to meet and establish relationships with people who may be influential in your career.

One way to network is to set up Career Chats (Informational Interviews), which is a conversation with a professional that gives you an insider view into a job/industry you’re interested in. You can learn things like:
● What people actually do at work
● What people like and dislike about their job
● How people get started in the field
● Current trends in the job market

Networking Tools

PeopleGrove

A place for students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community partners to connect!

LinkedIn

A website for connecting with professionals from around the world.

Professional Associations

A network of people who work in the same industry or career field.

Common Myths & Reframes

REFRAME: Networking allows you to exchanging information, advice, and support on challenges. It’s for folks at any stage in their life and career.

REFRAME: Networking is about creating relationships and connections with others so that you can share resources and opportunities. It should be a relationship that is two-sided, and benefits all involved.

REFRAME: Networking is all about building supports, so anyone can participate. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to make connections! Simply play to your strengths and focus on one-on-one relationship building.

REFRAME: Whether you know it or not, you have a community of people around you who are able to support you as you build your professional life. Think about: classmates, friends, family members, past/present coworkers, supervisors, teachers, faculty, staff. Additionally, it’s not just about who you directly know, but who they know. Ask your community if they know anyone who may be in your field of interest!

Featured Articles

Job Search Q&A with St. Kate’s Seniors

Melody Kosbab (Public Policy & Political Science Major) and Emma Seehafer (History & English) are St. Catherine University Students who have worked as Career Assistants in the Career Development Center since their freshman year. They are both graduating in Fall …

By Emma Seehafer
Emma Seehafer Career Assistant
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How to Master the Initial Networking Email [INFOGRAPHIC]

Networking is a key aspect of paving your career path, and building new connections takes time and careful planning. Learning how to write a professional, engaging networking email is the first step to successfully growing your network. Check out the …

By Firsthand
We help applicants, students, job-seekers and professionals like you find the right career path using the power of firsthand experiences.
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Resources for Entering the Workforce Post-Parental Leave

We have compiled a few tips on entering the workforce for KATIEs who are pursuing a degree while planning to join the workforce after a parental leave!

If you would like support in developing an action plan to make concrete …

By Teresa Butel
Teresa Butel Employer & Career Specialist
Read more

Contact & Location

Phone
651-690-8890
Address

CdC | Room 210
2004 Randolph Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105

Career Service Hours

Monday 8:00am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 4:30 pm
Thursday 8:00am - 4:30 pm
Friday 8:00am - 4:30 pm

Appointments may be available from 4:30-6:00 based on staffing capacity.