Networking and Professional Connections

It’s not just what you know—it’s who you know. 

Your education and experiences are essential, but having people in your corner—mentors, peers, and alumni—can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Networking isn’t about cold-calling strangers; it’s about building meaningful, reciprocal relationships over time. 

Through Drake’s Career Services and Alumni Relations teams, you can connect with professionals who share your alma mater, your interests, offer you guidance, and help amplify your path. 

Why Networking Matters 

Networking gives you access to insights, opportunities, and connections that aren’t always posted publicly. People in your network can share what they know about organizations, give you feedback, suggest roles, and even advocate on your behalf. Strong networks often lead to internships, job leads, and long-term career growth. 

How to Start Building Your Network 

Begin early before you “need” a network. Reach out to friends, relatives, classmates, faculty, and others you already know. Ask questions, express interest, and be genuine in your approach. As your network grows, nurture it. Stay in touch, share updates, ask how you can help them, and gradually add new connections. 

Maintain a LinkedIn account that reflects your professional identity, complete with keywords, clear roles, and up-to-date information. In person, be intentional. Attend events hosted by student organizations you’re a part of or interested in, join professional associations, volunteer in areas aligned with your interests, or request conversational interviews with people in roles you admire. 

And don’t forget: you are never done networking. Even after you land a job or graduate, keeping your relationships current can lead to collaborations, mentoring, or new opportunities. 

Questions to Get the Conversation Started 

When you attend a networking event or sit down with professionals, these thoughtful questions can help you make the most of your time and start meaningfully building your network: 

• How did you get into your career? 
• What would you say are the most valuable skills in your industry? 
• What does a typical day look like in your role? 
• What advice would you give someone entering this career right now? 
• What paths or career transitions have you seen in this area? 

By listening to their answers and taking notes, you’ll gain key insights into not only the career but the person as well. This helps you build that strong relationship over time. 

If you feel nervous or awkward, take a breath! Start simple by introducing yourself, explaining your interests, and asking one or two genuine questions. Everyone is unique and most people like talking about their own paths, so focus on asking questions rather than selling. 

Drake-Specific Networking Opportunities 

Drake provides unique networking advantages through our alumni network. You can tap into alumni relations even before you graduate, which brings together current and former students working across a wide variety of fields, regions, and organizations. Alumni are often eager to help, offer advice, and connect you to roles and opportunities you’re seeking. 

Alumni Relations offers alumni-student networking events and panels, contacts in your field for mentoring or informal conversations, an active alumni network spanning the globe, the lecture series Everclass hosted by a different Drake alum each month, and more. 

These Drake-backed opportunities let you build connections in shared experience and identity. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog, no matter where your post-Drake plans take you. 

See Upcoming Networking Opportunities