When people hear the word networking, they usually think it means walking up to strangers and asking them for a job. That idea can feel awkward and stressful, especially for college students. The truth is that networking is not that serious or scary. At Nichols College, networking is just about having conversations, meeting people, and learning from others with help from the Career and Professional Development Center.
Networking happens more often than people realize. Talking to a professor after class, asking a coach for advice, or meeting an employer at a Career Fair all count as networking. Nichols offers events through the CPDC where students can meet professionals and alumni in a comfortable setting. These events are meant to help students practice talking about themselves and their goals without pressure.
One reason networking feels easier at Nichols is because students are not doing it alone. Professors, advisors, coaches, and the CPDC staff all want students to succeed and are willing to help. They give advice, answer questions, and sometimes help students connect with people in careers they are interested in. Even classmates and teammates can be part of your network because everyone is building their future together.
You also do not have to be super outgoing to be good at networking. You do not need a perfect speech or fancy words. Asking simple questions and listening is usually enough. Most people enjoy talking about their career path and giving advice, especially when students show interest and respect.
The CPDC also helps students feel more confident by offering help with resumes, interviews, and LinkedIn. These tools make it easier to talk to professionals and explain your skills. The more students practice, the more comfortable networking becomes.
At the end of the day, networking is just talking to people and building connections over time. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but it gets easier with practice. With the support from Nichols College and the CPDC, networking does not have to be intimidating at all.
