As a fresh graduate eyeing a digital career, the hardest part is often that you don't yet know anyone in the industry. The good news: you don't need existing connections to build new ones. Networking with accomplished professionals gives you insight, opportunities and credibility — and there are three reliable ways to start.
Why it's worth the discomfort
Accomplished professionals carry years of hard-won knowledge, access to hiring managers, and the ability to vouch for you. A single warm introduction can do more than fifty cold applications.
Networking also quietly builds your reputation — when people see you're connected to credible professionals, they take you more seriously too.
The three ways to do it
You don't have to be an extrovert; you just have to be genuine and prepared. Start with these:
- Attend industry events — research who'll be there, prepare a short introduction, ask good questions, and follow up afterward.
- Reach out online — a brief, personalised LinkedIn message that offers something useful beats a generic 'please mentor me'.
- Ask for informational interviews — a 30-minute chat to learn about someone's work, with a thank-you note after, often opens doors you didn't know existed.
Make it stick
Networking isn't a one-off event; it's a habit. Be authentic, respect people's time, and stay in touch consistently rather than only when you need something.
Plenty of graduates have turned a single event conversation or LinkedIn message into a referral and, eventually, a job. The earlier you start, the wider your network grows by the time it matters most.
Our programmes plug learners into a live network of mentors, faculty and alumni in digital and AI — networking built into the learning. Try the Sunday Series for ₹99 to step in, and free if cost is the only blocker.
Adapted and re-angled for the Institute of Applied AI from LearnPact's career blog. Authored under the LearnPact Faculty byline.
