What Most Students Get Wrong
Many students believe that job hunting begins after graduation. They assume that once they complete their degree, they’ll start applying, get interview calls, and eventually land a job.
But by the time you’re holding your degree, someone else is already holding a job offer not because they were smarter, but because they started building the right relationships earlier.
In 2025, it’s no longer just about what you know. It’s about who knows you, and whether they can trust you to deliver. That’s why networking needs to begin before you graduate ideally, from your very first day on campus.
What Networking Actually Means (And What It Doesn’t)
Networking isn’t about handing out business cards or messaging people just to ask for favours. It’s not about being “salesy” or pretending to be someone you’re not.
At its core, networking is about:
- Building genuine professional relationships
- Staying visible in the right spaces
- Learning from people in the industry you want to enter
- Creating a professional presence so others remember you when opportunities come up
Even something as simple as replying to an alumni’s LinkedIn post or attending a university guest session counts. Networking doesn’t have to be intimidating but it does have to be intentional.
The New Reality: The Competition Is Global And Tougher Than Ever
There was a time when jobs were plenty, and qualified graduates were few. That time has passed.
Today:
- There are more universities, more graduates, and more online platforms offering certifications
- Everyone can make a professional-looking CV using templates and AI tools
- Companies receive hundreds of applications for the same role
And perhaps most importantly — the world is now open.
Thanks to job portals, LinkedIn, and remote-friendly workplaces, a student in Kenya or Pakistan can apply for the same role as someone in Manchester or Dubai. The only remaining barriers are language fluency and visa regulations — and even those can be navigated by the right candidate.
You are no longer competing locally. You’re competing globally.
And in a world where everyone has similar qualifications, your visibility and relationships will often matter more than your marksheet.
We’re Not Trying to Scare You We’re Trying to Prepare You
Let’s be clear: This isn’t about fear. It’s about being prepared.
You might be thinking:
- “I have two more years in this course — why should I worry now?”
- “Isn’t it too early to think about jobs?”
- “Let me just focus on studies — I’ll figure things out later.”
We get that. But here’s the truth:
Your career journey doesn’t begin after graduation. It begins on Day 1 of your course.
Why Day 1?
Because the moment you join a course, you’ve made a decision:
“This is the degree I believe will shape my future.”
That means your real journey has already begun. And from that day forward, everything you do — internships, projects, events, conversations — either brings you closer to your goal or keeps you stuck.
So while you should absolutely enjoy student life, don’t miss the opportunities right in front of you:
- Attend that guest lecture
- Apply for that internship (even unpaid ones)
- Volunteer at a university event
- Work on a class project as if it matters
Each experience adds to your confidence, your knowledge, and your future opportunities.
Why Early Networking Gives You an Unfair Advantage
- You gain access to the hidden job market
Many jobs are never publicly advertised. They’re filled through referrals. When people in your network know you’re good, they want to help. - You find mentors, not just contacts
Early connections often turn into long-term guides. People love helping students who show initiative and ask thoughtful questions. - You sharpen your communication
Conversations help you clarify your thoughts, understand your field better, and practise talking about your strengths — all useful for interviews. - You become visible before you’re even applying
When you start early, you’re not rushing. People notice you over time, making it more natural when you eventually reach out for opportunities.
The Power of One Conversation
You don’t need hundreds of connections to succeed. Sometimes, just one meaningful conversation can change everything.
We’ve seen students benefit immensely simply by:
- Following up with a speaker after a webinar
- Commenting on an industry leader’s post
- Thanking someone for a talk and asking a relevant question
One genuine connection can lead to mentorship, internships, referrals or simply a confidence boost that sets you apart from others.
But you’ll only know if you take the first step.
How to Start Even If You’re Shy or Still in Your Home Country
You don’t have to be an extrovert. You don’t even have to wait until you move abroad.
Here’s how to begin:
- Attend virtual university events or guest sessions
- Connect with alumni or speakers on LinkedIn (with a short, thoughtful message)
- Share your learnings from classes or events on LinkedIn — it builds visibility
- Volunteer for university or departmental activities
- Use apps like Parlo to practise speaking confidently in English
It’s okay to start small — what matters is that you start.
The Power of Weak Ties
Did you know you’re more likely to hear about a new job from a casual acquaintance than your closest friend?
These are called “weak ties” — people you know just a little, but who have access to different networks. They often become your bridge to unexpected opportunities.
So yes, those quick conversations, short messages, or brief meetings do count.
What Not to Do When Networking
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t send messages asking directly for a job — especially in the first interaction
- Don’t copy-paste the same message to 50 people
- Don’t disappear after someone replies
Instead:
- Ask for advice or insights, not favours
- Be honest: “I’m a student hoping to learn more about your field. Would you be open to sharing your journey?”
- Be thankful. If someone helps you, let them know it made a difference
Networking is not about extraction — it’s about connection.
How Erudmite Helps You Build Smart Connections
At Erudmite, we go beyond helping students with university admissions. We help you prepare for the journey ahead — starting from Day 1.
Here’s how we support your career readiness:
- Webinars with real-world professionals who are open to mentorship
- Profile clarity and one-on-one education counselling
- Career planning that starts before graduation
- Confidence-building through Parlo, our tool for real-world spoken English
- Guidance in securing internships that align with your course and goals
We don’t just help you apply — we help you stand out.
FAQ
Q1: How do I network if I don’t have work experience?
Start by showing curiosity. Ask questions, share what you’re learning, and engage meaningfully. Professionals often respond to students who are serious and respectful.
Q2: Do people really reply to students?
Yes — especially when your message is specific, thoughtful, and not demanding. You’d be surprised how many are willing to help when approached sincerely.
Q3: What if I’m still in my home country? Can I still network globally?
Absolutely. Most networking today happens online. Virtual events, LinkedIn, email — all are great ways to start building your network before you even arrive.
Q4: What do I say when reaching out to someone I don’t know?
Introduce yourself briefly, mention what you admire about their work, and ask a simple question. For example: “I attended your talk and found your perspective on fintech very insightful. As someone studying this subject, what would you recommend I focus on to build real-world skills?”
Q5: What if no one replies?
That’s okay. Not everyone will — and that’s normal. Don’t get discouraged. Keep trying, keep learning, and focus on building relationships over time.
