Networking for Grad Students
You’re not on this journey alone. Building your professional network is one of the most powerful steps you can take toward a career outside the professoriate. Whether you're exploring careers or actively job searching, networking helps you gather insight, make informed decisions, and open unexpected doors.
Top Tips for Effective Networking
Start with who you know:
Faculty with industry ties, peers, mentors, friends, and former colleagues can offer insights and connections.
Grow intentionally:
Use informational interviews, LinkedIn, and professional associations to meet people in your target fields.
Tell your story well:
Learn how to talk about your transferable skills, share your goals, and follow up meaningfully.
Need a Game Plan? Talk to Us
Our career coaches specialize in helping graduate students and postdocs make connections that matter. Whether you're just starting or ready to reach out, we’ll help you build a networking strategy that fits your goals.
Key Resources & Services
Get personalized guidance on networking strategies, informational interviews, and making valuable connections with our career coaches.
Gain confidence in building professional relationships and gathering insights.
Develop strategies for growing your network, following up, and maintaining connections.
Thousands of Ohio State alumni are open to connecting, especially with graduate students and postdocs.
- Buckeyes Connect: Get quick, personalized career answers from alumni delivered straight to your inbox.
- Alumnifire: Join an online community where Buckeyes network, share advice, and find career opportunities.
- LinkedIn Alumni Search Tool: Use this guide to find and connect with alumni on LinkedIn by graduation year, location, and industry to build meaningful relationships.
- Find a Mentor: Get matched with an ASC alum working outside the professoriate for one-on-one mentoring.
Learn how to conduct conversations that uncover career insights.
Build a strong LinkedIn profile and connect with purpose.
Leverage professional associations relevant to your target non-academic industry or functional role to gain insights, attend events, and find specialized job boards.
Meet recruiters and learn about companies and roles directly.
Build your network organically while developing new skills in non-academic settings.
- Build Skills & Gain Experience