Building Meaningful Professional Connections
Professional networking is more than a job search strategy—it’s a commitment to building meaningful relationships. Just as your PC education transforms you in mind, heart, and spirit, effective networking transforms casual acquaintances into valuable professional relationships that can shape your career journey.
The Office of Career and Professional Development helps you develop authentic networking skills that align with your values and goals.
Your Network Extends Further Than You Think
A robust network provides unlocks access to diverse opportunities and support that can significantly accelerate your career development.
- Personal Connections: family, friends, acquaintances, and mentors
- PC Community: faculty, staff, alumni, and fellow students
- Professional Contacts: former employers, internship supervisors, and industry professionals
- Service Connections: contacts made through volunteer work and community service
- Online Networks: LinkedIn connections and professional social media contacts
Finding Your Light Through Connections
While We Live, We Serve.
The PC motto “While we live, we serve” extends to professional networking. Career connections offer opportunities for personal growth and serving others through mentorship and collaboration. Our career team will help you network authentically, ensuring your professional relationships reflect PC’s values of service and excellence.
Building Your Professional Network
Strategies That Open Doors
Your next opportunity is often one conversation away. These strategies will help you grow your network with intention — connecting you to the people, industries, and paths that align with your goals.
- Create a LinkedIn Profile
Highlight your education, skills, and experiences to make a strong first impression.
- Connect with PC Alumni
Attend events in your field and reach out to Blue Hose graduates who’ve walked the path you’re on.
- Conduct Informational Interviews
Sit down with professionals in your field to gain real insight into industries and roles.
- Join Professional Associations
Find organizations related to your career path and get involved.
- Attend Career Fairs
Meet potential employers face to face and practice making the kind of impression that sticks.
- Volunteer with Relevant Organizations
Service opens doors. Getting involved in your community builds skills and connections at the same time.
- Engage on Social Media
Follow and interact with companies and leaders in your target industry to stay visible and informed.
- Track Your Contacts
Document your networking conversations, connections, and follow-up plans so no opportunity slips through the cracks.
Conversation to Connection Asking Questions
Effective networking is built on meaningful conversations, not just exchanging business cards. The questions you ask can transform brief encounters into valuable connections that might shape your professional future. Thoughtful questions demonstrate genuine interest, showcase your knowledge, and gather insights not found in job descriptions or websites.
- What do you enjoy most about working in your field?
- How did you get started in this industry?
- What challenges have you overcome in your career
- I noticed your company recently launched [project/product]. What was that process like?
- What trends are you seeing in the industry right now?
- What skills do you think are becoming most valuable in this field?
- What resources would you recommend for someone interested in this field?
- What do you wish you had known when you were starting out?
- How did you decide between [career option A] and [career option B]?
- That’s interesting. Could you tell me more about that?
- What happened after that decision?
- How did that experience change your approach?
LinkedIn Networking Essentials
LinkedIn is a dynamic platform for professional networking, allowing users to showcase their skills, connect with industry peers, explore job opportunities, learn from thought leaders, and build a strong personal brand—ultimately expanding their career potential through meaningful digital connections.
Profile Setup
- Review the LinkedIn Profile checklist for best practices
- Watch the LinkedIn Profile creation video
- Visit LinkedIn University for additional guidance
Building Connections
- Search for jobs/internships directly
- Join professional Groups sharing your interests
- Connect with Presbyterian College alumni in relevant fields to learn about career paths and discover unlisted opportunities
Find PC Alumni on LinkedIn
- Log in and find Presbyterian College Alumni
- Filter by location, employer, function, major, or skills
- Send personalized connection requests mentioning shared PC background and your specific goal
Example: “Dear Mr. Name: I’m a junior business major at PC and fellow soccer player exploring internship options. May we connect? Thanks, Your Name.