Networking can be a critical component of career development and wellness, especially for graduate and professional students. However, the idea of networking can sometimes lead to anxiety or uncertainty about expectations. Check out these strategies for encouraging meaningful conversation and relationship-building in order to effectively navigate professional networking events such as happy hour, dinners, receptions and more.
- Set your intention. Frame the event as an opportunity to meet new people. Try to focus on authentic relationship-building rather than viewing making connections as a transactional process.
- Avoid comparing yourself to others.
- If you are nervous about what to say, brainstorm topics and questions for conversation-starters beforehand. Check out this list of 150 conversation-starters compiled by Indeed for inspiration.
- If you are attending a recruitment-based networking event, practice your introduction and elevator speech. Be sure to highlight your background, qualifications, relevant experience, and passions, as well as what type of role you are looking for.
- Be mindful of the setting of the networking event, as well as company culture. If you are attending a more casual event with only your shared industry, your introduction and conversation may look different than it would at a large recruitment networking event. You can modify your elevator speech to adapt to the context. For example, while you can rely on technical terms and insider knowledge when meeting others in similar professions, you may need to offer more details about what your work entails for people outside of your field.
- Express interest and ask people about themselves. Be curious!
- Follow up with the people you meet. You can send an email, note, message, or simply request to connect on LinkedIn.
- Remind yourself that you belong and have meaningful contributions to offer. Networking is about fostering a mutual relationship, and the people you meet gain something from your connection – and vice versa!
- If you experience social anxiety, try to go with a supportive colleague or utilize other coping mechanisms like deep breathing or grounding exercises during the event.
- If it helps, you can always go into the event with a reason and time to leave in mind.
If you are attending an office happy hour or networking event where alcohol is served, you do not have to drink unless you want to. Additionally, you should not feel pressured to disclose the reason why you are choosing not to drink.
People choose not to drink alcohol for a variety of reasons including but not limited to:
- Religious beliefs or values
- Medication
- Living in Recovery
- Dietary restrictions
- Disliking the taste of alcohol
- Personal preference or choice
- Cost of alcohol
- Pregnancy or other health conditions
- Other responsibilities and commitments
If you feel that you are not comfortable attending a career-related function involving alcohol for any reason, it is always okay to set healthy boundaries and choose not to attend the event. There will be other opportunities to connect, and your wellbeing comes first.
If you do choose to drink, avoid drinking on an empty stomach and stay hydrated throughout the event. Pace yourself and know your limits. In professional contexts it is best to err on the side of caution. If it helps, you can set a drink limit for yourself. For example, plan to order a maximum of 2 drinks during the event. Similarly, you can pace yourself by drinking 1-2 glasses of water between alcoholic beverages or waiting a certain amount of time between ordering drinks. For example, one drink per hour.
It can also be helpful to be more mindful and aware of the types of alcohol you consume at an office happy hour or networking event. Take into consideration the alcohol content. Your drink order at an office happy hour event may differ from what you would order during a night out with friends. Finally, be sure to have a safe and reliable ride home arranged.
For additional tips, resources, and support relating to networking, check out Buckeye Careers for career coaching, workshops, and more!
References & Recommended Readings:
- Burns, T. (2016, November 30). Navigating Work Happy Hours: A How To. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/terriburns/2016/11/30/navigating-work-happy-hours-a-how-to/?sh=f6645286e454
- Center for Career Development. (2020). Guide to Effective and Authentic Networking. Princeton University. https://careerdevelopment.princeton.edu/sites/careerdevelopment/files/media/networking_guide-oct._2020.pdf
- Crust and Craft. (2020, February 17). Office Happy Hour Etiquette. https://www.crustandcraftrehoboth.com/blog/2020/2/17/office-happy-hour-etiquette
- Garrido, A. (n.d.). Read This if You Feel Like Professional Networking is Disingenuous. Career Contessa. https://www.careercontessa.com/advice/the-secret-to-authentic-networking/
- Indeed Editorial Team. (2021, August 31). 150 Helpful Conversation Starters for Networking Professionals. Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/conversations-starters
- The Hallway Blog. (n.d.). What to talk about during a virtual happy hour. https://blog.hallwayapp.com/what-to-talk-about-during-a-virtual-happy-hour/
- Utley, T. (2016, October 7). To Go or Not to Go: How to Navigate Professional Happy Hours When You’re in Recovery. American Addiction Centers Recovery.org. https://www.recovery.org/pro/articles/to-go-or-not-to-go-how-to-navigate-professional-happy-hours-when-youre-in-recovery/
-Lucy Hennon, Graduate Student Assistant