Education | Networking tips to help London students

What is networking?

What are the benefits? How do you network successfully?

Author | Sophie T

A London based cafe that hosts networking event

We live in an age where social media makes it possible to connect with others at the click of a mouse or the tap of a phone screen. 

Online networking is simple, and for many it has become the most comfortable option. Platforms such as LinkedIn are effective tools for building professional contacts, yet they should not replace the value of genuine, in-person interaction within your field.

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Face-to-face networking offers clear advantages. It provides useful preparation for job interviews, sharpens communication skills, and allows you to leave a lasting impression on someone who could prove important in your career.

What are the benefits of networking?

Improved communication skills: the more you practise networking in person, the more adept you become at expressing yourself clearly and with confidence.

Increased confidence: stepping outside your comfort zone to engage with new people builds resilience and self-belief.

Access to hidden opportunities and pay rises: many jobs and projects are first shared informally, through conversations, before appearing online. These exchanges can also help shape long-term career planning.

Mentorship and guidance: networking can lead to valuable relationships, including mentors who provide advice and insights that influence your career path.

Stronger memory recall: people are far more likely to remember a face-to-face encounter than a name buried in a digital contact list.

Attend local events

Some of the most effective networking takes place away from formal events. Local professional associations, business breakfasts and community meetups linked to your field can be valuable places to start.

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Such groups often gather on a regular basis, allowing you to build lasting relationships rather than fleeting contacts. Taking on a voluntary role within these organisations can also raise your profile and provide useful leadership experience.

To find London networking events, you should again use professional platforms such as LinkedIn and other professional websites. Click here to discover some events on LinkedIn.

Plan your networking

As with preparing for an interview, it helps to do some research before attending an event. Find out who will be there and identify two or three people you particularly want to meet. The aim is quality rather than quantity.

At trade fairs, for example, it is worth taking a few minutes to look through the programme in advance. Mark the companies or individuals you want to approach and make them your priority. Carry a notepad too or an iPad, as conversations often lead to useful recommendations, such as a website or contact, that you may want to jot down.