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5 Networking Tips Every Young Person Should Know

29 Sep 2023

Hearing ‘It’s not what you know, but who you know’ in the context of the job market might make getting into a job and making career progression seem a little unfair, but effective networking is an invaluable skill that can be used to anyone’s advantage. 

What is networking?

Networking is the process of connecting and conversing with others with the intention of sharing knowledge, skills, ideas, and professional insights. 

It’s been named one of the most effective methods of advancing youth employment and demonstrates the sheer power of building human relationships and making a positive impression on others. In fact, youth employment statistics reveal that a staggering 85% of jobs are filled through networking. 

When done right, networking can lead to new job interviews, promotions, and help with the discovery of unexplored career avenues. The reality is that lots of young people simply don’t know what forms of employment are out there aside from the pretty obvious ones, so networking can connect you to the dream job you currently don’t even know about.

However, it is true that approaching new people can feel awkward for everyone (even those who have had years of practice) so one powerful thing you can do is to smile, be your friendly self, and make others feel comfortable. 

This will certainly be a relief to those around you and can equip you with confidence in a ‘fake it till you make it’ style that will see you thrive in any networking event. And here to help are five tips for young people hoping to brave the world of networking and boost their employment opportunities. 

1. Ice-breakers

One way to tackle the awkwardness of a networking event is to prepare your opening line in advance and give yourself a comfortable start. It can be daunting when everyone is standing in small clusters and you’ve found yourself stuck on the outside of the group. But your entrance doesn’t need to be complicated or groundbreaking. A simple ‘may I crash your circle?’ is going to be met with enthusiasm. 

Conferences, networking events, and workplace gatherings are organised with the very purpose of social communion, and people will be eager to invite you into their conversations. Introducing yourself with your name and what brought you to the event is a great place to start. But remember to ask back! Typically, people jump at the opportunity to talk about themselves and some well timed flattery may be beneficial. 

All of this comes easier with practice. Youth employment organisations can help you master interpersonal skills and develop confidence so you can relish the advantages of networking.

2. Be excitable

Talking to professionals who are more senior and more experienced than you can surely be intimidating, but the great thing about networking is that it's the perfect environment to learn. Your attitude is much more important than already knowing everything about the industry. Showing genuine curiosity, enthusiasm, and ambition are the key ingredients for leaving a meaningful first impression. 

In a scenario that can be intimidating, don’t be afraid to be expressive with your face and mannerisms. Excitement is infectious, and your fellow acquaintances will be eager to share their thoughts and stories with someone they see is really interested. 

3. Quality, not quantity

In your excitement, try not to get too carried away. It’s best practice to make substantial connections with one or two people, as opposed to desperately running around the room trying to greet and meet everyone. Find someone who you find positive, approachable, and interesting, and try investing some generous time into talking with them. This way you’re much more likely to produce genuine and meaningful conversations. You’re giving your new acquaintance a chance to get to know you and vice versa. You can exchange contact information and better understand each other's areas of interest. This ensures you’ll come to mind the next time your new contact is embarking on a project that matches your skills and passion.

4. Being young doesn’t have to be a disadvantage 

Feeling too young or inexperienced can feed into anxieties about putting yourself out there in the world of early careers and networking. But the thing about older people is that they were once your age too. First of all, mature industry workers will likely go easy on you when they notice how new you are to the game, but your youth also means that the accomplishments and enthusiasm that you do have is even more impressive. These more experienced acquaintances will be especially interested in you as a hopeful symbol of the future. Most of the time these figures will be more than willing to pass down advice and industry secrets into the next generation of professionals.

5. Follow up

Just like a post-interview thank you email can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome, facts about youth employment illustrate that networking is most effective when its connections are maintained after the initial meeting. 

Perhaps you discussed with someone a shared love for a specific research field or style of practical work during a networking event. Why not follow up by sending them a link to a relevant article that reiterates that? Not only does this show you to be thoughtful, but can also spark new conversations and encourage the working relationship to last. 

Social media platforms such as LinkedIn are platforms designed to make lasting networking communities as easy as possible. Be positive and interactive by sharing people’s work and congratulating them on their accomplishments. Offer to help with new projects and update your connections on your latest training and experiences. All this ensures that you stay remembered by people you’ve met and demonstrates your value. Simply having this familiarity with plenty of people in your field makes you a highly valuable member of a team. You’re someone who is able to bridge gaps and connect with others of diverse skills and backgrounds.