If you’ve ever told your recent college grad, “You need to network,” only to get a blank stare, you’re not alone. This post breaks down what it really means to network and how parents can help them build momentum. From opening doors through your own connections to tapping into alumni networks and helping your grad turn conversations into opportunities.
When I talk with other parents of recent college grads, one phrase comes up again and again: “I keep telling him/her to network!” Easier said than done, right? Knowing how to actually help our kids navigate today’s job market can feel like trying to read an outdated map. Now that my own daughter has graduated and is looking for her first full-time role, I get it. Most universities prepare students for exams, not for the reality of finding that first job.
So what does “networking” actually mean, and how can we, as parents, help?
Why Networking Matters (and What to Tell Your Grad)
As tempting as it is to have your grad apply to a bunch of open positions online, just know that around 80 percent of jobs are filled through networking, not job boards. The goal of networking isn’t to ask for a job, it’s to learn about someone’s experience at the company or field, to build professional connections, and stay top of mind when opportunities appear.
Networking is really just curiosity with a purpose. It’s about asking good questions, showing interest, and staying in touch. The goal isn’t to impress; it’s to learn and connect. Jobs can come and go, but relationships compound.
Start with Your Own Network
Sometimes the best way to help is by making a warm introduction.
Take inventory of your friends, coworkers, and even extended family…anyone whose career might overlap with your child’s interests. Then ask if they’d be open to a short, informal chat with your grad.
When my friend Stephanie’s daughter landed a job at a PR agency, I asked if she’d be willing to meet with my daughter Mia. They connected and had a great conversation that resulted in learning about an upcoming internship program that might be a way to leverage her digital media and video production skills. For Mia, talking to someone just a couple years ahead of her felt approachable and helped her build confidence for additional conversations.
Another amazing friend, Bill, who runs his own media company, went a step further and introduced Mia to people in his network and invited her to get onsite event production experience. Those small acts of generosity have been invaluable for her, and for me as a parent who doesn’t have many contacts in her particular field of filmmaking.
Parent tip: Encourage your grad to send a thank-you note afterward. It helps them build the habit of following up early.
Tap Into the Alumni Network
Most grads don’t realize how powerful leveraging their university connections can be. Here’s how to help them find alumni on LinkedIn:
- Type the name of their university in the search bar and click on the School page.
- Select the Alumni tab.
- That will surface people by a number of views: location, company, industry, role etc.
- Identify several people who have relevant roles/companies/locations
- Suggest sending a short message like:
“Hi [Name], I’m a recent [University] grad interested in [field]. I’d love to hear how you got started at [Company]. Would you be open to a quick chat?”
Alumni are much more likely to respond than strangers, and it’s a natural starting point for a new grad.
Encourage Them to Join and Show Up
Suggest your grad look for:
- Professional organizations: search online for organizations related to their field
- Local meetups or conferences: search online for industry specific or certain professions. Here’s an article that outlines a variety of interesting conferences (some require travel and costs to attend).
- Volunteer opportunities: seach for relevant organizations to support (i.e. My daughter is volunteering for Women in Film for filmmaking experience and connections).
These are low-pressure ways to learn, observe, and make connections organically. Plus, it builds confidence in their ability to talk to new people in the industry.
Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It?
When I talked to a friend recently, she was questioning whether paying for a subscription to LinkedIn Premium was worth it for her son. I told her it was but only if he was going to use the features. Here are the main features to take advantage of:
- Message recruiters and hiring managers directly
- See who has viewed their profile
- Access LinkedIn Learning courses to build new skills and get certificates to add to their resume and LinkedIn profile
- Compare how they stack up against other applicants for open roles
Here’s the thing…a tool like LinkedIn Premium is not a magic fix. Think of it like a gym membership for career growth: it only works if they show up and put in the reps.
Regardless of having the premium version, I’ve provided a free step-by-step guide for how to use to search on LinkedIn to connect with their alumni network. It includes search tips, scripts and strategies to make the most of their investment.
Final Word for Parents
It is super hard to see our kids struggle as they try to navigate this new chapter but it does take time and it’s a learning process. Start with one introduction. Encourage one conversation with someone supportive. Celebrate the effort and follow-up.
Small steps build confidence quickly, and before long your grad will have the skills and connections to open doors on their own. If you have other great tips or examples that have helped recent college grads, please feel free to share in the comments below.
Thanks for reading and sharing! xx
