Connecting with Purpose

There’s no denying that for many students, networking can be a daunting experience, especially if they’ve not had much experience with it. During a recent workshop on networking, facilitated by ExCo member Soundari Mukherjea, students learned that networking is not that hard or complex, especially if done with purpose.

Rethinking What Networking Means

One of the main ideas discussed during this workshop was rethinking what networking really means. While many students think of networking as something that requires them to have a lot of contacts or to make a big impression, others were encouraged to rethink what networking really means, especially to them.

Juliana reflected:

“One thing that really resonated with me was the idea that we should network to connect, not connect to network. It takes the pressure off, because realistically, we aren't going to click with everyone. But even when that spark isn't there, it's always worth leaving a pleasant and cordial impression.”

Another student, Sadipna, had a similar idea about how one could make networking much less intimidating:

“Networking need not be as formal, the suit and tie, stiff handshake kinda thing. Networking is just another word for getting to know people. As long as you come from an authentic place and genuinely want to know the person in front of you, you will be alright!”

Authenticity Matters

The students also discussed the matter of authenticity when it comes to building relationships. Instead of seeking to conform to a certain type of professional, the session encouraged participants to embrace their individuality.

Richelle discussed her personal experience with being comfortable with her academic background as a way of building relationships with professionals.

“I used to be embarrassed about being an English student since I felt “inferior” compared to other majors or fields, but being genuine about my background actually helps me connect with people … People want to learn about you as much as you want to learn about them.”

Another student, Aqsa, emphasized the importance of being sincere when it comes to building relationships.

“We may not always find the perfect words to express ourselves, but sincerity allows others to understand and appreciate our intentions.”

Practice Strategies for Starting Conversations

The session also encouraged the students to share personal strategies for building relationships. These ranged from introducing themselves confidently, asking casual questions, and finding common interests with others.

Kezra discussed her personal strategy for building relationships:

“We can join or initiate a conversation by kindly introducing ourselves, asking casual questions, or complimenting others. We don't have to be intimidated by the concept of "networking", just view it as an opportunity to genuinely learn about others' stories and connect with people who might share the same values as you.”

Others shared the importance of following up after meeting someone new and continuing the conversation beyond the initial event.

“There needs to be initiative on our part to follow up … even just a small part of a conversation we had with that person.”

Focusing on Meaningful Connections

Another key takeaway was the importance of focusing on quality rather than quantity when building a network.

Oshiya shared some insights from her mentor that evening:“Sometimes when you are networking, and the other person doesn't seem interested, it doesn't mean that we are boring or invaluable. It's okay to divert our attention and energy to somewhere else if this is the case. We should also care about the quality of the network rather than the quantity.”

This perspective reinforced the idea that genuine conversations and meaningful relationships are far more valuable than simply expanding one’s contact list.

Building Confidence for the Future

By the end of the session, many students shared that their perspective on networking had shifted. What once felt intimidating became something that they could approach with confidence and authenticity.

Aneesa reflected:“Networking isn’t as intimidating as it seems. When you show up as your authentic self, share genuine stories, and look for that spark of connection, the experience becomes much more meaningful. Changing your mindset about how you approach networking really changes everything!”

At EMPOWER, we remain committed to creating spaces where students can develop the confidence, skills, and connections needed to succeed in their professional journeys.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the many group leaders and mentors who generously shared their time, insights, and encouragement with our students. Your openness and willingness to guide the next generation embody the spirit of the EMPOWER community. Through sessions like these, students not only gain practical networking skills but also discover the confidence to step into professional spaces with authenticity and purpose.