Networking to build relationships that last

After twenty years in career development and working in Africa, Central Asia and Europe, I’ve learned that networking isn’t just about getting a job—it’s about building a life filled with curiosity, connection and growth.

Too often, we think of networking as something we do when we need something: an internship, a job lead or a reference. But that’s selling it short. Real networking is about authentic relationships — meeting people who spark your curiosity, challenge your thinking and help you see the world in new ways. It’s about learning from others and sharing what you know in return.

The best connections I’ve seen in my career didn’t start with “Can you help me get a job?” They started with authentic curiosity: a student asking a professional how they got into their field, or two alumni bonding over a shared interest. Those small moments of sincere conversation often turn into lasting relationships — and yes, sometimes, into unexpected opportunities down the road.

When I talk with alumni who enjoy what they do, their stories almost always include a person who took an interest in them. Maybe it was a professor who made an introduction or a classmate who became a collaborator years later. Those moments didn’t happen by luck — they happened because someone took the time to connect.

And as I often say to students: it’s never too late, and it’s never too early to start. Go to events that interest you. Reach out to alumni whose paths you admire. Ask good, authentic questions. Listen well. Offer your help when you can. And don’t be afraid to fail. The worst that can happen is that they don’t respond.

Networking isn’t a transaction — it’s a conversation that keeps unfolding over time. The people you meet today could shape who you become tomorrow. Invest in those relationships with sincerity and curiosity, and you’ll find your network doesn’t just support your career — it helps you grow as a person.