Student networking means building professional contacts before you need them. The best places are right at the university: the student council and student groups, the alumni network, career fairs and guest lectures. Online, a strong LinkedIn profile (in German) adds to this. If you start early, you have more opportunities for internships and for entering working life.
Key points at a glance
- Student networking starts at your own university: student council, student groups, projects, talks and career fairs.
- The alumni network is an underrated source. Former students usually enjoy answering questions about their industry and career path.
- Prepare yourself: clarify your goal, research the other person and have two or three sentences about yourself ready.
- The follow-up after the conversation decides whether an encounter becomes a contact.
- A network grows through giving and staying in touch, not through one-off requests.
Why is student networking worth starting during your studies?
Many jobs and internships are filled through recommendations and personal acquaintance. If you know someone, you hear about opportunities earlier and are more easily noticed during selection. There is also a look behind the scenes: in conversation you learn which skills are in demand in an industry, what a working day looks like and which routes lead to a position.
You have good conditions for this during your studies. You have time, you are curious, and you meet people every day who share your interests. Nobody expects a finished profile from you either. Students are allowed to ask questions, and that is exactly what opens doors.
If you want to think about your career early (in German), plan your network at the same time. It will accompany you later, including during your entry into working life after your studies (in German).
Where do students make contacts?
Student council and student groups
In the student council, a debating club, a sustainability initiative or a student consultancy, you work regularly with the same people on concrete tasks. This creates contacts that are more reliable than a short chat at an event. Volunteering also looks good on your CV if you describe it concretely. A separate guide shows how to write your CV (in German) and describe your commitment in it.
University alumni network
Many universities maintain an alumni network with meetings, mentoring programmes or directories of former students. Former students have been through your degree programme and know the questions that concern you. Ask them about their career path, typical entry positions and tips for applications. Alumni groups on LinkedIn are also a good start.
Career fairs, talks and industry events
Career fairs at the university are an easy opportunity to get to know companies. In addition there are guest lectures, panel discussions, information evenings and specialist conferences. Some organisers offer students special terms or dedicated areas. Check the websites of the university and the student council for dates. Local meetups and regulars’ tables on your subject area are also worth it, because the atmosphere there is often more relaxed.
Part-time job, internship and study projects
Colleagues from your part-time job, internship or project know you from working together. Stay in touch after it ends, for example with a short thank-you message. Important information on obligations, duration and pay is in the guide on internships during your studies (in German). Study groups and seminars belong here too, because fellow students become colleagues and industry contacts later.
Online: LinkedIn, XING and specialist forums
Professional networks such as LinkedIn and XING make your contacts visible and allow you to approach people in your desired industry directly. Connect with fellow students, lecturers, alumni and professionals who interest you. In specialist forums and online communities you can join discussions and share knowledge.
How do you approach a conversation?
Good preparation takes away much of the nervousness. Think beforehand about what you want to achieve, for example a piece of information, advice or a pointer to an internship. Research the person you are talking to. At a career fair you look at the company; for a contact request you look at the person’s profile.
- Short introduction: three sentences are enough. What are you studying, what interests you, what are you looking for?
- Ask questions: open questions such as “What led you into this industry?” keep the conversation going.
- Listen: most people like talking about their path. Pick up on details to show interest.
- Find common ground: the same university, the same subject or a shared interest make it easier to start.
Do not ask for a favour in the first conversation. First you get to know each other; the request for a tip or a recommendation can follow later.
What belongs in the follow-up?
Get in touch as soon as possible after the meeting. Thank the person for the conversation, mention a point that stayed with you and, if appropriate, suggest the next step. This can be done by email or as a message on LinkedIn. Example: “Good afternoon Mr Weber, thank you very much for the conversation at your stand. Your experiences of getting into logistics were very helpful. I would be glad to stay in touch.”
After that, keep in touch at longer intervals. Share an article that fits the conversation, congratulate someone on a new position or briefly report what came of their advice. Regularity counts here, not frequency.
Which mistakes should you avoid when networking?
- Wanting something immediately: anyone who asks for a job in the first sentence rarely leaves a good impression.
- Only collecting: many contacts without exchange carry little weight. A few well-maintained relationships are worth more than a long list.
- Waiting: nobody will seek you out on their own. Speak to people and use the appointments that are offered to you.
- Pretending: stay true to yourself. Your counterpart notices, and it builds trust.
- Not keeping promises: if you promise a link, a piece of information or an introduction, deliver it.
How does networking work for introverts?
You do not have to attend every event or approach people in passing. Small formats often suit better, for example a conversation at the student council, an appointment in a mentoring programme, a personal message to an alumna or an exchange after a talk. One goal per event is enough, for example one good conversation.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start student networking?
The earlier, the better, because a network grows slowly. In your first semester you can already get involved in the student council or student groups and attend events. At the latest before looking for an internship, it is worth building contacts in your desired industry deliberately.
How do I find the alumni network of my university?
Ask at the career service or alumni office of your university, look under alumni on the website or ask the student council. Many universities run mentoring programmes or online directories. You can also find alumni groups on LinkedIn by searching for your university’s name.
How do I approach someone at a career fair?
Find out in advance which companies are present and choose two or three. Introduce yourself in a few sentences and then ask a concrete question, for example about entry opportunities or internships. At the end, ask how you may get in touch, and then send a short message.
Is LinkedIn necessary for student networking?
It is not necessary, but it is helpful. LinkedIn makes contacts visible and makes it easier to stay in touch. The core remains the conversation, whether in person or digital. With a well-kept profile and personal messages, you use the network sensibly.
What to do now
- Find out which student council, student group or alumni offers exist at your university, and choose one.
- Put two dates in your calendar: a career fair or talk, and a meeting of your group.
- Formulate your short introduction in three sentences and practise it out loud.
- After each conversation, send a short message within a few days.
- Note your contacts with the date and topic, so that you can follow up sensibly later.
Related guides
- LinkedIn profile optimisation: tips for students (in German)
- Making friends at university: how to build contacts (in German)
- Working as a student assistant (in German)
- Training voucher: who gets it and how to apply (in German)
Last updated: October 2026.
