Can I get advice on how to network? I’m a huge introvert and building professional relationships has been a struggle. I do the linkedin connections request and never speak to them again. How do I approach it? Like not ideals or advice. Hold my hand and tell me what I need to do. I’m so scared. I feel everything is a transaction. Or they know I’m just using them. And i dont have friends and dont maintain old relationships. I have nothing to offer. I dont have value. But i need to learn 🙏

I don’t know how to network and maintain connections. I have been working in this industry for 15 years, I always get positive reviews about my work and how I show up as an employee, but I still cant seem to maintain connections when I move on from one role to another. I am chronically ill, and so I often don’t have the stamina to do an 8-10 hour workday and then also do happy hour or other social things after work. Im now four months into a layoff and realizing how incredibly isolated I am.

Genuinely, it’s so deeply painful to spend so much time as L6 and above hunting for codes to cover administrative activity like conference planning, conference budget, SME involvement etc. The lack of an admin code discourages creative thinking on engaging with clients, flying in person to build relationships outside of paid project. What are some suggestions to tackle this? This seems uniquely an Accenture problem vs other consulting companies that offer internal codes that are accessible.

Building a network during an internship involves proactively connecting with colleagues, attending company events, and staying in touch with your network post-internship. To impress your employer, take initiative, deliver high-quality work, and seek feedback. Express interest in full-time opportunities, and be a team player. How do you build your network during an internship? What techniques can you use to impress your employer and secure a job offer when seeking full-time employment?

Building a network during an internship involves proactively connecting with colleagues, attending company events, and staying in touch with your network post-internship. To impress your employer, take initiative, deliver high-quality work, and seek feedback. Express interest in full-time opportunities, and be a team player. How do you build your network during an internship? What techniques can you use to impress your employer and secure a job offer when seeking full-time employment?

How does one network if they have no current network? I didn’t do it in school because I was very unsociable in general and tended to avoid speaking to people. Never had much confidence since it’s just my personality. Got by despite it, but now hiring is so brutal it seems impossible to get a job without knowing someone. I mostly worked at small companies where no one ever leaves, so now struggle to figure this all out almost 10 years into my career.

Security+ certified IT professional building hands-on networking expertise through CCNA labs, Packet Tracer simulations, and THM Security Engineer path. Skilled in configuring, troubleshooting, and maintaining network infrastructure, with practical experience in VLANs, routing, ACLs, and switch/router management. Focused on entry-level IT support, NOC, and junior network technician roles with a foundation in security best practices and real-world lab experience.

I keep hearing that networking is essential for career growth, but half the time it just feels like a circle of people trying to out-sell each other. I’m not shy. I’ll show up, I’ll talk, but I’m also not interested in pretending I’m so passionate about synergies just to hand out my resume. I want real conversations, not LinkedIn theater. Is there actually a way to network without feeling like I’m performing the entire time?

I’ve been pondering how networking can sometimes feel like a game of chance. You meet countless people, attend various events, and yet the right connection can seem elusive. It’s interesting to think about how these relationships can influence salary negotiations. Are we rewarded for our skills, or is it more about who we know? Have you found networking to positively impact your pay? I’d love to hear your experiences!

Networking has changed drastically in our online world. It seems like networking is don’t almost exclusively online these days. Does anyone still network F2F? Have you been to any professional networking events? I’m learning how to build a network so I would love to hear your thoughts. How do you go about building your professional network? What are your favorite apps, events, or strategies to use?