Networking for Young Professionals: Overcoming Fear & Building Connections

As a college student, I know what it’s like to feel unsure about your future and capabilities as a young professional. At the beginning of my education at Grand Valley, I was terrified by the thought of putting myself out there and networking. I also had no idea how to get started. The concept of walking into a room full of professionals, introducing myself, or even sending a LinkedIn invitation felt overwhelming. I worried that I didn’t have enough experience, the right words, or enough to offer.

But here’s what I learned: networking isn’t about being the most confident person in the room or having an impressive resume. It's about building relationships, asking questions, and showing up. Once I started taking small steps outside my comfort zone, I realized opportunities weren’t as out of reach as I thought. Over time, I went from being nervous and isolated to securing my first internship, making meaningful connections with my peers, and feeling confident in professional settings.

If you’re in the same position I was, unsure of where to start, feeling anxious about putting yourself out there or doubting your abilities, this guide is for you! I’ll walk you through some of the steps I took that helped me turn my fear into success, providing you with four practical strategies to approach networking with confidence.

Shift Your Mindset

Although networking can feel intimidating, especially when you’re just starting, a simple shift in mindset can transform the experience. You will want to acknowledge any fear or self-doubt, but don’t let it hold you back. Remind yourself that networking isn’t about being perfect—it’s about building relationships, learning from others, and finding ways to involve yourself. Everyone, even the most experienced professionals, started somewhere, and many are willing to offer guidance if you approach them with genuine curiosity and respect. Shifting your mindset from "I have nothing to offer" to "I am here to learn and grow" can make a world of difference in how you engage with others.

Start Small and Low-Stakes

If the thought of approaching professionals feels as overwhelming to you as it did to me, start familiar and low-pressure settings. You can talk to classmates, attend office hours, or even join organizations on campus. Practicing small talk and introducing yourself in casual environments can help you build confidence for more formal networking situations. School-sponsored networking events, club meetings, and virtual meetups are also great places to start because they provide opportunities to connect with people who share your interests and are likely similar to you. As you get more comfortable, you’ll find that networking becomes less about stepping outside your comfort zone and more about expanding it.

Utilize Online Platforms

One way to grow your network with minimal hands-on work is through LinkedIn! LinkedIn is a platform designed to connect professionals and create opportunities. You will want to start by creating a profile. Use a professional headshot, add a strong headline, and write a quick summary that highlights your skills and professional aspirations. Next, connect with everyone! This could be classmates, professors, and professionals in your field. Personalize your messages when reaching out and stay active with the people you connect with by engaging with posts and sharing industry-related content. You can also use LinkedIn to research companies, find/follow industry leaders, and find events to attend. Being present and engaged on LinkedIn can help you build relationships and open doors you didn’t think possible.

Attend Networking Events & Career Fairs

Attending networking events and career fairs can result in incredibly valuable opportunities and connections. I suggest researching upcoming events on campus, in your city, or within your industry and setting a goal, whether it’s introducing yourself to one new person or even just showing up. You will want to prepare a short elevator pitch for yourself, as well as bring a few physical copies of your resume. If you’re nervous, practice your pitch and conversations with a friend or colleague. Remember, events like career fairs are made for students and early professionals, meaning the people there expect and want to connect with individuals like you. The more you put yourself out there, the easier it becomes, and each event is a stepping stone toward building confidence and meaningful professional relationships.

By shifting your perspective, starting in low-pressure environments, utilizing online platforms like LinkedIn, and attending networking events, you’ll gradually build confidence and make strong connections with your peers and professionals. Remember that networking isn’t about having all the answers or the most experience. It’s just about showing up, learning, and being willing to grow as a young professional. Embrace the process, put yourself out there, and don’t let nervousness hold you back.

About Kristina

Kristina is a junior studying Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Political Science. This is Kristina's first semester in Grand PR as an account associate. With little to no experience in the PR industry, Kristina is excited to learn and grow as a PR professional. Kristina also has a passion for political science and legal studies. After graduating from Grand Valley, Kristina plans to attend law school.