Professional Networking

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Networking is more than exchanging business cards—it’s about forming lasting relationships that can help you throughout your career.

As a student, you have the unique opportunity to build relationship with with professors, fellow students, and industry professionals. These relationships are essential for gaining advice, insights, and growth in your field.

As an alum, you can continue to network with the Eagle Career Network while also expanding your connections even further.

Networking is about more than job opportunities; it’s about creating a support system that can help you succeed in both your career and personal development.

What is Networking?

Networking is about building meaningful connections with people in your circle—friends, family, professors, previous employers, and Eastern Alumni. It is not about schmoozing or directly asking for a job; it’s about:

  • Gaining information and advice about careers, industries, and organizations
  • Learning about job and internship opportunities
  • Connecting with individuals who inspire you
  • Sharing your goals and skills with other professionals

Find Opportunities to Connect

Eagle Career Network
Connect with fellow students and alumni for quick advice or long-term mentorship.

Career Fairs
A great place to network with industry professionals that may have insight on industry standards, internship opportunities, and potential jobs.

Career Center Networking Events
Keep an eye out for potential Networking Events hosted by the Career Center as well as other organizations on campus.

Student Engagement
Network with peers on campus through events, clubs, and organizations. EaglSync is a great place to track upcoming events.

EWU Alumni Association
An organization that serves as a link for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the community through communication, service, and programs. Membership is free and you are automatically enrolled upon graduate. Take advantage of all they have to offer.

Spokane Young Professionals (SPS)
SPS provides a space for professional of all ages to connect and collaborate. Their mission is to inspire regional economic development by creating a community where the professionals of tomorrow can collaborate with the business leaders of today.

Greater Spokane Incorporated
Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) is the Spokane region’s business development organization, focused on building the economy and creating a thriving Spokane region. They host events for business growth, education, celebration, and networking.

Inlander’s event page
A great place to find events within the Inland Northwest – attending events that you are interested in personally or professionally is a great way to build your network with people that share those interests. Meetups & Eventbrite are also great places to learn about events in your local area.

LinkedIn
Connect with colleagues and recruiters, follow organizations, share your experience, get endorsements and references, and showcase your expertise with article posts and links to projects.

Eagle Career Network
Connect with fellow students and alumni for quick advice or long-term mentorship.

Ask your Professors 
Your professors may know of networking resources that may be valuable to you. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Search online for specific networks
Look for online communities that are specific to the field you’re interested in and get involved by signing up, creating a profile, and connecting with other users.

Tip: If you go to the What Can I Do With This Major resource, go to your major, and scroll to the bottom of the page, you will find a list of Professional Associations, Related Resources, Occupational Outlooks, and Employment Opportunities.

Networking doesn’t stop at the classroom door—there are opportunities to connect everywhere you go. Whether it’s through clubs, jobs, or campus events, or even in the local community and professional spaces, the more you connect, the more you’ll learn and grow.

Here are a few ideas to help you get started both on campus and in the world outside.

Set Up Informational Interviews

Informational Interviews are a form of networking with many benefits:

  • Get firsthand, relevant information about the realities of working within a particular field, industry or position. This kind of information is not always available online.
  • Find out about career paths you didn’t know existed.
  • Get tips about how to prepare for and enter a given career.
  • Learn what it’s like to work at a specific organization.
  • Gain insider knowledge that can help you in writing your resume, interviewing, and more.
  • Initiate a professional relationship and expand your network of contacts in a specific career field; meet people who may forward job leads to you in the future.

Learn more about scheduling informational interviews with our Informational Interview Guide.

Make Meaningful Connection Through Conversation

Confidence and preparation are key when meeting new people, whether at a networking event, a career fair, or any professional gathering.

Start by preparing a short introduction, sometimes called an elevator pitch. This 30-second summary should highlight who you are, your background, and what you’re about—all in a professional tone. For tips on conversation etiquette, visit our professional etiquette resource.

When connecting with new people, asking open-ended questions can help foster meaningful and engaging conversations. Here are some ideas to keep the dialogue flowing:

  • What brought you to this event?
  • What are your thoughts on the presentation?
  • What’s your connection to this organization?
  • What’s your role at [XYZ company]?
  • How did you get started in this field?
  • Are you reading anything interesting lately? I’m looking for recommendations.

Approach these conversations with curiosity and a genuine interest in learning more about others. Meaningful interactions like these can leave lasting impressions and open doors for future opportunities.

Additional Resources

Professional Standards
Professional Etiquette
Professional Standards
Professional Attire

Eagle Career Network

Get Your Resume Reviewed
Receive expert advice on improving your resume to stand out in applications.

Learn From Industry Experts
Schedule one-time calls to get insights and advice about your field of interest.

Explore Job Shadowing Opportunities
See what a day in the life looks like in your dream career.

Build Your Professional Network
Connect with alumni and like-minded professionals who share your goals.

Join Groups That Match Your Interests
Discover Eagles who work in your field, live nearby, or share similar career aspirations.

The Eagle Career Network is built for busy students like you. Whether you’re looking for quick advice or long-term mentorship, you’ll find the support you need to take your next steps confidently.

Getting Started is Easy!

Creating a profile is fast, free, and simple – you can even transfer your LinkedIn information with just one click and start connecting today!

Make the most of your time at EWU by joining the Eagle Career Network and gaining the tools, advice, and connections you need to soar after graduation.

Join the Community Now!

Connect, Learn, and Grow with EWU Professionals

Your Office of Alumni Relations and the EWU Career Center have teamed up to bring you the Eagle Career Network, powered by STCU—an online mentoring community designed to connect students with alumni and professionals eager to help you succeed.

Eagle Career Network Login

Keep the Conversation Going - Follow-up

Following up with a professional contact is a key step in building meaningful relationships. When you reach out, consider the timing, the medium you use, and the message you want to convey to make your follow-up effective and professional:

  • Act promptly: Reach out within 1-3 business days, either by email, a handwritten note, or LinkedIn. Avoid using personal social media platforms like Facebook for professional connections—LinkedIn is the right place for this.
  • Personalize your message: Remind them where you met and reference your conversation to jog their memory.
  • Be clear about your purpose: Are you thanking them for their time, seeking advice, or sharing your resume? Make your reason clear and concise.
  • Think about mutual value: Networking isn’t just about what you can gain—it’s also about what you can offer. Share a helpful resource, congratulate them on a recent achievement, or offer insight on a shared interest.

By following up thoughtfully, you can strengthen your connections and leave a positive impression.

EWU Career Center

509.359.6365
careers@ewu.edu

332 Pence Union Building
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA 99004
Fax: 509.359.6940

Make an Appointment

Office Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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