Many Networking events are transparent about what companies are attending ahead of time. Review the list and narrow your focus on who you’d like to connect with at the event. Visit their websites, read up on their information, and go into the event with a solid information base on who your targets are. This helps you stand out, seem prepared and interested, and create quicker bonds with the people you are looking to connect with.
Come prepared with questions, resumes, and a clear introduction of yourself.

An elevator pitch is a 30- to 60-second summary of who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for in a job. Practice it ahead of time so you’re ready to confidently introduce yourself when the time comes.

“Give the person that you’re talking to a clear idea of who you are, why that particular business caught your eye, what you want to do, and how it might have a positive impact at the company,” says business owner Priscilla Mensah, who has attended numerous career fairs as both an employer and participant. “You should act as if you are that company. What would make you be the person that they’d want to talk to if the tables were turned?”

Here’s an example: “Hi, I’m Jane, a recent graduate with a degree in marketing. I’m a passionate social media strategist, and following Company XYZ’s profiles, I’m eager to share how I can collaborate with the team’s growth. Do you have current marketing openings?
More Information: https://career.soka.edu/blog/2025/03/20/5-elevator-pitch-examples-plus-how-to-write-and-deliver-yours

Figuring out what to wear to a networking event is a crucial part because visual communication speaks as loudly as words. You’ll want to dress in professional or business-casual attire—and err on the side of too formal, rather than too casual.

“It’s always easier to take off your blazer than it is to try to dress up torn jeans,” Mensah says. “No shorts, no jeans, steer clear of sneakers if you can.”

Even if it’s waist-up at a virtual career fair, dressing the part can help you feel confident and make a positive impression. Stick to clean, well-fitting clothes and avoid anything too casual.

If you work in a creative field, showing off your style and personality through your looks—while still being appropriate for the occasion—is very welcome, especially if you found out in your research that the company you have your eyes on celebrates individual identities

Professional etiquette helps create positive first impressions and respectful conversations at networking events. Arrive on time, introduce yourself clearly, and maintain appropriate eye contact and body language. Listen actively, allow others to finish speaking, and be mindful of how long you spend in each conversation. Remember to be courteous to everyone you meet, including peers and event staff, and thank professionals for their time before moving on.

Follow up with the professionals you connected with by sending a personalized thank-you email or linked in request within 24–48 hours of the event. Reference a specific part of your conversation to help them remember you, and express your appreciation for their time and insights, as well as your interest in staying connected or learning about future opportunities.

Example:
“Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at the networking event. I enjoyed learning about your role on Company XYZ’s marketing team and appreciated your advice on building experience in social media strategy. I would love to stay in touch and learn more about future opportunities.”

Do: Clearly and honestly state your purpose – whether seeking advice, an introduction, mentorship, or exploring opportunities.
Do: Keep your focus on learning and building meaningful connections.
Do: Craft your requests to be concise, professional, and polite.
Do Not: Make purely transactional requests, such as immediately asking for a job. We encourage genuine relationship building first.

Do: When requesting a meeting, suggest a brief time frame, such as 20–30 minutes.
Do: Kindly accept and respect decisions to decline a request or not respond.
Do: Always express your sincere gratitude for someone’s time, even if they are unable to assist you directly.
Do Not: Expect an open-ended commitment of time or support.

Do: Proactively build a broad and diverse network that spans various industries, roles, and levels of experience.
Do: Ensure you rotate your outreach to different contacts, giving everyone space.
Do: Be mindful of how often you reach out to any single individual for assistance.
Do Not: Repeatedly seek help from the same person. Let’s share the support within the community.

Do: As you progress in your career, remember to support others whenever you have the capacity.
Do: Share your knowledge, resources, and connections where it’s appropriate and helpful.
Do: Find meaningful ways to contribute back to the broader Sohokai network.
Do Not: View mentorship and networking as one-sided. Even at the early stages in your journey, find small ways to be reciprocal.

Do: Clearly and honestly communicate the extent of support you’re able to provide.
Do: If you cannot assist, kindly redirect the person to relevant resources that might be helpful.
Do Not: Make commitments regarding support that you may not be able to keep. Let’s foster reliable relationships.

Do: When meeting, keep the structure focused and the time within a manageable frame.
Do: If you receive frequent requests, gently set limits or offer alternatives like other resources.
Do: Politely decline requests if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Do Not: Overcommit yourself, as this might lead to an inability to offer sustainable support. You also deserve to maintain balance

Do: When offering advice, suggest ways for others to expand their network beyond your direct contacts.
Do: Make introductions that are both meaningful and appropriate for all parties involved.
Do: Encourage the idea of “paying it forward” to nurture the cycle of support.
Do Not: Avoid making introductions that are unhelpful or poorly timed, either for the person you’re supporting or for your contact.
Do Not: Accept bulldozing of boundaries. It is absolutely understandable if you feel you shouldn’t continue providing support if the person does not demonstrate reciprocal effort, respect, or consideration. It is compassionate to recognize when the relationship is not mutually beneficial and to gently set boundaries

Do: Prioritize supporting individuals who show a genuine commitment to learning and growth.
Do: Actively promote and participate in structured mentorship and networking programs.
Do: Offer insights and connections that could benefit the person’s long-term development, not just immediate needs.
Do Not: Please do not offer support solely for your own benefit or that of your immediate circle. Let us create inclusive and wide-reaching support for our fellow alumni