6 Networking Tips from Jen Ngozi of NetWerk®

Growing a supportive network is key. Here’s why.

During Office Hours this week, Her Campus Media co-founder Windsor Western hosted an inspiring conversation with special guest Jen Ngozi, who is currently a leader at NetWerk®, a global leadership movement for women! They chatted about all things networking, relationship-building, and how to continue growing your network in a virtual world.

ICYMI, be sure to check out the replay below! In the meantime, here’s a recap of Jen and Windsor’s conversation, along with six lessons about networking you need to hear.

Watch the replay HERE!

Jen Ngozi grew up in a first-generation immigrant family from Nigeria, and recalls learning the power of networking early in life. “I wasn’t necessarily prepared for the professional world — I learned a lot of lessons the hard way,” she says. “I thought to myself, if I network and create a solid foundation and community for myself, I can only go higher.” And while she had many roadblocks early in her career, the process ultimately led her to start NetWerk®, a global leadership movement that inspires everyday women to build the community, confidence, and skills needed to become leaders. Now, she’s on a mission to break the glass ceiling and empower women everywhere. During Office Hours, Jen shared five key tips for networking that every student and young professional should know:

Get clear on your value.

“When I think about networking, I think of building mutually beneficial relationships,” says Jen, who realized early in her career that she’d need to build a solid network to advance professionally. “Networking is about knowing what you offer and the value you bring to the table, being willing to offer it to others, and also get it in exchange,” she says. Jen recommends getting clear on your value by exploring what you’re great at, considering activities you’re involved in that you enjoy, and what other people are complimenting you on! “Figure out what those things are,” Jen says. “This will give you more confidence in networking conversations.”

Tell your story.

“People love stories!” says Jen, who recalls sharing her career story with a passenger on an airplane (psst: the woman later evolved to become a professional connection). “Be vulnerable, be open, and let people know you’re there. Be highly visible,” she says. Whether you’re looking for a job or you’re currently in a role that you love, Jen recommends sharing your story and networking on social media, especially LinkedIn, where your story even has the potential to go viral and reach dream employers. “LinkedIn can be your friend!” she says. “Be open, share about yourself, and share about your journey.”

Spend time dissecting your existing network.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about making new connections, don’t forget to take a look at your existing network first! “Ask yourself, ‘who am I connected to?’” says Jen. “‘Are these people going to help me get to the next level in my career?’” And if not, Jen says it’s okay — it just means you have a bit of work to do. “Spend some time putting together a list of people you’d like to connect with,” she recommends. As someone who has done this numerous times (and, fortunately, it has paid off!), I couldn’t agree more with Jen’s advice. Always audit your network and social circles, and aim to surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you.

Tailor your follow-ups.

When networking with others, it’s important to always tailor your follow-ups and communicate professionally — after all, potential connections can be super busy, and may not be able to respond or support you right away. Jen and Windsor recommend following up via email in a thoughtful way that communicates your interest but isn’t too pushy, and feels personalized to the individual or opportunity. If you’re following up about a potential role, you may want to consider including recent news, updates, or topics that feel relevant to the conversation to show that you’re motivated and interested. The goal is to give a respectful, polite nudge with a personalized message — not fill the person’s inbox with infinite emails!

Be patient.

Networking takes time, energy, and effort. Jen and Windsor recommend being patient and trusting the process. “It can take time to connect with people,” says Windsor, who frequently reviews applications for positions at Her Campus Media while juggling the role of co-founder and president. “Sometimes people are interested but they’re busy, or they haven’t gotten around to it yet.” Windsor says that patience, combined with tailoring your follow-ups, can be super helpful in the long run and when you’re interviewing for jobs.

Networking doesn’t end once you’ve landed a job.

Finally, Jen wants to remind you that networking doesn’t stop once you’ve landed a job! It’s important to always stay open, curious, and keep growing your connections. “Connect with people in other departments,” Jen recommends. “Have a clear plan, know who you want to network with, and know the decision-makers in our company! Those are the people you’ll want to connect with.” The key is to focus on growth, and when you continuously grow your professional network, the more likely great opportunities are to come your way.

We love Jen and Windsor’s tips for how to network strategically and grow your career. In case you missed Office Hours this week, you can catch up on the replay here and be sure to follow @generationhired on Instagram to stay up-to-date on future events.