Your Job Search Secret Weapon: It’s Not Just What You Know—It’s Who Knows You
You’ve probably heard the phrase “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” But when it comes to landing that first internship or job after college, there’s an even better version:
👉 It’s not just who you know: it’s who knows you.
About 80% of jobs are filled through connections (hidden job market), while only 20% come from online job boards (open job market) like Handshake, LinkedIn, or CareerShift. So yes, uploading your resume and clicking “Apply” is part of the process, but the real magic happens through networking.
So… What Does Networking Actually Mean?
Networking isn’t just schmoozing at awkward events or sending random LinkedIn messages. It’s about building genuine relationships: starting with the people around you now.
- It’s talking to a class guest speaker after their presentation.
- It’s asking a professor how they got into their field.
- It’s reaching out to alumni to hear about their journey.
- It’s following up with a recruiter after a career fair.
- All of these tiny conversations build your network—and your reputation.
How to Start Networking While You’re Still in College
You don’t need a polished resume or a full career plan to start building your network. You just need curiosity and initiative. Here’s how to get started:
1. Use LinkedIn Like a Pro
- Create a clean, updated profile with a photo and headline. (Check out UCF SGA’s Photobooth for a professional headshot)
- Follow, like, share, and post relevant articles and interesting information.
2. Attend Career Fairs and Events—Even If You’re “Not Ready”
- Showing up early in your academic career helps you get comfortable talking to employers and makes you a familiar face. Even a quick chat can lead to an internship later.
3. Schedule Informational Interviews
- Want to know what it’s really like to work in a field? Reach out to someone doing that job and ask for a 15-minute conversation. (Tip: Check out the “Alumni” tab on UCF’s LinkedIn page) Informational Interviewing Handout
4. Talk to Your Professors and Success Coaches
- They often have industry experience, employer contacts, or former students in the field. Ask them who you should talk to next.
5. Join Clubs or Professional Associations
- Whether it’s a student organization, a professional association, or a service group, these spaces are networking gold. You’ll meet peers, mentors, and sometimes employers. UCF Registered Student Organizations
6. Check out job shadowing opportunities with UCF Knight Shadow
- UCF’s Knight Shadow Program lets you shadow a professional for a day to explore careers, ask questions, and grow your network. It’s a great way to learn more about your field and make connections that matter. Attend an information session hosted by Experiential Learning to learn more. UCF Knight Shadow
Why This Matters
You don’t need to be the most outgoing person in the room. You just need to be proactive. One conversation could lead to:
- A recommendation for an internship
- A referral into a company
- Insider advice that gives you an edge in an interview
And best of all, networking isn’t just about job leads. It’s about learning, growing, and building relationships that can last well beyond college.
TL;DR:
✅ Job boards matter, but networking fills most jobs
✅ Start with small, authentic connections
✅ Use your time at university to build your reputation
✅ Networking isn’t a one-time thing: it’s a lifelong career skill
So don’t wait until graduation. Start building your network now. Your future self (and future job) will thank you.
Written by Erin Grainger,CMCS with some help from AI
