How to Build a Professional Network When You Don’t Know Anyone

How to Build a Professional Network When You Don’t Know Anyone

By Mike Moradian, CEO of Honor Society

“Reach out to your network.”

It is common career advice—and frustrating advice when you are wondering where that network is supposed to come from.

Perhaps your family does not work in the field you want to enter. Perhaps you are the first person in your family navigating college recruiting. Or perhaps you know plenty of people socially but feel uncomfortable starting a professional conversation.

You can begin by choosing one question you want answered, finding someone whose experience relates to it, and making a small, specific request. Prepare for the conversation, act on something you learn, and follow up thoughtfully.

A professional network can grow from that sequence.

As CEO of Honor Society, I want members to feel comfortable asking questions before they have an impressive title or a clear career plan. Curiosity, preparation, and respect for someone’s time give you a credible place to start.

Begin with a question worth asking

Before deciding whom to contact, decide what you want to understand.

“I need connections” gives you little direction. “I want to understand what an entry-level marketing coordinator actually does” helps you identify people with relevant experience.

Other useful questions might concern how a profession works, which skills beginners should practice, or how to evaluate two possible career paths.

Choose a question that will help you make a decision or take action. Then research the basics before asking someone for their time.

If you are exploring a role, review a few job descriptions through the Honor Society Career Center or employers’ websites. Notice which responsibilities recur and which terms you do not understand.

Now you can ask, “These listings mention coordinating campaigns. What does that involve during a typical week?”

That is a conversation someone can meaningfully contribute to.

Look for relevant people close to your starting point

Your first contact does not need to be a senior executive.

A recent graduate may remember the application process clearly. A person a few years into a role may be able to explain the daily work in detail. A professor or former supervisor may help you identify people you would not otherwise know to look for.

Consider classmates with different experiences, alumni you can contact through authorized school channels, speakers at events, and professionals who publicly invite questions.

If you already know someone who might help you identify a contact, make the request easy to consider:

“Do you know anyone who could explain what junior analysts do? I am trying to understand the work before choosing my next project.”

Let them decide whether an introduction is appropriate. You can also ask them to forward your short request so the other person can choose whether to respond.

Honor Society’s career services can help you explore resources for career research and mentorship as you identify your next question.

Write an introduction that is easy to answer

A first message should explain who you are, why you chose this person, and what you are asking.

Keep it brief enough that the request is clear on a phone screen.

Here is an example to adapt truthfully:

“Hi Jordan, I’m a college junior exploring operations roles. I saw that you moved from campus event work into operations coordination, which relates to experience I’m building now. Would you be open to a 15-minute conversation about what someone new to the field should learn first? I understand if your schedule does not allow it. Thank you for considering.”

The message works because it has a specific reason for reaching out and a modest request. Use only details you have actually verified; genuine relevance is more useful than generic praise.

You can suggest a brief written exchange if that suits the person better.

Avoid attaching a stack of documents or asking someone to review your entire career plan in the first message. If you want feedback on a résumé or project, say what kind of feedback you need and ask whether they would be comfortable reviewing it.

Make the conversation useful

If someone agrees, confirm the time, time zone, and format. Review their professional background and prepare two or three questions.

For a short career conversation, these can work well:

• What do people new to this role spend most of their time doing?
• What do students tend to misunderstand about the work?
• What is one practical way to prepare before applying?

Listen closely enough to ask a follow-up. If the person mentions a difficult responsibility, ask what makes it difficult. If they recommend a skill, ask what using it well looks like.

Leave room for their answers. You do not need to fill the conversation with a complete account of your background.

When the agreed time is almost over, acknowledge it: “I want to respect your time. Could I ask one final question?”

The Honor Society Advisor Hub offers a place to explore career conversations, résumé feedback, and mock interviews, subject to advisor availability. Choose an advisor whose experience fits your question and prepare for the type of session you request.

Give yourself a simple plan for events

Walking into a room where people already seem to know one another can be uncomfortable. A small plan gives you something to do.

Choose one session or topic that interests you. Prepare a short introduction and aim for one or two thoughtful conversations.

An introduction can be straightforward:

“Hi, I’m Alex. I’m studying communications and came to learn more about nonprofit work. What brought you to this event?”

After a presentation, use something specific you heard:

“You mentioned that your team works closely with volunteers. What does someone new need to understand about coordinating that work?”

You do not need to deliver a rehearsed speech. Introduce yourself, ask a relevant question, and allow the conversation to develop.

Before leaving, ask whether the person would be comfortable staying in touch and which channel they prefer. Write down a brief reminder afterward so your follow-up has context.

If large gatherings do not suit you, start with smaller sessions, office hours, or individual conversations. You can practice professional communication in a setting where you are more likely to listen and participate comfortably.

Follow up with something specific

After a helpful conversation, send a short thank-you that identifies what you learned.

For example:

“Thank you for explaining how your team handles event logistics. Your suggestion to document a small project gave me a clearer starting point. I’m going to apply it to an upcoming campus activity.”

Later, if you follow the suggestion, share a brief update:

“I used your advice to create a checklist and timeline for the event. It helped me identify two tasks we had not assigned. I appreciated the practical guidance.”

Only report progress you actually made. You do not need to manufacture a reason to stay visible or send a message every few days.

A relationship has room to develop when your follow-up reflects a real conversation and genuine attention.

Know how to handle silence and requests for help

Some people will not respond. A single courteous follow-up after a reasonable interval—perhaps a week or two—is a practical default. If there is still no reply, move on respectfully.

Silence gives you limited information. It does not establish what someone thinks of your potential.

When a relationship develops and a relevant opportunity appears, you can ask for guidance without assuming the person owes you a referral.

Try: “I noticed an opening on your team that relates to my experience. Would you be comfortable sharing any advice about the role or application process?”

If they offer an introduction or referral, follow their instructions and provide accurate materials. If they decline, thank them for considering it.

A conversation is valuable even when it leads to clearer understanding rather than a job lead.

Contribute through attention and follow-through

You may wonder what you have to offer someone with more experience.

Start with the things available to you now: arrive prepared, keep commitments, listen carefully, and act thoughtfully on useful advice.

With classmates and peers, you may be able to share a relevant opportunity, offer feedback they requested, or help with a project within your capacity. Ask permission before making introductions or sharing someone’s contact details.

Contribution should be genuine. You do not need to invent favors or make every interaction an exchange.

Keep a simple private record of the people you speak with, the topics discussed, and any commitments you made. That helps you remember the person and follow through without treating relationships as a contact-counting exercise.

Start with one message this week

Choose one career question. Identify one person whose experience could help you understand it. Write a short, respectful request.

Then continue preparing while you wait.

Your Honor Society member resources can help you find support as you explore careers, strengthen your materials, and prepare for conversations.

You do not need to arrive with your future figured out. You can introduce yourself as someone who is learning, taking initiative, and willing to do the work.

At Honor Society, I want members to feel that they can participate in those conversations now.

Your first step can be small enough to take today.