Foundations of Professional Networking

This unit introduces core concepts, practices, and interpersonal skills needed to build and maintain professional networks. Students learn what networking is (and is not), how to create and map support systems, and how to use small talk, introductions, and ethical referral strategies to prepare for more advanced networking applications in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze key concepts and components of professional networking — including distinctions between networking, marketing, and selling — and summarize the benefits and common misconceptions of networking.
• Apply effective interpersonal and communication techniques (verbal, nonverbal, and small-talk strategies) to initiate introductions, mingle in simulated networking events, and transition conversations toward professional goals.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify and map personal support systems across life domains (family, friends, clubs, professional groups), determine a clear vision for a network, and create a basic networking action plan.
• Evaluate and practice ethical outreach and referral behaviors by using the Ask-Offer-Thank framework, requesting referrals appropriately, responsibly using informal channels (the grapevine), and training contacts to support specified career objectives.