Making Luck in March: Networking Happens Every Day
March has a way of putting “luck” in the spotlight. But for college students, especially as spring opportunities open up, luck is often something they create.
While career fairs and formal events matter, the most powerful networking rarely happens under a banner. It happens in ordinary, everyday moments. On a college campus, connection opportunities are everywhere:
- In class
- Chatting before a lecture begins
- Joining a study group
- Asking a professor a follow-up question
- Introducing themselves to a teaching assistant
- In residence halls
- Meeting a roommate’s friends
- Attending a dorm event
- Starting a conversation in a common area
- On-campus jobs
- Building rapport with supervisors
- Learning about coworkers’ career paths
- In clubs and organizations
- Volunteering for a small leadership role
- Connecting with juniors and seniors about internships
- At campus events
- Introducing themselves to a guest speaker
- Asking presenters how they entered their field
These moments may seem small, but they build familiarity and trust. And opportunities, research roles, internships, and recommendations often grow from relationships formed casually over time.
Students sometimes hesitate to ask questions, worrying that it makes them seem unsure. In reality, thoughtful questions signal engagement and maturity. Encourage your student to prepare one or two questions before:
- Office hours
- Club meetings
- Informational conversations
- Campus panels
Simple questions like, “What skills matter most in this field?” or “How did you land your first internship?” Curiosity is memorable, and memorable students often get called when opportunities arise. As internships, leadership roles, and summer plans solidify, March is the perfect time to reconnect with a professor, check in with a past supervisor, reach out to an alumnus, or attend one extra campus event.
These small steps increase visibility. Visibility increases opportunity. Opportunity can look like luck.
Celebrate the effort to reach out. Growth often feels awkward before it feels confident. As the parent or guardian of a first-year student, try asking:
- “Who did you meet this week?”
- “What conversation pushed you a little outside your comfort zone?”
- “Who could you reconnect with this month?”
Networking isn’t an event; it’s a habit. Luck isn’t random; it’s often the result of consistent, everyday conversations. In March, when talk of luck is everywhere, remind your student that the best way to find opportunity is to create it, one interaction at a time. Career Services is here to help, and students can schedule appointments anytime through Handshake.