Career Glow Up Series: A Starting Point - Networking for Beginners

​Hosted by David Peña - Your Friendly Neighborhood Recruiter

​In a world where job boards are flooded and referrals reign, networking is your quiet superpower. In this interactive workshop, we’ll break the myth that networking is transactional or awkward—and instead reframe it as relationship-building rooted in curiosity and generosity. You'll walk away with simple tools, real talk, and confidence to connect with people authentically, even if you don’t have a “network” yet.

​Takeaways:

• ​🌱 Networking isn’t about asking—it’s about planting seeds. The best connections start with curiosity, not a request.

• ​🧠 People don’t remember résumés—they remember real conversations. Make your outreach personal, not perfect.

• ​🔥 Cold vs. Warm Networking: Cold = strangers. Warm = mutual context or shared connection. Always look for ways to “warm it up.”

• ​✉️ The best outreach messages are short, specific, and sincere. Lead with context, get to the point, and end with gratitude.

• ​🤝 Networking is a long game, not a one-and-done. Follow-ups and check-ins build trust over time.

• ​🧍‍♀️ You don’t need a ‘network’ to start networking. Start with classmates, past professors, project collaborators—even fellow attendees today.

• ​🚀 Action beats anxiety. You wrote a real networking message today. You can do it again tomorrow.

• ​🛠️ The best time to build your network is before you need it. Reach out when you’re curious, not just when you’re job hunting.

• ​🧭 You’re not bothering people—you’re building your path. Most professionals want to help someone who’s respectful and intentional. 

​✨ The Career Glow Up Series is a 4-day transformative workshop experience for early career professionals ready to level up their career development journeys. We're on a journey to make career development accessible to everyone. Join us for real talk, practical tools, and actionable strategies that will transform your career story and unlock new opportunities.