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Networking for Students Who Hate Networking

If you’re a student interested in finance or consulting, you have probably been told that networking is essential. Whether it’s landing a spring week, internship, or graduate role, people will tell you again and again: “It’s not just what you know - it’s who you know.”


But what if you hate networking?


For many students, networking feels uncomfortable, disingenuous, or downright terrifying. The idea of walking into a crowded room full of confident people, trying to strike up small talk with strangers, or sending cold messages on LinkedIn doesn’t just feel awkward - it feels fake.


Here’s the good news: you don’t need to love networking or even be particularly good at it in the traditional sense to build a strong professional network. Especially in industries like finance and consulting, where curiosity, professionalism, and initiative matter more than charm.


This guide offers a practical approach to networking that works even if you hate it - no cheesy elevator pitches or fake smiles required.


Why Networking Feels Awkward - and Why That’s Normal

 

Networking can feel awkward because, for many students, it starts with the wrong mindset: that you need to impress someone or get something out of them.


This transactional approach - “What can I get from this person?” - often makes conversations feel forced or one-sided. It’s also intimidating, especially if you’re early in your academic or career journey and feel like you don’t have much to offer.


Most professionals, even those working at big-name banks or consulting firms, aren’t expecting students to be polished experts. They’re much more likely to respond positively to someone who is genuinely interested in their work and asks thoughtful questions.


As Top Universities explains, the key to effective networking is realising it’s just a series of human conversations — not a high-pressure performance. Most people respond positively when you show curiosity, listen well, and ask thoughtful questions.

 

 

Why It Matters (Even If You Hate It)

 

In finance and consulting, networking often isn’t just useful - it’s how a lot of opportunities get filled.


In competitive sectors, many internships and graduate schemes receive thousands of applications. Networking doesn’t guarantee you a job, but it helps you stand out. A quick chat at an insight day might lead to someone flagging your name to HR. An alumnus could give you a heads-up on what the interview questions are like. Even informal relationships - a LinkedIn message, a Q&A question, a shared project - can create familiarity that separates you from the pile.


And when firms are comparing two equally strong candidates, the one who showed real interest by engaging early often has the edge.


Rethinking What “Networking” Actually Means


Let’s strip away the cringe and redefine networking:

  • It’s not working the room at a crowded event

  • It’s not adding random people on LinkedIn

  • It’s not asking for jobs in the first message

 

Networking is about building mutual understanding over time. That could mean asking someone how they got into their role, sharing a relevant article with someone you spoke to last week, or simply staying in touch with someone from a group project who ends up in your target industry.


If you think of it as relationship-building, not self-promotion, it becomes a lot more manageable - even for introverts or those just starting out.


Four Strategies That Work (Even If You Hate Networking)

 

1. Use Events Intentionally - Don’t Try to Impress Everyone

 

Finance and consulting firms frequently hold campus events, online Q&As, and insight sessions. These can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to “network” with everyone in the room.


Instead, set a goal of:

  • Asking one insightful question during or after the session

  • Approaching just one speaker or panellist at the end to say thank you

  • Sending a short follow-up message on LinkedIn to someone who said something that stuck with you


A “good” question is specific, not generic. For example:

“You mentioned rotational schemes - how did you decide which team to rotate into first?”

“What kind of commercial awareness stood out to you in successful interns?”

These kinds of questions show engagement and give you a reason to follow up later.


2. Use LinkedIn Like a Human, Not a Robot


LinkedIn is a powerful tool, but too many students treat it like a cold outreach machine. The best use of it is to build real, if low-key, rapport.

  • Connect with people you genuinely have something in common with: university, background, interests

  • Personalise your message: “Hi, I’m also studying economics at UCL and saw you interned at Bain. Would love to ask a quick question about your path.”

  • If they accept but don’t reply, don’t panic. Wait a few days and follow up with simple question - or engage with something they post.


You’re not chasing replies - you’re starting a slow-burn conversation. Many people will ignore you. That’s normal. Move on with no hard feelings.


3. Join Student Societies and Competitions to Build Natural Connections

 

If cold outreach makes you sweat, one of the best workarounds is to put yourself in the kinds of places where “networking” happens naturally.

 

Joining your university finance, consulting, or business society gives you the chance to:

  • Meet professionals in relaxed, semi-social settings

  • Collaborate with other driven students

  • Participate in competitions or simulations that often get flagged by recruiters


For example, the ICAEW 100 competition, Amplify Trading events, or Bright Network programmes are often watched by talent scouts. Even student-led events on campus can be low-pressure chances to form professional friendships.


4. Ask for Advice, Not Jobs


The quickest way to get ignored is to ask for a favour too soon. The best way to build a connection is to ask for insight, not opportunity.


Questions like:

  • “How did you decide between consulting and banking?”

  • “What’s something you wish you knew before applying?”

  • “What made your application stand out at interview?”


These are flattering, low-pressure, and often lead to real advice. If the conversation goes well, you can always end with:

“Thanks again - I’d love to keep in touch and let you know how I get on!”


That alone can open doors later, without ever asking directly for a job.


Common Mistakes Students Make When Networking

  1. Sending identical messages to everyone - Professionals can spot a copy-paste job from a mile away. Personalise your outreach.

  2. Focusing only on senior people - Junior analysts and associates are often more approachable - and closer to the recruitment process.

  3. Talking too much about yourself - It’s okay to introduce yourself, but don’t write an essay. Make your message about them.

  4. Not following up - If someone gives you their time, send a thank-you message or update them if their advice helped. It shows maturity.

  5. Ghosting after getting help - People remember those who engage meaningfully - and those who disappear as soon as they get what they need.


How to Start If You’re Brand New

 

You don’t need a full LinkedIn profile or fancy experience to start. Here’s a simple 1-week plan:

  • Day 1: Set up a basic LinkedIn profile with your course, university, and a short summary (“Economics student at LSE exploring roles in strategy and finance.”)

  • Day 2: Follow 10 professionals in finance or consulting - start with alumni from your school.

  • Day 3: Comment on one of their posts or send a polite, personalised connection request.

  • Day 4: Find one upcoming virtual event and register.

  • Day 5: Attend it. Ask a question or send a thank-you message to a speaker.

  • Day 6–7: Reflect on what felt good vs. awkward. Then repeat next week.

 

Start with just one small step. The rest gets easier.


What Finance and Consulting Recruiters Are Really Looking For


You don’t need to be slick or extroverted to impress recruiters. What they really want is evidence of:

  • Self-awareness: Do you understand what the job involves and why you’re suited to it?

  • Curiosity: Have you taken initiative to learn beyond the brochure?

  • Professionalism: Are you polite, clear, and respectful in how you communicate?


Even a short, thoughtful LinkedIn message or question at an event can tick all three boxes - and put your name on the radar.


Final Thoughts: You Can Build a Network Without Faking It


You don’t need to attend every mixer, join every society, or connect with hundreds of people on LinkedIn to build a useful network. You just need to start small, be intentional, and treat people like people.


Here’s a weekly challenge:

  • Attend one event or webinar

  • Reach out to one professional on LinkedIn

  • Share one interesting article or comment on someone’s post


Networking doesn’t have to feel like a performance. Done right, it’s just a quiet, consistent way to build relationships, and open doors, one conversation at a time.


References

 
 
 

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