---
title: What College Students Need to Know About Networking
description: Susan Brennan, Executive Director of Career Services at Bentley University, has advice for undergraduates.
authors:
  - name: Turner Cowles
    url: https://money.com/author/turner-cowles/
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published: '2015-09-14T13:14:26.000Z'
modified: '2024-04-02T05:14:39.000Z'
section: Career Advice
tags:
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  - Bentley University
  - career services
  - Careers
  - College
  - job hunting
  - Jobs
  - Networking
  - School
  - Susan Brennan
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word_count: 110
canonical: https://money.com/networking-tips-college-students-careers/
type: Article
source: structured-blocks
---

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![Screen Shot 2015-09-13 at 2.18.42 PM](https://img.money.com/2015/09/screen-shot-2015-09-13-at-2-18-42-pm.png)

Let's start with defining networking. Susan Brennan, Executive Director of Career Services at Bentley University, thinks students need to redefine the term. Yes, networking is all about building relationship with like-minded people in the same or similar professional field as you, but you should try to focus on building quality contacts over having a lot of acquaintances. Find the influencers, get to know them, and – most importantly – stay in touch with them.

Start slowly: Upperclassmen before alumni, maybe. And step away from the screen: Network in person.

Brennan also believes it's the responsibility of schools to connect students with professionals.

*[Did your school make Money’s Best Colleges list?](https://money.com/best-colleges/)*

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