Why Making Friends is Your Best Career Move

Sourced from Shorelight

Networking has always felt like a tricky concept for me. I’m socially awkward, and putting myself out there for strangers can be hard—though not impossible. I’m not alone in this. Gen Z, as a whole, tends to shy away from raising their hands in class. You know the awkward silences that follow when a professor asks a question? Only a few brave souls speak up while the rest of us sit quietly, even if we know the answer. For those of us who get a little self-conscious about networking, it can feel like an overwhelming and uncomfortable task. But the truth is, the person sitting right next to you is already part of your network.

During my time working at Fresno State Esports, I learned just how valuable these organic connections can be. I was able to recommend friends for other jobs on campus, and I got to meet a lot of talented people, most of whom I shared classes with. Even now, every time I see a job listing in my email, I immediately forward it to a friend in need. If a professional reaches out and needs a gig done, I know just who to send it to. This blog is for people like me- those who might feel a bit awkward but recognize that networking doesn’t always have to be formal or intimidating. The friendships you’re building now are just as important as the professional relationships you’ll make in the future.

Sourced from Southern Crescent Technical Collegee

Networking as Friendship-Building

One of the biggest misconceptions about networking is that it’s separate from your everyday interactions. In reality, building friendships is one of the most natural ways to network. Friendships in college are built on shared experiences, mutual interests, and trust- all the same qualities that define successful professional networks. According to an article by Cleveland University, making friends in college is vital not only for personal growth but also for professional success. Friendships formed in this environment often grow into long-lasting professional relationships .

When you make friends in college, you’re not just gaining a social circle, you’re also building a support network of future professionals. These are the people you will share class projects with, collaborate on club activities, and perhaps even intern alongside. Over time, as you all grow in your respective fields, these friendships often evolve into valuable professional connections.

Classmates Turned Industry Contacts

Your college classmates are some of the most valuable contacts you can have in the professional world. Many of the people you interact with daily in school will go on to have careers in the same industry as you. These friendships built on camaraderie can later serve as industry connections that help you find job opportunities, collaborate on projects, or even start businesses together.

A great example of this is how alumni networks work. Graduates often maintain connections with their classmates and stay in touch with their universities, contributing to a well-connected network of professionals. US News notes that alumni often serve as key resources for job leads and career advice . In many cases, these relationships started as casual conversations between classmates, transforming over time into career-building partnerships.

The people you befriend in college will eventually become industry insiders, potential collaborators, or even clients. If you foster strong relationships now, you’ll have a network of trusted professionals to turn to when you need advice, referrals, or job leads.

Real-Life Examples of College Friendships Leading to Career Success

There are countless stories of college friendships leading to major career opportunities. For instance, many startup founders met their co-founders while working on class projects together. The collaborative nature of college encourages students to pool their talents and work toward shared goals. Dartmouth College’s arts and sciences faculty emphasize that college friendships are unique because they are built in a collaborative environment where students can challenge and support one another, both personally and professionally .

Additionally, networking in college clubs and organizations is a powerful way to make meaningful connections. As Medium's Bloom University blog points out, participating in clubs allows students to make connections with like-minded individuals, many of whom may work in the same industry after graduation. 

Building Lifelong Friendships and Careers

College friendships are not just temporary social bonds, they are potential career-launching relationships. By focusing on building meaningful, authentic friendships during college, students can form a network that will support them both personally and professionally throughout their careers. The key is to engage with your peers, participate in group activities, and maintain these relationships as you transition into your professional life.

So, if the idea of formal networking feels intimidating, don’t stress. Start by simply making friends. These friendships will often turn out to be the best career move you ever make.

Sources:

1. Cleveland University. "Why Making Friends in College is Vital to Your Success." Link

2. Mana Tutoring. "5 Tips for Making Friends and Networking in College." Link

3. Dartmouth College. "Making the Most of College Friendships." Link

4. US News. "Ways to Network While You're in College." Link

5. Bloom University. "Making Connections 101: Navigating Your College Experience." Link