How to Network

How to Make the Most Out of Networking Opportunities

Joining networking groups or attending events can be intimidating. It can be difficult to navigate introductions and conversations while making sure you’re leaving both a positive and memorable impression. So how can you get the most out of your time spent? Here are seven tips on how to network successfully.

Have a goal in mind

When joining an organization or going to an event, know what you want to get out of it. Are you hoping to make new contacts, strengthen existing connections, get your foot in the door of a certain company or industry? By having clear goals in mind, you can ensure your time networking is as beneficial as possible.

Some examples of goals are:

  • Getting exposure to other professionals who may have helpful advice or connections
  • Developing expertise in a certain niche by taking advantage of learning opportunities
  • Learning about different roles of people who may work with in an industry

Keep conversation starters handy

Approaching new people can be daunting — one way to make the process easier is to have a few conversation starters on hand. Beyond standards like asking what someone does for a living or what brought them here, you can also read up on industry trends or news items to discuss. This way, you have multiple options to help you strike up a dialogue.

Some easy conversation starters are: 

  • So what did you think about [name of speaker at event]?
  • What got you interested in [insert networking event topic]?

Pro tip: Getting to events early is a good way to meet the other early birds and start a group — rather than walking into an event where everyone is already grouped up. 

Practice active listening

When people talk, they want to know that the person they’re speaking to is engaged in what they’re saying, rather than simply waiting for their turn to speak. Reference or ask follow-up questions about things they mention during the conversation, and use non-verbal cues like nodding or smiling to convey that you’re listening. This is a two-way street, so avoid dominating the discussion.

Ask for help or advice

Networking is a great chance to gain insights and advice from other industry professionals. Maybe you’d like tips on how to expand your connections or strengthen your resume. Perhaps you’d like to know more about career trajectories in the field. Don’t shy away from asking for any advice or knowledge someone can share. And on the other hand, always be ready to help out others as well!

Some easy ways to open the conversation about getting help and mentorship include:

  • Asking directly about how to get into a specific industry
  • Asking a person how they specifically got started or got their foot in the door at their company
  • Ask what other events they find helpful to attend, or what tools they used to hone their skills

Write notes after important conversations

When networking, you’ll encounter various people and have several different chats. If you meet someone you want to follow up with later or who shares some valuable information, make a note after the conversation ends. This way, you won’t risk forgetting details later and will be able to showcase that you were actively listening to what people were saying.

When you send the follow up message, include where and when you met them, and some conversation details so they can easily remember you.

Follow up with people you meet

Remember that the purpose of networking is both to make and to maintain connections. After all, that initial introduction won’t be much use if you don’t speak to them again. Reach out after the event to let them know how much you enjoyed meeting them, and be sure to contact them again every once in a while to bring up relevant news, updates, or questions.

Here’s a simple template: 

Hi [Name],

It was nice to meet you at [Event Name]. I am the [provide a description of yourself] from [place you live or current company name]. We talked about [what you talked about]. I’d love to [insert invitation to activity, e.g. grab coffee] and continue our conversation.

Keep attending networking opportunities

As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. The more you put yourself out there and use networking opportunities, the easier it will become. Over time, you’ll become more confident in your introduction and conversation skills — ultimately putting your best foot forward and making a good impression on the people you meet!

In the end, make sure you are having fun, trying different approaches and seeing what works best. It can be scary to put yourself out there, but there is nothing to lose and there are so many opportunities to be had! 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to get more info sent straight to your inbox!

What to Expect: Realistic Outcomes

Climb’s Comprehensive Access Solution can offer a strategic balance of increased enrollments and upfront cashflows compared to traditional lenders. While no financing solution guarantees 100% collection, our data-driven approach maximizes both upfront cash and long-term repayment rates.

Typical Partner Results:

  • 15-30% of students qualify for Climb Loans with upfront tuition delivered to the school shortly after course start
  • 45-60% of students qualify for 0% APR* payment plans
  • Enrollment increases of 20%+ reported by partner schools**

**Results vary by school and student demographics. This represents performance reported by individual school partners and should not be considered a guarantee of your specific outcomes.

The bottom line: CAS is designed to maximize your net tuition recovery while eliminating the administrative headaches of student financing.

Maximizing Your Results

Pro Tip: Schools that require student deposits and set up automatic payments during enrollment see significantly better repayment performance across all financing options. These simple steps can meaningfully improve your outcomes.

FAQs

We use a comprehensive, AI-driven assessment that goes beyond traditional FICO scores to better serve career training students:

  • Climb Credit Score: Over 150 data points specifically designed for vocational students
  • Debt-to-Income Ratio: Reliable predictor of payment performance
  • FICO Score: Used primarily for interest rate assignment

Key advantages of our approach:

  • Soft credit pull until loan funding (no credit impact during application)
  • The majority of students receive instant decisions
  • Students can apply with co-borrowers directly in the application
  • More accurate placement into appropriate financing products

We use a comprehensive, AI-driven assessment that goes beyond traditional FICO scores to better serve career training students:

  • Climb Credit Score: Over 150 data points specifically designed for vocational students
  • Debt-to-Income Ratio: Reliable predictor of payment performance
  • FICO Score: Used primarily for interest rate assignment

Key advantages of our approach:

  • Soft credit pull until loan funding (no credit impact during application)
  • The majority of students receive instant decisions
  • Students can apply with co-borrowers directly in the application
  • More accurate placement into appropriate financing products

Students are placed into funding brackets (Elite, Standard, Enhanced) based on our AI assessment. Higher-credit students generate higher upfront payments to your school, while students with limited credit are seamlessly directed to our 0% Payment Plan.

These brackets are established using data from over $1 billion in career training loan originations and may be adjusted periodically based on updated repayment trends.

Important note: Regardless of which bracket a student falls into, they are considered fully paid by your school once funded. The student’s repayment obligation exists exclusively between Climb and the student.

Elite Access not available for Computer Science programs. Upfront percentages vary by industry and loan terms.

Once Climb disburses upfront funding for a student loan, that student is considered fully paid by your school. You will not receive any additional payments for that student—the single upfront payment is complete and final.

From that point forward, the student’s repayment obligation exists exclusively between Climb and the student. Your school has zero liability if the student defaults, and you keep the full upfront payment regardless of the student’s future payment performance.

They’re automatically offered our 0% Interest Payment Plan, ensuring no student is turned away while maintaining steady monthly cash flow for your school.

Higher-credit students generate larger upfront payments (75-100% of tuition), while students with limited credit use our 0% APR* Payment Plan for consistent monthly revenue. Both options are risk-free for your school

Absolutely. Climb complements existing payment options like scholarships, employer-sponsored programs, and internal financing.

Absolutely. Climb complements existing payment options like scholarships, employer-sponsored programs, and internal financing.

Typically, within 5-10 business days after your partnership agreement is signed.

Comprehensive onboarding webinar, continuous partner support via AI-assisted chat and live email—and real-time borrower assistance with our live-chat-available student success team.

No. Climb fully manages the administrative responsibilities—your team simply monitors your school’s performance via our intuitive School Portal.

Your school is fully protected either way. For Climb Loans, you keep the entire upfront payment with zero liability. For Payment Plans, you only receive what students actually pay, with no risk to your school.