Originally presented to the Garje Marathi Global Youth Association | Written by Ameya Ambardekar
Earlier this year, I had the honor of speaking to a group of bright, ambitious students as part of the Garje Marathi Global Youth Association. My topic? A simple, powerful idea that changed the course of my own career: Networking.
It’s funny—when we talk about success in school or at work, we often focus on grades, degrees, technical skills, or job titles. Rarely do we shine a spotlight on the quiet superpower behind so many career breakthroughs: the ability to build and nurture relationships.
My Journey with Networking
When I landed in the U.S. for grad school, I was like most international students—focused on my studies, unsure of the culture, and completely unaware of how important “who you know” would become in shaping “what you do.”
Fast forward 15+ years, and every opportunity I’ve had—whether it was leading engineering teams, building out hiring programs, or mentoring others—has come back to relationships. Not just knowing people, but really connecting with them.
A Personal Story: How One Connection Changed Everything
Right after grad school, I joined a company called Gateway EDI. I was fortunate to work with a leadership team that took a real interest in helping people grow. One of the leaders there—the CTO—left a lasting impression on me, and we stayed in touch over the years.
Years later, when I was on the job market again and trying to figure out my next step, I reached out to that same CTO. He had since moved on, but remembered me. Without hesitation, he referred me to GoodRx. That one message—just a simple act of reconnecting—turned into an interview, then an offer… and I never looked back.
That’s the power of relationships built with sincerity and authenticity.
Why Networking Really Matters
When I asked students how they feel about networking, the answers ranged from “somewhat comfortable” to “not comfortable at all.” That’s completely normal. We’re not taught this in school.
But here’s the reality:
- Networking opens doors to internships, research, and jobs you may never find online.
- It connects you to mentors who can change your perspective.
- Over time, it becomes your personal board of advisors—people who have your back.
Think of it as planting seeds. Not every conversation will bloom into something big. But the ones that do can be life-changing.
The Three Types of Networking
- Academic Networking: Professors, research groups, conferences. This is your first community when you’re in school.
- Professional Networking: LinkedIn, alumni, career fairs, workplace peers. This becomes crucial as you step into the job market.
- Social Networking: Cultural clubs, volunteering, shared hobbies. Some of the best career connections start outside of work or school.
How to Start (Without Feeling Awkward)
If you’re unsure how to begin, start small:
- Craft your elevator pitch: Something simple like: “Hi, I’m [Your Name], a [Program] student interested in [Field].”
- Be genuine: People can tell when you’re being real.
- Follow up: A short thank-you message can go a long way.
- Use the tools: LinkedIn’s alumni search, Meetup groups, Handshake, even virtual webinars—they’re all low-pressure ways to start.
Templates That Work
I shared real message examples in my session—how to reach out to an alum, thank an industry expert, or connect with a professor. These aren’t scripts to copy-paste, but frameworks to help you get comfortable taking that first step.
Because that’s what matters most: just starting.
Final Thought: Your Network Is Your Net Worth
Networking is not transactional—it’s transformational. It’s not about what you can get, but what you can give, too.
Start by reaching out to one person this week. Maybe a professor whose work you admire. Maybe someone on LinkedIn whose career path resonates with you. Keep it simple. Be curious. And don’t overthink it.
Because the truth is, every meaningful connection in my life started with a single message, a casual conversation, or a moment of curiosity.
If you ever want to talk about networking, tech careers, or life as an immigrant professional in the U.S., my inbox is always open.
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