Beyond the Buzzwords: How Real Conversations Became My Career Catalyst.

 Forget elevator pitches and LinkedIn templates—this semester, I discovered that networking is less about being perfect, and more about being present.

 

At the beginning of the semester, I walked into the Marketing Seminar Series with modest expectations—show up, take notes, maybe ask a question or two if I was feeling brave. I thought I’d hear some industry buzzwords and check a box on my course list. What I didn’t expect was to walk away with career clarity, real industry contacts, and a new sense of confidence in the power of networking.

 

One speaker who completely shifted my perspective was a digital campaign director working with national brands. Her journey started in small cafés and evolved into high-impact brand work. She spoke openly about burnout, imposter syndrome, and the importance of authenticity in marketing careers. I was moved by her honesty and how relatable her story was. I reached out to her on LinkedIn—and to my surprise, she responded. Not only did she thank me for my message, but she offered a few insights on personal branding and how to pitch yourself effectively. That one moment sparked a whole new mindset shift for me:

 

People are willing to help if you’re willing to start the conversation.

 

 

 

 

 

From “Nice to Meet You” to “Let’s Grab Coffee”

 

Determined to make the most of these learning opportunities, I made a commitment to attend as many events as possible: guest lectures, alumni panels, networking mixers—you name it. I stayed back after every seminar to connect with speakers, even just for a quick thank-you. I can confidently say those few extra minutes made all the difference.

 

I also volunteered at a marketing case competition where I handed out materials and helped coordinate logistics. While it may have seemed like a small role, it opened the door to big opportunities. I connected with one of the judges—a VP at a local agency—who is now a part of my LinkedIn network and has already introduced me to someone on their hiring team.

 

I joined LinkedIn groups like Young Marketers of Canada and MarketingTO, which turned out to be great spaces to exchange ideas, hear about job openings, and meet professionals I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. And I didn’t just “join” the groups—I contributed. I asked questions, shared thoughts, and got noticed.

 

The Job Search: Less Google, More People

 

While I definitely used sites like Indeed and TalentEgg, I quickly realized that job boards alone weren’t going to cut it. The best opportunities often came through conversations. On LinkedIn, I followed companies I admired and interacted with posts from people in roles I aspired to. That led to direct connections, some of whom even gave me the inside scoop on upcoming job openings before they were publicly listed.

 

Here’s a snapshot of what worked:

 

Platform/Resource.	Impact
LinkedIn Jobs	Found curated roles that matched my interests; more effective with referrals.
Indeed/TalentEgg.	Good starting points but lacked personal connections.
LinkedIn Groups.	Helped me stay updated, start discussions, and gain visibility.
Volunteering	Created unexpected access to industry leaders and recruiters.

 

My Co-op Journey (Spoiler: Networking Helped)

 

I’m currently in the final interview stage for a co-op position at a boutique marketing agency—and yes, networking played a key role. I initially discovered the opportunity during a seminar Q&A. I followed up with the speaker, and after a few thoughtful exchanges, she referred me internally.

 

Even in cases where I didn’t land a role, the feedback I received through networking was incredibly valuable. From refining my portfolio to improving how I present myself in interviews, every conversation was a step forward.

 

 

How I’m Keeping the Network Alive

 

Networking isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem of relationships—and it takes effort to keep it alive. I’ve been nurturing my connections by:

 

- Reacting and commenting on posts from people I admire.

- Sharing takeaways from events or projects I’ve worked on.

- Sending casual check-ins, like “Just saw this article and thought of you.”

 

A simple message goes a long way. I’ve learned that the goal is to stay relevant—not intrusive.

 

Best Practices I Picked Up Along the Way

 

If you’re someone who still finds networking intimidating, here are a few tips that made it easier for me:

✅ Start small. A simple compliment on someone’s talk can spark a great conversation. 

✅ Be specific Don’t just say “Let’s connect.” Mention what you found inspiring or ask a thoughtful question. 

✅ Follow up within 48 hours Keep the momentum going while the interaction is fresh. 

✅Add value. Share a relevant article, insight, or offer to help if you can. Networking is a two-way street. 

✅ Stay authentic. People connect with people, not perfect profiles.

 

Final Thoughts: From Classroom to Career Path

 

This semester was about more than gaining marketing knowledge—it was about discovering how to leverage relationships in meaningful ways. I didn’t just learn how to build a network—I learned how to nurture one.

 

Now, I see networking as a career-long journey, not a one-off task. It’s about finding mentors, collaborating with peers, and building genuine connections. Whether you’re just starting out or halfway there, don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—go out and start the conversation.

 

One handshake, message, or follow-up could change everything.

 

So if you're on the fence about putting yourself out there—do it. Be curious, be kind, and be consistent. The rest will follow.