A STUDENT’S GUIDE TO CONNECTING WITH PURPOSE

Before engaging in conversation or putting pen to paper, pause for a moment and consider the other person.

Friends and fellow students will respond differently to a casual discussion than a recruiter or an alumnus. Adjusting what you say and how you say it helps people understand you better and makes them more likely to engage.

If you’re reaching out to alumni, mentioning a shared module or project can make your message relevant. For an employer, talk about something you actually did or learned. It makes the conversation feel real and more relatable.

Don’t overthink it. Lead with what matters, then give one clear example. A small story about a project, volunteering or part-time job is far more effective than listing out tasks and duties.

And make sure to skip the jargon unless it specifically suits the audience. Straightforward language almost always lands better than fancy phrasing.

Not every message works everywhere, so pick the place and time that suits best. 

• In person or on video calls, you get immediate feedback and can explain more naturally.
• Email works well for formal requests or follow-ups.
• LinkedIn is useful if you want to highlight shared interests or projects and start a professional conversation.

Purposeful communication isn’t just about what you say. How you listen and engage with others goes a long way. So pay attention, ask questions and respond thoughtfully.

Even a short follow-up works great when trying to make meaningful connections:

“I enjoyed our chat about x. I’d love to keep in touch.”

It shows you were listening and actually care about what they said, which goes a long way to making a strong, lasting impression.

When talking about your experiences, focus on what you actually did and what you learned. Projects, volunteering, placements or part-time work all give examples of real skills.

You don’t need to list everything. Explain the situation and your role, as well as the desired outcome. That’s enough to show you can handle responsibility and have learnt from your prior experiences.

Every interaction and conversation is a chance to learn and develop. Did your message get the response you hoped for? Did your explanation make sense? Think about what worked and what didn’t.

Over time, you’ll get better at connecting with different people and adjusting your approach.

• Think about who you are talking to and why.
• Be clear and keep it simple.
• Choose the right place to communicate.
• Listen and respond rather than just speak.
• Show what you did and what you learned.

Connecting with purpose is about quality, not quantity.

It’s about being thoughtful, paying attention and making the effort – and it’s not about being perfect all the time. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to start conversations and ask questions – because who knows where they’ll take you?