How to stay in touch after undergrad?

Feel like I’ve cultivated a meaningful network during undergrad as I went through recruiting.

How has everyone stayed in touch with their network? Currently trying to figure out a rhythm on how often to check in or schedule catch-up meetings and am curious to hear how others have dealt with this.

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some effective strategies to stay in touch with your network after undergrad:

  1. Frequency of Follow-Ups:

    • Aim to follow up every 3-4 months. This timeframe strikes a balance between staying relevant and not being overly persistent.
    • For individuals who showed significant interest in you, consider reaching out every 2-3 months.
  2. Content of Updates:

    • Share meaningful updates about your professional development, such as:
      • Achievements (e.g., competitions, promotions, or new roles).
      • Events or milestones (e.g., attending a relevant conference or joining a professional organization).
    • Refer back to topics from your previous conversations to show attentiveness and continuity.
  3. Methods of Communication:

    • Use emails, phone calls, or even text messages (if appropriate) to maintain contact.
    • Schedule coffee chats or casual catch-up calls when possible, especially if you're in the same city.
  4. Add Value:

    • Share industry-relevant articles or insights that might interest them.
    • Congratulate them on recent achievements or transactions if you come across them in the news.
  5. Be Genuine and Professional:

    • Keep the tone professional but personable. Focus on career growth, industry trends, and mutual interests.
    • Avoid being transactional; aim to build a long-term relationship.
  6. Timing Around Recruiting:

    • If you're planning to leverage your network for future opportunities, schedule a catch-up call closer to application periods. Subtly ask for advice on navigating the process, which can open doors without being too direct.

Consistency and thoughtfulness are key to transitioning short-term connections into meaningful, long-term professional relationships. For more detailed tips, check out this WSO thread: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/networking-101-8-tips-…</a">Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student.

Sources: Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student, Some Thoughts on Networking, Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student, How do I effectively "follow up" or maintain my networking relationships?, The Best Networking, Cold Calling and Cold Emailing Posts on WSO

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I keep an excel sheet with everyone I’ve kept in touch with and have down the last time we chatted along with either a 90 or 180 day follow up. Also throw in notes because my memory kinda blows with these types of things. If I talk to a contact prior to my follow up period on the sheet I just update the date of our last chat and it’ll update the new followup date.

I’ve found this to be super helpful but I’m still kind of all over the place.

 

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