You’ve probably been told, “It’s all about who you know.” That advice used to be enough. But in today’s job market, it’s incomplete.

The real advantage belongs to people who are known — not just connected. Because when hiring decisions happen, managers don’t scroll endlessly through applications. They ask, “Do we know anyone good?”

If the answer is yes, that person gets the interview. That’s the difference between waiting to be discovered and being top of mind.

250 Connections Isn’t a Network. It’s a Starting Point

Here’s a number that surprises a lot of students: most recent grads have fewer than 300 LinkedIn connections.

That’s not a network. That’s a contact list.

If you’re serious about landing interviews in a competitive market, you need to be thinking in the range of 500 to 1,000+ strategic connections — not random classmates, but people in your target industries, functions, and companies.

The students landing top jobs aren’t waiting until graduation. They’re building broad, thoughtful networks early. While you’re studying for an A, someone else is building a list of professionals they’ve messaged, followed up with, and stayed in touch with over time.

And when both of you apply for the same role, guess who already has someone on the inside?

Why a Wide Network Works

Hiring doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens through conversations.

The broader your network, the more likely you are to:

• Hear about roles before they’re posted
• Get referred internally (which increases your chance of hire by 4x)
• Be remembered when an opportunity pops up
• Get advice, mentorship, and context that makes your outreach more effective

A strong network doesn’t just help you land a job. It gives you insight into how the industry works — and how to compete for the roles that aren’t public.

How to Build a High-Value Network Without Feeling Pushy

You don’t need to be extroverted or experienced to build a professional network. You just need to be intentional.

Here’s how students build a powerful network from scratch:

1. Set a connection goal. Start with a minimum target: 500 connections within your first two years of college, or 1,000 by the time you’re applying full-time. Aim for consistent, quality growth.
2. Focus on your target industries. Want to work in product management? Follow professionals in that role across five industries. Interested in healthcare marketing? Connect with alumni, recruiters, and brand managers in that space.
3. Add context when you connect. A short note makes a difference. Mention that you’re a student exploring the industry, or that you appreciated something they posted. It shows effort and starts the relationship.
4. Follow up without asking for favors. Relationships grow over time. Comment on their posts, ask for advice occasionally, and stay active. When the time is right, they’ll already know who you are.
5. Connect horizontally, not just vertically. Don’t just aim for CEOs. Build relationships with early-career professionals and peers across campuses. These are the people who will be your professional network for the next decade.

The Risk of Staying Small

Every year, thousands of smart, hardworking students miss out on opportunities because they focused only on GPA and never thought about visibility.

They perfected their resume but didn’t build relationships. They hit “submit” 100 times but didn’t know anyone on the inside. They got ghosted by companies that ended up hiring someone with a referral.

This isn’t about working harder. It’s about working smarter.

Your effort deserves attention. And attention comes from being known by the right people.

PrepU Helps You Build a Network That Gets You Hired

At PrepU, we don’t just tell students to “get out there.” We give you the tools and strategies to actually build a high-value network.

We help you:

• Target the right companies and decision-makers
• Launch personalized outreach campaigns
• Stay visible through smart engagement
• Build relationships with people who can move your career forward

We don’t just polish your LinkedIn profile. We help you turn it into a relationship engine.

Start Now. Stay Visible. Get Known.

The students who win the job market are the ones who take networking seriously before they need it.

Don’t wait for senior year. Don’t wait for an internship. Don’t wait for someone to tell you it’s time.

Start growing your network now — because when it’s time to compete for that job, you want the hiring team to say, “Oh yeah, I know them.”