How to Network as a Student and Land a UK Graduate Job in 2026
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Full beginners guide, Networking 101: Master networking without cringing. This guide for students and beginners covers both LinkedIn outreach and in-person career events, even if you’re an introvert.
If you’re a student trying to land a graduate job, the struggles of effective networking are real, especially when traditional methods feel awkward and unhelpful. This video offers crucial career advice and job hunting tips, contrasting common approaches with how top candidates secure opportunities through referrals and insider knowledge. Learn how to navigate the current job market and enhance your job search for better results. 📈
⌚️Timestamps:
00:00 Why your networking isn’t working (UK graduate jobs edition)
00:36 Step 1: What networking actually is (The mindset shift)
03:24 Step 2: Who to network with & where to find them
06:57 Free networking message templates + Decision flow
07:13 Step 3: Making the right first impression (Events + LinkedIn)
09:42 Step 4: How to build real connections (Without being cringe)
10:31 Step 5: Coffee Chat Strategy: Turning 1 contact into many
12:29 Beyond networking: Backing it up with your CV
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Hey, I’m Mary! I came to the UK in 2008 as an international student, studied Economics at Manchester, earned my MBA from Oxford, and spent 10+ years working at PwC and McKinsey in London. Along the way, I started mentoring students and early career professionals on CVs, interviews, and career decisions – something that gradually became the most rewarding part of my work. I know what it’s like to chase success, trying to meet family expectations while figuring things out alone. These days, through UKey, I share what I’ve learned to help university students navigate the same path with a little more clarity and confidence. ✨
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