Hi, I’m Caitlin – a recent graduate and Careers Support and Graduate Engagement Intern here at the Careers Service.

I’m also neurodivergent and, to be honest, the idea of ‘networking’ has always felt a bit confusing to me.

What actually is it? Who is your network? Is it something you do, or something you build? For many of us – especially neurodivergent students and graduates – the word can come with a lot of pressure.

It might bring to mind images of busy careers fairs, fast-paced conversations, or having to ‘perform’ confidence on demand. That version of networking doesn’t suit everyone, and it doesn’t have to.

Black and white illustration of three people sitting at a table. Two individuals are talking, with speech bubbles containing smiley faces, looking very happy. The person in the middle, who is also smiling, is wearing headphones and has a neurodivergent infinity badge on.

So, what is networking?

At its core, networking is about making connections that can help you explore ideas, gain insight, or open up opportunities. It doesn’t have to mean attending large events or delivering a perfect elevator pitch.

Networking can happen through more organic interactions, like reaching out to someone after a talk you found inspiring or having a meaningful conversation with a colleague about shared professional interests.

If you’ve ever had a conversation where you exchanged thoughts, advice or ideas with someone in your field, you’ve already been networking. It can be that simple.

Common challenges and different experiences

The way networking is often presented doesn’t work for everyone. It’s typically framed as something that happens in crowded environments, full of noise, movement, and unspoken social rules.

Knowing what to say or how to ‘sell yourself’ quickly on the spot can feel unnatural, particularly for those who thrive on more thoughtful, structured communication.

It’s also important to note that there’s no single neurodivergent experience. Some people may find large events challenging, others might appreciate the convenience of having everything in one place, and some may experience both feelings at once.

What feels accessible or energising can vary greatly from person to person, and networking doesn’t have to follow a one-size-fits-all approach.

Finding what works for you

The good news? All forms of connection are valid. Whether you’re having a casual chat over coffee, sending a message after a workshop, or building relationships gradually, it all counts.

The key is to focus on the aspects of networking that feel most natural to you.

Here are some tips:

Start with curiosity – engage with people whose work or ideas genuinely interest you. This makes networking feel more like a natural conversation rather than a transaction.

Prepare – if thinking on the spot feels tough, try planning a few questions or talking points in advance. It can make conversations feel more manageable and comfortable.

Let conversations grow organically – there’s no need to force interactions. Focus on building connections naturally over time and allow discussions to develop at their own pace, rather than feeling pressured to turn every chat into a formal opportunity.

Play to your strengths – you don’t need to be ‘switched on’ all the time. Skills like remembering details or taking time to think things through can help you build meaningful connections in a way that feels authentic to you.

Reach out in writing – tools like LinkedIn or email give you the space to craft thoughtful messages and start conversations at your own pace, without the pressure to reply immediately.

Recognise the value in your existing network – chances are, you already have a growing network, whether through classmates, colleagues, tutors, or part-time jobs. It’s important to acknowledge the value in the connections you’ve already made and give yourself credit for the network you’ve built.

Final thoughts

Networking doesn’t have to feel like a performance. It can be about building genuine, low-pressure connections over time in ways that suit you.

Whether you’re neurodivergent or simply looking to explore alternatives to the ‘traditional’ approach, there’s space to make networking your own.

And who knows – when you lead with curiosity and stay true to your style, you might find that the right people naturally follow.

If you’d like to share any thoughts on the above, talk things through, or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We also encourage you to explore our support for disabled and neurodivergent students and graduates, which offers tailored advice and guidance, as well as our networking resources – we’re here to help.