Professional networking is one of the most valuable career development skills, yet many students and early-career professionals find it uncomfortable, transactional, or difficult to navigate. This course provides a practical, research-informed approach to professional networking that focuses on building relationships authentically rather than collecting contacts.

Networking Strategies: From Introductions to Relationships
Ends soon! Keep adding new skills with 10,000+ programs for $239 (usually $399). Save now.

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Explain what professional networking is and map your existing relationship assets, including connections you haven't yet activated
Identify the events and contexts, from career fairs to alumni gatherings, where early-career networking is most accessible
Apply the components of a LinkedIn outreach message that gets a reply, and use them to build professional connections on LinkedIn
Interpret follow-up as a relationship-building skill, and apply it consistently without feeling intrusive
Details to know

Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
June 2026
Assessments
6 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

There are 6 modules in this course
Instructors


Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."




