Introverts may actually have an advantage in networking — here's why:
Extroverts often socialize for fun — they gain energy from being around people.
Introverts tend to socialize with intention — while social settings can be draining, they thrive when there’s a clear purpose.
I’m a typical introvert. I’m shy, and crowds often make me nervous. When I first started going to networking events — whether at school socials, campus recruiting sessions, or NYC industry mixers — I often found myself standing awkwardly in the crowd, holding some random drink, not knowing what to do or who to approach. Even in small group conversations, I struggled to contribute meaningfully or keep the dialogue going.
Since I don’t enjoy networking for its own sake, I’m highly motivated to be efficient, achieve my goal, and move on. Over time, I’ve developed a few strategies that work for me:
- Be prepared: Before an event, I reach out to the organizer to ask about the attendee list and share my goal — whether it's job hunting, learning about a specific role, or asking for a referral. I’ll even ask who they recommend I speak with.
- Get to the point: I always prepare key questions in advance. A little small talk is fine, but I quickly shift to the real conversation — this helps me avoid wasting time with the wrong people. Ironically, I’ve found this to be a strength. Unlike extroverts, who sometimes get too caught up in casual conversation and feel awkward asking for help later, I go in with purpose.
- Take action to connect and follow up: I exchange LinkedIn info by scanning their QR code and include a short message so they remember me after the event. If someone agrees to a 1:1 chat, I always follow up with a meeting request. If there’s no response, I send a polite nudge a week later — people are busy, and follow-up often matters more than the first message.
Even though I still feel uneasy in large crowds, I’ve learned to blend in and connect effectively. You’d never guess I’m an introvert — but I still leave with meaningful connections.