This course equips graduate students, postdocs, and advanced degree holders with the skills to build and leverage professional networks for academic and career advancement. Through practical strategies and hands-on activities, learners will develop the confidence to connect with industry leaders, peers, and potential mentors. By the end of the course, participants will have created a personalized networking action plan to support their short- and long-term academic and career goals.
Networking
Networking
This course is part of Accelerate: Professional Development with an Advanced Degree Specialization
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
6 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Understand the importance of networking in academic and career growth.
Learn strategies for building and maintaining a professional network tailored to your academic and career goals.
Create a personal networking plan that aligns with your academic and professional goals.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
June 2025
Assessments
7 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Accelerate: Professional Development with an Advanced Degree Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 3 modules in this course
This module introduces the key concepts of networking, highlighting its significance for academic and professional success. Learners will explore what networking actually means, understand its connection to the Individual Development Plan, and discover the benefits networking offers for career advancement and personal growth.
What's included
2 videos3 readings2 assignments
This module equips learners with practical strategies to enhance their networking efforts, regardless of their personality type or experience level. The content covers two key skills important for networking: crafting elevator pitch, and conducting informational interviews.
What's included
2 videos2 readings3 assignments3 plugins
This module offers networking strategies for introverts, focusing on leveraging their strengths and navigating social interactions effectively. Learners will explore methods to build meaningful connections while managing energy and stress.
What's included
1 video2 readings2 assignments
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Offered by
Explore more from Personal Development
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
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Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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