Networking

Here you’ll find guidelines for building your professional network and connecting with mentors. For industry-specific advice, be sure to check out the Career Communities.

Registration is Open for the Second-Year Spotlight Conference 2026

Calling all second-year students—this opportunity is designed just for you! Join us the evening of Friday, November 6 and all-day Saturday, November 7.

The Second-Year Spotlight brings together our best resources—our alumni paired with networking opportunities and tools to elevate …

By Dani Perkins
Dani Perkins Senior Director, Exploratory Career Community
Read more

Sweet & Short: Grinnellians Weigh in on Professional Branding

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Students were invited to participate in a 30-second professional development game outside the dining hall at lunchtime. In this highly scientific poll, a total of 77 students weighed in on matters of professional branding and summer …

By Robin Bourjaily
Robin Bourjaily Assistant Director, Exploratory Career Community
Read more

Professional & Personal Thank You Notes

At a recent leadership conference, CLS Senior Director Dani Perkins heard from multiple employers that while cover letters are often ignored in the hiring process, post-interview thank you notes may be added in the plus column to a candidate’s hiring …

By Robin Bourjaily
Robin Bourjaily Assistant Director, Exploratory Career Community
Read more

Resources

The 2026 Second-Year Spotlight Conference will take place the evening of Friday, November 6 and all day Saturday, November 7.

…

Eager to start building connections with Grinnell alumni?  Learn more about Student-Alum Virtual Meetups and MentorGrinnell as two ways to …

One conversation can change a student’s perspective.

Grinnell students are eager to learn from alumni about careers, industries, and life …

Alumni Connections

  • St. Paul, Minnesota
  • Online Educator/Transition and Decluttering Coach Self-Employed
Meet Susan
Meet Jameson
  • Warrenton, Virginia
  • Director, Cyber Incident Response Teams Accenture Federal Services
Meet Graham
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Psychiatrist & Internal Medicine Doctor The People Concern
Meet Ian
  • IA, Iowa City
  • Dental Student University of Iowa
Meet Jake
  • Tulsa, OK
  • Laura: Elementary Teacher, Tulsa Schools Scott: Retired Vice President, ONE Gas
Meet Laura and Scott
Meet Benn

Build Skills

LinkedIn Learning courses are available to all current students.  For Alumni Access please visit LinkedIn Learning to start an account.

Professional Networking

Taught by Dorie Clark
View Dorie’s LinkedIn Newsletter You don’t have to be an extrovert to be good at networking, and you don’t have…

Informational Interviewing

Taught by Barbara Bruno
If you are looking for a job, considering a new career, or trying to advance in your current career, you…

Social Success at Work

Taught by Todd Dewett
When it comes to success, social skills are just as vital as intelligence, hard work, and expertise. Long-term success requires…

Managing Your Professional Network

Taught by Elise Gelwicks
A strong network can help you land your next job, grow your career, and generate sales leads. That’s why networking…

Find a Job in the Hidden Job Market

Taught by Sarah Johnston
80% of jobs are not posted on job boards or company websites. These positions are filled in the hidden job…

The Ultimate Guide to Professional Networking

Taught by Dana Robinson
The business world is constantly evolving. If you’re following networking advice from the past, then you’re missing huge opportunities for…

Professional Networking for Career Starters

Taught by Jayla Hill
Connect to opportunity. Learn how to build and engage a network when you’re just starting out in your career. Jayla…

Professional Networking and Influence

Taught by Alan Hall
Are you looking to build your personal network, exercise influence without authority, manage upwards, and communicate the value of collaborating…

Super Connecting: The Secret of Professional Networking

Taught by Madecraft
Most networking advice you hear hasn’t been updated for our modern, social, interconnected world. In this course, networking expert JaMarr…

The Lost Art of Connecting: On Relationships (Book Bite)

Taught by Next Big Idea Club
If you’re craving more social interaction, you can rest assured you’re not alone. It’s time to quit networking and refocus…

Building Your Career

Taught by Pete Mockaitis | How to Be Awesome at Your Job
As they reflect on their careers, what do the most successful, high-impact people have in common? It’s not heaps of…

Nano Tips for Defining Your Personal Brand with Diana YK Chan

Taught by Diana YK Chan
Welcome to our Nano Tips series, where LinkedIn Learning creators deliver impactful lessons in literally seconds. In this installment, gather…

How to Advocate for Yourself in Your Job Search and Career

Taught by LinkedIn News
Advocating for yourself in the workplace can be scary. Many people struggle with talking about and defending themselves. They might…

Pep Talk Before You Attend a Networking Event

Taught by Dana Robinson
For most people, networking doesn’t come naturally, but that doesn’t mean you need to stress about it. As you keep…

Firsthand Vault Guides

Contact Us

Phone
(641) 269-4940
Address

John Chrystal Center
1103 Park Street
Grinnell, IA 50112

Hours

Monday 8:00am–5:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am–5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am–5:00pm
Thursday 8:00am–5:00pm
Friday 8:00am–5:00pm
News  |  Events  |   Experiences  |   Jobs  |   Resources  |   Videos