Networking for UofA CS Students: A Non-Cringe Guide¶

Networking gets a bad rap because most people do it wrong. They think it means showing up to events with a stack of business cards and trying to extract value from strangers. That's not networking — that's being a leech.

Real networking is building genuine relationships with people who share your interests and goals. Done right, it's not uncomfortable or manipulative. It's just meeting cool people who happen to work in tech.

The Real Goal¶

You're not trying to get jobs through networking. You're trying to: - Learn what different roles and companies are actually like - Get honest advice from people who've been where you want to go - Build relationships that might lead to opportunities down the line - Stay informed about what's happening in the industry

If you approach networking with genuine curiosity rather than desperation, everything gets easier.

LinkedIn Strategy (Actually Useful)¶

Profile Optimization¶

Headline: Not just "CS Student at UofA". Try "CS Student | Interested in Backend Systems" or "Aspiring Software Engineer | AI/ML Focus"
About section: 2-3 sentences about what you're studying and what interests you. Skip the generic motivation quotes.
Experience: Include projects, internships, part-time work. Even non-tech jobs show work ethic.
Skills: Add relevant programming languages and technologies. Don't claim expertise you don't have.

Connection Strategy¶

Connect with classmates, TAs, professors, guest speakers
When connecting with strangers, include a short note: "Hi [Name], I'm a CS student at UofA interested in [specific area]. I'd love to connect and learn more about your work at [Company]."
Alumni are gold. Search for UofA CS grads at companies you're interested in.

Content Strategy¶

Share interesting projects or things you're learning
Comment thoughtfully on posts (not just "Great post!")
Write occasional updates about milestones or interesting coursework
Don't oversell yourself, but don't undersell either

Local Tech Events in Edmonton¶

Regular Meetups¶

DemoCamp Edmonton: Monthly showcase of local startups and tech projects. Great for seeing what's happening locally.
Edmonton.js: JavaScript meetup. Active community, beginner-friendly.
Python Edmonton: Python user group. Regular talks and networking.
Edmonton Machine Learning Meetup: If you're into AI/ML.
Alberta Women in Tech: Welcoming community, not just for women.

Where to Find Events¶

Meetup.com: Most tech meetups are organized here
Eventbrite: Conferences and larger events
StartupEdmonton: Local startup ecosystem events
TEC Edmonton: Technology incubator events

Conference Opportunities¶

DemoCamp: Free monthly event
Startup Edmonton events: Often free or cheap for students
University guest lectures: Pay attention to CS department speakers
Industry conferences: More expensive but worth it for serious networking

Cold Outreach That Actually Works¶

The Email Template¶

Subject: UofA CS student interested in [specific thing about their work]

Hi [Name],

I'm a CS student at University of Alberta working on [specific project or studying specific area]. I came across your work on [specific thing - a project, article, or company initiative] and found [specific detail you found interesting].

I'm curious about [specific question about their work or career path]. Would you be open to a brief 15-minute call or coffee? I'm happy to work around your schedule.

Thanks for your time,
[Your name]
[Your LinkedIn profile]

Key Points¶

Be specific about why you're reaching out
Show you've done research
Ask for a small time commitment
Make it easy to say yes

Who to Reach Out To¶

UofA CS alumni (check LinkedIn)
Speakers at CS department events
Engineers at companies you're interested in
People whose projects or articles you genuinely found interesting

Networking at Events¶

Before the Event¶

Research who's speaking or attending
Prepare 2-3 questions about the topic or industry
Set a goal: "I want to have one good conversation with someone working in [area]"

During the Event¶

Arrive early or stay late — easier to talk to speakers
Ask genuine questions during Q&A
Introduce yourself to other students
Don't monopolize anyone's time
Focus on listening more than talking

After the Event¶

Follow up within 48 hours
Reference something specific from your conversation
Connect on LinkedIn with a personalized message

University-Specific Opportunities¶

Guest Speakers¶

CS department regularly brings in industry speakers
Ask thoughtful questions during talks
Approach speakers afterward
Follow up with LinkedIn connections

Career Fairs¶

Research companies beforehand
Prepare specific questions beyond "what do you do?"
Bring copies of your resume, but focus on conversation
Follow up with recruiters you spoke with

Professor Connections¶

Professors often have industry connections
Participate actively in class
Visit office hours for career advice, not just homework help
Many profs are happy to make introductions

Alumni Network¶

Use LinkedIn to find UofA CS alumni
Check the alumni directory if you have access
Many graduates are happy to help current students

Building Your Network While in School¶

Study Groups and Project Teams¶

Your classmates are your first network
Some will become lifelong professional connections
Collaborate genuinely, not just to network

Open Source Contributions¶

Contribute to projects used by companies you're interested in
Engage thoughtfully in GitHub discussions
Network effect: your code and comments are seen by maintainers and other contributors

Online Communities¶

Reddit: r/cscareerquestions, r/ExperiencedDevs
Discord servers for languages/frameworks you use
Hacker News discussions
Twitter/X for following industry leaders

Networking Anti-Patterns (Don't Do These)¶

The Transaction Approach¶

Don't only reach out when you need something
Don't ask for jobs in your first message
Don't immediately pitch yourself

The Spray and Pray¶

Don't send identical messages to 50 people
Don't connect without personalized messages
Don't add people just to hit connection numbers

The Over-Eager Student¶

Don't ask for "coffee to pick your brain" (everyone hates this phrase)
Don't expect busy people to mentor you immediately
Don't take non-responses personally

Maintaining Your Network¶

Stay in Touch¶

Share relevant articles or opportunities
Congratulate people on job changes or promotions
Send periodic updates on your own progress

Be Helpful¶

Share opportunities that might benefit your connections
Make introductions when appropriate
Offer your skills for small projects

Play the Long Game¶

Some connections won't pay off for years
Focus on building genuine relationships
Your classmates today might hire you in 5 years

Edmonton-Specific Tips¶

Local Advantages¶

Smaller tech community means it's easier to get noticed
People are generally friendly and approachable
Less competition for attention at events

Key People and Organizations¶

TEC Edmonton: Technology incubator, great networking hub
Startup Edmonton: Central to the startup ecosystem
Alberta Innovates: Provincial innovation agency
Amii (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute): AI/ML networking

University Connections¶

UofA has strong ties to local tech companies
Many local executives are UofA alumni
Professors often consult for local companies

Measuring Success¶

Good networking isn't measured by: - Number of LinkedIn connections - Business cards collected - Jobs offered immediately

It's measured by: - Quality conversations about the industry - Learning about different career paths - Building relationships that provide mutual value - Developing a reputation as someone worth knowing

The Bottom Line¶

Networking isn't about using people. It's about building a community of professionals who know and support each other. If you focus on being genuinely interested in others and helpful when you can be, the career benefits will follow naturally.

Start small. Connect with one person this week. Ask them about their work. Listen to their advice. Thank them for their time. Repeat.

That's networking.