Congratulations on earning your degree! You may have a great apartment and a mound of valuable knowledge, but what’s next? If you are still looking for job opportunities, or just wanting to make new connections, it’s time to start networking. Easier said than done, though, right? To help you out, we have compiled a list of networking tips specifically for recent graduates. We hope this will help you get started on the road to success.

#1: Get on LinkedIn

If you are not on LinkedIn yet, you should be. It does not matter what kind of degree you have or what type of industry you hope to enter. Sign up now, upload a professional profile picture, complete your profile, and start connecting with people you know. You can also follow companies you are interested in working for and stay in the loop when new jobs open. See someone you would like to connect with? Send them a thoughtful connection request!

#2: Keep in Touch

As a recent graduate, you probably want to be well-liked and well-remembered. When you leave school, it’s important to keep in contact with the professors and other mentors you really value to start building your network. You never know which relationship could lead you to an opportunity, and vice versa. If there is someone you know that could connect you to another person or another company, just ask them.

#3: Buy Some Business Cards

Even if you are unemployed, you can and should have business cards. You can use a template from a site like Vistaprint and get it done online in minutes. Make sure your name, degree, and contact information are listed (including your LinkedIn profile).

#4: Send Some Emails

Whenever and wherever you receive someone’s business card for the first time, send them a follow-up email the next day. Fast Company has some great tips on writing that initial email. Don’t forget to continue to keep in contact with your new connections, as well, even after you land a job. Email is the most professional way to do so, especially if your connection has trusted you with their email address.

#5: Refine Your Personal Brand

First impressions are everything. They happen within seconds of meeting, whether you like it or not, and are very difficult to change. As a new grad, it’s time to define how you want the world to perceive you. The way you dress, speak, and behave are all indicators of your personal brand as well as employability. Start refining your brand now to make sure you are putting the best foot forward everywhere you go.

#6: Sanctify Your Social Media

According to Career Builder, 60% of employers look up job candidates on social media. As that percentage continues to increase, so should your awareness of what you post on social media. Look at your profiles and their privacy settings: Can anyone and everyone see your posts? Do you ever use discriminatory or foul language, or share inappropriate photos? Anything on social media that goes against the personal brand you are trying to portray can impact your ability to network, make connections, and land a job.

#7: Perfect Your Handshake

A weak handshake can make you look uninterested in the person you are meeting. An intense handshake can make you look crazy. So, practice your handshake on your friends and family to make sure you are greeting people the right way.

#8: Practice Your Talking Points

When people ask you who you are or what you do, you need to have some talking points prepared. Some call this your “elevator pitch.” How do you summarize your value? How do you describe your goals? Boil this down to a few bullet points and practice using them in conversation.

#9: Attend Some Events

Once you have done everything you can do behind-the-scenes, it’s time to step onto center stage. Sign up for job fairs, conferences, and networking events that fall within your line of interest. Make sure you look professional, take your business cards, and make copies of your resume. Go introduce yourself to new people, give them a great handshake, and start talking!

Do you have any other networking tips for recent graduates? Leave them in the comments!