Hello again, it’s Alex, your virtual MBA buddy. When I started my online MBA, I had this nagging worry: How on earth am I going to network from behind a screen? I pictured myself missing out on campus coffee chats and happy-hour mingles. But guess what? I soon learned you can still build an amazing professional network without ever being in the same room. In fact, some of my most valuable MBA connections were forged through Wi-Fi and a webcam. The key is to be proactive and a little creative. Let’s dive into how you can make online MBA networking not just work for you, but truly thrive.
Be Visible and Engaged
In an online program, it’s easy to be a fly on the wall – to watch recorded lectures, do your assignments, and log off. But networking requires being seen and heard. Make it a point to engage actively in your classes and forums. Turn your camera on in live sessions (at least for a bit, even if you’re in sweatpants). Contribute thoughtfully to discussions instead of lurking quietly. I found that by asking questions during webinars and posting interesting articles related to class topics, classmates began to remember me. Being active shows you’re approachable and invested, which naturally draws people toward you.
Don’t be the student who only appears to submit assignments. If your program has a cohort group chat or discussion board, use it. Say hi, chime in on that debate about Tesla’s stock price, congratulate someone on the promotion they mentioned in their intro. These small interactions make you visible. Professors and peers alike will start recognizing your name (in a good way), and that familiarity is the first step to connection.
Make the First Move (Reach Out!)
In an online setting, you don’t have the luxury of bumping into a classmate at the library or hanging around after class for small talk. That means taking initiative is crucial. Don’t wait for others to come to you. One of the best things I did was message a few classmates directly after we’d had a great exchange in a forum. Something simple like, “Hey, I really liked your perspective on that case study – mind if we chat more about it sometime?” goes a long way. Nine times out of ten, people are delighted to connect one-on-one.
You can start with course-related stuff as an icebreaker (“I’m forming a study group for the upcoming exam, want to join?”), but don’t keep it strictly transactional. As you get comfortable, reach out to classmates just to get to know them. Compliment someone’s presentation in class and ask how they developed their ideas. If your program has team projects, use that opportunity to schedule a virtual coffee with teammates beyond just talking about the project. Yes, it might feel a bit awkward to arrange a Zoom chat just to network, but trust me, many others are hoping someone will break the ice. Be that person!
Create Your Own Communities
In a campus MBA, you might join clubs or study groups. Online, you can still replicate this — it just takes a bit more organizing. Small group connections can often be deeper and more enduring than large class interactions. If your school doesn’t already facilitate study groups, take the lead and form one. During my first term, I noticed a few of us were interested in fintech, so I floated the idea of a fintech discussion group. We ended up with a little squad that met on Zoom every couple of weeks to discuss industry trends and swap article recommendations. I learned a ton, and those folks became some of my closest contacts from the MBA.
You can also create informal hangouts: start a WhatsApp or Slack channel for your cohort where people can share memes about exam stress or celebrate finishing a tough week. We even set up a casual “water-cooler” chat where folks would talk about anything from weekend plans to Netflix shows. By cultivating these smaller communities, you’re effectively building a support network. Within those groups, networking happens naturally – you get to know people’s personalities, goals, and talents on a personal level, and those relationships often last well beyond the course.
Leverage Your Platform (and Beyond)
Your online MBA platform isn’t just for coursework; it’s your networking playground. Take advantage of any and all networking features your program offers. Many online programs host virtual networking events, career fairs, or Q&A sessions with alumni and industry leaders. Attend them! It might be tempting to skip an optional evening webinar after a long day of work, but showing up can pay off. I once joined a virtual networking night hosted by our school and came away with two new contacts in my city and an invitation to visit a classmate’s company.
Also, go beyond the school’s tools. Use LinkedIn strategically. Add your classmates on LinkedIn early on, and personalize the connection note (“Great working with you on that marketing project – let’s keep in touch!”). Join LinkedIn groups related to your program or industry. If your school has an alumni directory or networking database, use it: reach out to alumni in fields you’re interested in, mention that you’re a fellow student or recent grad and would love their insights. Being an online student shows initiative, and many alumni remember how juggling work and study felt — they often go out of their way to help.
Don’t forget professors and guest speakers. In an on-campus setting, you might chat after class; online, maybe you send a thank-you email or connect on LinkedIn with a note about what you enjoyed in their class. Faculty can be part of your network too; they often have industry connections and can introduce you or endorse you if you’ve built a good rapport.
Give More Than You Take
This is networking 101, but it’s especially true online: lead with generosity. In a virtual environment, it’s easy for interactions to feel transactional if you’re not careful (“I need a job lead, can you help?”). Flip the script by offering help or value first. Did you come across a great article relevant to last week’s discussion? Share it with a note: “Thought you might find this interesting.” If a classmate mentions struggling with a topic you’re good at, offer to explain or share your notes.
When I was job hunting during my MBA, I resisted immediately asking for job leads. Instead, I started conversations about my classmates’ industries and even shared any helpful resources or connections I had. Think of it as a goodwill boomerang — what you give often comes back around. Funny enough, because I approached it that way, people did end up helping me with referrals and advice.
Also, be an active listener. Even through a screen, you can make others feel heard and appreciated – which is a huge part of being memorable. When someone landed a new job or had a baby or achieved something cool, our cohort celebrated it in our group chat. Showing you genuinely care about your peers builds trust and real friendship.
Final Thoughts: Your Network Is Your Net Worth (Even Online)
Building relationships in an online MBA might not involve handshakes or campus mixers, but it can be just as rich and rewarding. In some ways, being online can make your network even more diverse (hello, international friends!) and resilient. The effort you put into networking — showing up, reaching out, helping others, and following up — will pay off in a web of contacts who have your back and vice versa.
Remember, an MBA is not just about the diploma or the knowledge gained, but also about the people you meet along the way. Don’t let the digital format stop you from forging those connections. In the end, whether you met at a campus coffee machine or a Zoom breakout room, a strong network will be a cornerstone of making your MBA investment pay off. And trust me, when you land your next big opportunity, you might trace it back to a random message you sent a classmate one evening. That’s the power of networking.
(Coming up next: we’ll look at life after the MBA – how to keep that momentum and make the most of your degree once you’ve graduated. Because the journey isn’t over when you get the diploma in hand!)