Networking is a key part of professional development that helps individuals grow their careers. Some individuals seek out top MBA programs from highly regarded business schools for the chance to build the networks that can lead to new career opportunities. And, in our digital-first business environment, many professionals find themselves networking in an online environment, leveraging social media and online programs.
Building a robust network of colleagues enhances your access to opportunities, and online networking can expand that network far beyond your city or state. However, networking online isn’t always easy. Read on to learn tips and tricks for networking as an online MBA student.
How Online MBA Students Can Build a Strong Network
Networking in the Online Classroom
Many online MBA programs offer significant opportunities to connect, and programs are introducing more new tools every day. You may be able to participate in live class sessions with your faculty and peers, complete online discussion boards, have access to a messaging system and even participate in group projects. All of these opportunities are great for both learning and networking.
— Jamari Tansmore, Online MBA Graduate
Make sure you show genuine interest in your classmates as people and as professionals. Take advantage of discussion forums, virtual meetings and even start a group chat if you’re interested in fostering meaningful relationships.
Leveraging University Resources
Faculty
Make sure to reach out to your professors by attending their office hours. You can use this time to work through challenging curriculum topics, but you can also use this time to share more about your life and career goals. In an MBA program, faculty are not just researchers and educators, they typically have extensive industry experience as leaders and consultants as well. Their professional experience means they can offer you advice and opportunities.
Alumni Networks
While you’re still a student, you’ll likely have the ability to connect with alumni who have similar career paths as you. These supportive professionals can help you determine what courses you might need to take, what skills are necessary and how to ensure you can find the role you’re dreaming of.
Alumni networks are also incredibly valuable after graduation. After entering the alumni network, you can reach out to fellow alumni and attend events to meet new people.
Career Services
Most business schools also offer some form of career services. We recommend choosing a school with a very comprehensive career services program, especially one that offers career coaching, events, mentoring, interview practice and negotiation support.
One of the great benefits of an online MBA program is the ability to enhance your resumé from the comfort of your own home, so it’s also worth choosing a program with a strong reputation for positive career outcomes, good name recognition and genuinely helpful resources.
— Erin Revere, Assistant Director of the Freeman School of Business Career Management Center
Beyond the Virtual Classroom: Tools and Platforms for Networking
Virtual platforms, namely LinkedIn, allow professionals to connect with each other, express their thoughts and ideas, collaborate on projects and share career opportunities. In a virtual environment, you can also attend employer information sessions, professional development opportunities and more.
In an in-person setting, some of the best places to network include:
- Trade shows
- Conferences
- Meeting
- Celebrations
- Openings
- Networking events
We also recommend seeking out and joining professional organizations that align with your goals and offer built-in opportunities to network, such as the American Marketing Association for online MBA in marketing graduates or the Association for Financial Professionals for MBA in finance graduates.
3 Tips for Making Meaningful Connections Virtually
The key to building a supportive network is to build relationships, not to collect contacts. Here are some tips that are proven to help build more productive professional relationships:
1. Be Proactive, but Respect Boundaries
Introducing yourself over LinkedIn or at a conference may feel uncomfortable, but the worst thing that happens is that the person isn’t interested in connecting. Making personal connections often requires some effort reaching out in the first place, and maybe even reaching out 2-3 times before receiving a response.
However, it is important to first read the room, even if it’s only a virtual room. When others ask questions or show that they’re open to conversation, follow their lead and contribute to the discussion. When others shy away from conversation, respect their boundaries and look out for the next opportunity to connect.
2. Offer Value before Asking for Help
In business, what you have to offer is just as important as what you need. Instead of expecting help from total strangers, offer your support or services if you’d like to one day receive that support in kind.
Start by showing interest in the needs and challenges of others by commenting on their LinkedIn posts or messaging them. If someone is struggling in areas where you have strengths, consider offering your help in a casual, friendly way. Once you have offered value to others, they’re more likely to offer value back.
3. Follow up and Stay Engaged
Once you’ve made a connection, keep up with your engagements regardless of whether the connection seems important or impactful. By following up on your commitments and reaching out regularly, you demonstrate reliability and interest.
Even if you’ve lost your initial steam, try to reengage and put effort into maintaining a long-term professional relationship. Consistency is often a litmus test of a strong connection. Remember to treat others as you want to be treated: you wouldn’t want to do a favor for someone and then they disappear, so don’t behave like that with others.
What Are Some Long-Term Benefits of Online MBA Networking?
The long-term benefits of online MBA networking are often difficult to overstate, and many individuals find that networking:
- Offers professional opportunities and jobs that may not be available on public job boards.
- Expands their skills and knowledge by allowing them to learn from new people.
- Enhances their personal lives through enriching new friendships with goal-driven colleagues.
- Supports individuals facing challenges at work that they don’t know how to solve.
- Provides a motivation to stay active and involved in professional communities.
To one individual, the career opportunities that arise from a strong professional network might be the most pressing benefit. Many individuals with strong networks are able to advance to higher roles without going through the traditional application and interview process.
Others may be most appreciative of the opportunity to learn new technical and interpersonal skills from fellow professionals. This allows individuals to learn how to tackle challenges in a way they may have never thought of before.
What Networking and Career Services Does Tulane University Offer?
MBA students, including Online MBA students at the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University benefit from a wealth of networking and career services that can help them network effectively and jumpstart their career journey. Some of the Freeman Business School’s services, offered through the distinguished Career Management Center, include:
- Career education curriculum: Integrates career readiness, professional communication, strategy consulting and boardroom presentation skills into experiential learning opportunities.
- Industry Experts-in-Residence program: Offers students with personalized mentoring, career insights and industry strategies taught by seasoned industry professionals.
- 1:1 strategy coaching: Dedicated career strategy consultants provide students with personalized coaching customized to their needs and career path, which can include interview prep, networking support, resumé workshopping and more.
- Many other career resources and professional development opportunities.
— Erin Revere, Assistant Director of the Freeman School of Business Career Management Center
And, offered by the Tulane University Career Services team, students also have access to:
- The Tulane alumni and industry professional networks
- Career exploration guides
- Guidance on skill development, resumé writing, networking and interviewing
About the Online MBA at the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University
The Freeman School of Business at Tulane University offers an AACSB-accredited Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) and other MBA options based in Louisiana. The Online MBA program builds core competencies in accounting, data analytics, finance, marketing and operations, and also allows for in-depth exploration in your areas of interest. While a concentration is not required as part of the 46 required credits, you may pursue up to two of the following: Business Analytics, Finance or Marketing.
The program is designed to meet the needs of professionals from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Regardless of your desired concentration or industry, you’ll graduate with a comprehensive understanding of business and managerial concepts and the practical skills to make informed business decisions and lead in your organization.
In the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Freeman climbed 19 spots among the nation’s top MBA programs. This is one of the biggest year-over-year changes among ranked programs and reflects Freeman’s continued commitment to excellence and innovation in business education. The momentum continued with the school moving up an additional eight spots in 2025 to No. 54.
Download a program brochure or start your application for the Online Master of Business Administration.
Sources List
- Eighty-Percent of Professionals Consider Networking Important to Career Success — LinkedIn News
- Focused Jobseeking: A Measured Approach to Looking for Work — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Professional Networking: What It Is and How to Master It — Indeed
- How to Network Online Like a Pro: 15 Networking Tips for 2025 — Shopify
- Networking: What It Is and How to Do It Successfully — Investopedia
- How Do Online MBA Students Network? — Fortune Education
- Why Get an MBA? Build Your Professional Network — Princeton Review
Get the Online MBA Program Brochure
To download a program brochure and learn more about the Online Master of Business Administration offered by the A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 504-226-8311.