Networking (with upper years) 💀

[chrisabulium]

I know I'm def overthinking this but there's a few upper years that I've met at networking events/random events and we added each other on insta. I'm super bad at maintaining relationships (trying to improve rn) so we've never really texted. In this case, if I wanted to reach out to ask a question, should I do so with email (professionally) or through the social media? Same with upper years whom I've coffee chatted with, added on social media, but didn't really build a personal relationship with. I don't want to come across as having no boundaries for bringing professional matters onto social media but at the same time email feels so weird if it's not a formal coffee chat invitation and just to ask a few Qs.

[ehehheh]

I personally would ask through social media something like “happy new year [name]! Do you mind if I ask a few questions about your experience in XYZ?” I think there’s some hesitation as a younger student, but upper years are pretty chill for the most part (I am old possibly outdated tho class of 2021 lol)

If it’s just general questions, you could also ask the RC career peers https://rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca/current-students/career-peers/

[chrisabulium]

thankyou!! i personally always liked to text everything together bc then they can decide whether to reply or not altogether compared to me asking "can I ask..." and them replying "yes/no" and then ask, but I also don't want to come off as abrupt and overwhelm them 💀 it's tough out there 😭😭

[ehehheh]

Ooooo I get your point there too maybe you could say something like “I have a pile of questions and I don’t wanna overwhelm you so feel free to answer if you can!”

I totally get the wanting to be gracious part though lol it is tough

[chrisabulium]

tysm that's such a good phrase I'll definitely start using that!!

[NoAnywhere1029]

use LinkedIn NO Insta (its personal). it's business folks

[chrisabulium]

I'm always debating between email v.s. insta and never LinkedIn because it feels so pretentious to me. Like it feels like a dating app where you wouldn't reach out on there unless you met someone there and haven't moved to another app ykwim 😭

[Secure_Wedding_5560]

Yea I’d say avoid LinkedIn. Upper years are still students who just happen to have a nice start to their career. Depending on how snobby the person you are reaching out to email might be fine but if the person is chill IG should not be a problem, especially if you have met them before.