Mid-Summer Moves: Still Job Hunting? Try These 3 Fresh Networking Moves This Summer

If your job search is still dragging into summer, it’s easy to feel stuck or discouraged—but this season can actually work in your favor. With a bit of creativity, summer offers a more relaxed, social backdrop for making meaningful connections. Instead of just firing off more online applications, shift your focus to networking in new, intentional ways that might just open the door to the right opportunity.

First, try attending smaller local events—think community business mixers, alumni meetups, or even niche interest groups that align with your field. These tend to be less formal than job fairs and allow for real conversation. Bring a curious mindset, ask others how they got into their field, and share your story without diving straight into “I’m looking for a job.” These low-pressure conversations often lead to unexpected leads and introductions.

Recent grads can find local networking events in more places than you'd think—especially during the summer when communities and organizations are more active. Here are some of the best places to start your search:

1. Alumni Associations

•  University alumni networks often host events specifically for recent graduates or young professionals.
•  Check your school’s alumni website, LinkedIn groups, or contact the alumni office directly.
•  Look for “young alumni” mixers, regional chapters, or career panels.

2. Event Platforms

•  Eventbrite and Meetup are goldmines for local professional events, industry talks, workshops, and networking happy hours.
•  Filter by your city and interests—try terms like “marketing networking,” “young professionals,” or “career development.”

3. LinkedIn Events

•  LinkedIn’s event feature lets you explore free or low-cost virtual and in-person events tailored to your industry.
•  Follow local companies, influencers, and community organizations to get notified when they host something nearby.

4. Public Libraries & Community Centers

•  Many local libraries host free career and networking workshops, especially for job seekers.
•  Town or neighborhood community centers often have bulletin boards (physical or digital) with event listings.

5. Industry Associations & Local Chambers of Commerce

•  Groups like AMA (marketing), SHRM (HR), AIGA (design), or the local Chamber of Commerce frequently organize networking mixers or speaker events.
•  Many offer discounted or free access for students and recent grads.

Start by picking one or two events a month to attend—consistency is key. Bring business cards (or a digital LinkedIn QR code), follow up with people you meet, and treat every event as a chance to grow your network and confidence.

Second, experiment with creating content instead of just consuming it. Post on LinkedIn about something you’ve learned, a challenge you’ve overcome, or an insight from a class or internship.  Select a great article about the industry you want to work in and share the insights from ut and the article.  Tagging someone who inspired you or reflecting on an industry trend shows initiative—and puts you on the radar of recruiters or hiring managers. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of “informational interviews.” Reach out to people whose roles interest you and ask for 15 minutes to learn about their path. Most people are flattered and willing to help, especially in summer when schedules are lighter. These conversations often turn into job leads—or at the very least, new champions in your corner.