Key points
- Start with what you know: Your professors and peers
- Attend academic conferences or industry festivals
- Connect with recent graduates and alumni
- Join professional organisations, online groups or clubs and societies
- Get social—digitally and IRL
- Be genuine and stay curious
When you think of ‘networking,’ you might picture corporate suits swapping business cards at formal events. For humanities students—in fields like literature, history or the arts—it might feel like you don’t quite fit in that world. But here’s the truth: networking is just as important for humanities majors, and it doesn’t have to feel out of place or overwhelming.
Let’s dive into how you can build meaningful connections within academic and professional circles to boost your opportunities and future career options!
Why networking matters in the humanities
Networking isn’t just about job hunting. It’s about fostering relationships that can inspire new ideas, open doors to unique opportunities and help you discover what’s possible in your field. Whether you’re dreaming of publishing/selling your creative work, working in museums or joining a non-profit, building a network of like-minded individuals and mentors can make a difference.
Start with what you know: Your professors and peers
Your first and most accessible network is right in front of you—your professors and peers. Professors aren’t just there to teach and grade assignments; they have extensive professional networks. Attend tutorials, ask questions about their research and have a chat with them about your career interests. A simple, “I’m really interested in joining a writing group. Do you know of any organisations or professionals I could reach out to?” can lead to golden connections.
Don’t overlook your classmates, either. Today’s group project partners might be tomorrow’s collaborators, colleagues or even connections to job opportunities.
Attend academic conferences or industry festivals
Attending an academic conference or industry festival can be intimidating at first, but they’re an incredible place to meet people in your field. Start small by attending local conferences and festivals hosted by Curtin or a local society.
When you’re there, don’t stick to your comfort zone. Join discussions, ask questions after panels and don’t shy away from dedicate networking events. If approaching someone feels awkward, start with, “I really enjoyed your talk on [topic]. How did you get started with this research?”
Connect with recent graduates and alumni
Curtin’s alumni network is a treasure trove of connections. Alumni from the humanities often work in diverse roles—publishing, teaching, public policy, film and more. Keep an eye out for, and attend, any alumni panels or networking events that Curtin hosts related to your major or field.
Even sending a LinkedIn message to a Curtin graduate can be effective, along the lines of: “Hi, I see you also studied anthropology at Curtin. I’d love to hear how you transitioned to working in museums. Any advice for a current student?”
Join professional organisations, online groups or clubs and societies
Professional organisations aren’t just for scientists and engineers—they’re crucial in the humanities too. Scour the internet and your professional network to get to know some of the organisations available locally in your industry. You might even find that some organisations offer student memberships at reduced rates. Membership can give you access to job boards, mentoring programs and exclusive events.
Joining Facebook Groups are also a great way to discover networks of professionals in your city to connect with other professionals and get access to industry opportunities, advice or events.
Get social—digitally and IRL
Social media can be a surprisingly useful tool for networking in the humanities. Platforms like X or LinkedIn host vibrant communities of scholars, writers and professionals. Follow hashtags and thought leaders in your field, participate in conversations and share your own insights.
Locally, attend festivals or conferences, book clubs or museum/gallery events where you can meet people with similar interests. Networking doesn’t have to be formal—sometimes a shared passion is all it takes.
Be genuine and stay curious
The key to effective networking is authenticity. You don’t need to act like a salesperson. Be curious, be yourself and focus on building real relationships. Ask thoughtful questions, listen actively and follow up with a friendly email or message after meeting someone.
Remember, networking is a skill you’ll develop over time. With every new connection, you’re taking a step closer to building a community that supports and inspires you.
So, take a deep breath, start small, and see where these conversations take you. The humanities thrive on connection—and so can you.
