4 tips from a SAIT student for building your professional network

Sukhman Singh’s strong professional network has helped him find career opportunities and form meaningful connections

A year ago, SAIT Software Development student Sukhman Singh was just beginning the networking journey that would end up shaping his professional circle and career opportunities. He registered for a networking event held right here at SAIT to connect School for Advanced Digital Technology students with industry professionals.

Ian Macdonald, Business and Innovation Leader, KPMG Canada, was scheduled as a keynote speaker. Macdonald’s professional experience and expertise stood out to Sukhman who, as the event approached, sent a LinkedIn message to express his interest in connecting.

Hello Ian,

I came across your profile and was impressed by your dedication to helping emerging ventures thrive. As a student pursuing a Software Development Diploma at SAIT, I share your passion for innovation and growth, particularly in areas like data science, artificial intelligence, and business intelligence. I'd love to connect and learn more about your experiences at KPMG High Growth Ventures. Perhaps we could exchange insights and explore potential collaboration opportunities.

Additionally, I'm looking forward to meeting you and connecting further at SAIT's networking event. It would be a great opportunity to exchange ideas and explore ways we can collaborate.

Best regards,
Sukhman Singh

They did meet up — and the rest, as they say, is history.

In a full-circle moment, Macdonald used Sukhman’s LinkedIn message as an example of networking done right — personalized outreach that led to an authentic connection.

It was a high compliment and evidence of Sukhman’s hard work over the last year of intentional networking.

“When I started out, I just wanted to improve, scale up my skills and look for more opportunities in Calgary’s business scene.”

Sukhman began attending events across Calgary, even those outside of the tech world. He also started volunteering for different organizations and causes.

“Volunteering is a great way to learn about work culture, build networks and show my work. I’m earning credentials in the form of connections and genuine relationships.”

It wasn’t long before those connections began shaping his day-to-day life — and even helped him secure employment. More on that later. 

Sukhman wants to pay it forward.

“Something on my bucket list is to get someone a job through my network. I want to be able to give someone else the same kind of opportunity I've been given.”

Start your networking journey (tips from Sukhman Singh)

Find an event to attend

So, you want to build a personal and professional network — but where do you start?

Meet Up, Eventbrite and Showpass are Sukhman’s go-to event-finding websites. If you’re interested in industry-related events, volunteer opportunities or even just forming connections based on personal interest, these sites have it all.

“These are where you see communities and all the major organized events. Tickets are (almost) always on these three platforms.”

In Sukhman’s case, he looked for opportunities both in and out of his IT specialization. In addition to supporting industry events, he also volunteered with food security and education initiatives.

Say “hi”

Approaching unfamiliar professionals might feel a little uncomfortable at first. But networking, like most things, gets easier with practice.

Sukhman remembers hyping himself up in his early networking days. “I’d tell myself, ‘There’s an event coming up. Let’s go. It’s free. You’ll get free breakfast.’

But, with practice, he’s learned how to navigate introductions confidently.

He suggests scanning nametags and lanyards as available to see where people work. If the company or their job title interests you, walk over and introduce yourself. Just say hi. No need to reinvent the wheel!

“More often than not, people are total strangers, and I don’t know their company. That’s when I say, ‘My name is Sukhman. I work at SAIT and am a student there. What do you do?’”

This is even easier if you can find connections to them. Do you know anyone who might have worked with their organization? Have you heard about a project their company is working on? It’s a great way to connect and get the conversation started, he says.

Bring your compassion and curiosity

A big part of Sukhman’s networking philosophy is to approach learning about folks with sincere curiosity. Though most people network to build their potential career connections, that doesn’t mean you can’t make genuine connections.

“People can usually sense when you’re being disingenuous in some way,” he explains.

“Look for ways to find the human side of other people’s experiences. It’ll build a more meaningful, sustainable relationship.”

Stay in touch

Going back to where this story began, it’s staying in touch in meaningful, genuine ways that will help strengthen your network.

Send a personal note to people you have enjoyed meeting or are interested in speaking to again. Remind them of where you met and, if you can, share something that stood out to you about your conversation.

By being genuine and intentional as you build your network, you’ll create connections that may lead to new opportunities in the future.

After months spent trying to secure work alongside his studies, Sukhman heard from Shannon Erwin, International Student Coordinator, who knew him as a volunteer at SAIT’s International Centre. She reached out about an office assistant position opening on the team to see if he would be interested.

Similarly, Sukhman’s mentor, Akshay Gulati, founder of Tech Connect Alberta — a community of tech professionals and enthusiasts who share knowledge and job opportunities — heard Sukhman was interested in a software developer internship. He made a call to one of his own connections at Moovez and helped connect Sukhman with their founder for a chat.

Now, Sukhman works in both roles part time alongside his studies at SAIT.

What are you waiting for? Start checking out event listings and putting Sukhman’s expertise to the test!

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