You already anticipate networking after graduation, but you can practice before then too. This will make it less intimidating when it comes time to reach out as a graduate, and it also sharpens those communication skills for any professional situation. Start with your university’s career office. Ask them to connect you with anyone who graduated with a degree in your major and/or works at a specific company you are interested in; you can also talk to older students in your program to see if anyone knows someone willing to talk to you. Once you find a lead, send a short email that outlines who you are, why you’re contacting them, and what you’re hoping to learn (or what you’re requesting from them). Focus on a clear, small request, such as a 15-minute phone call to answer questions that you can even send in advance, or a coffee date to learn what it’s like to work in a certain field. You might end up reaching out to friends of friends, siblings of peers, people you’ve met briefly in real life, or even complete strangers: you never know who can help you out. Don’t take it personally if they don’t respond (people get busy, inboxes get flooded with other more urgent emails—it’s rarely personal!), and trust that over time you’ll make helpful connections.