How Can Introverted Women Excel in Professional Networking Settings?

Leverage introverted strengths in networking: actively listen, prepare conversation starters, focus on meaningful connections, use online platforms, find a buddy, prefer smaller events, embrace uniqueness, set goals, follow up, and practice self-care. Additionally, share unique insights or stories.

Leverage introverted strengths in networking: actively listen, prepare conversation starters, focus on meaningful connections, use online platforms, find a buddy, prefer smaller events, embrace uniqueness, set goals, follow up, and practice self-care. Additionally, share unique insights or stories.

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Leverage Your Listening Skills

Introverted women often have strong listening skills, which can be a significant asset in networking settings. By actively listening, you can understand others' needs and goals, fostering more meaningful connections. Focus on asking insightful questions and showing genuine interest in others’ responses.

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Selma Zouaoui
Content writer/ Academic research consultant at Web Asset Builders

Introverted women can excel in professional networking by playing to their strengths. Prepare thoroughly before events, researching attendees and topics. Set achievable goals like making a few meaningful connections. Use your listening skills to ask thoughtful questions and build deeper relationships. Opt for smaller group settings or one-on-one conversations where possible. Leverage online platforms for networking at your own pace. Take breaks when needed to recharge. Follow up with personalized messages after events. Consider partnering with extroverted colleagues at larger gatherings. Remember, quality connections matter more than quantity. By focusing on authentic interactions and thoughtful engagement, introverted women can create valuable professional relationships without compromising their natural tendencies.

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Rupali Patil
Sr. AI Product Management & Strategist at Lenovo

I, myself, am an extrovert. From my experiences, extroverts may sometimes struggle with listening deeply, often dominating conversations and missing out on valuable insights. They can also feel drained by solo, reflective tasks and may overlook the importance of building deeper, one-on-one relationships. From my point of view, I can say that introverted women have a unique advantage in professional networking settings. While they might not seek the spotlight, their ability to "listen deeply" and "think critically" allows them to make meaningful connections. By focusing on quality over quantity, introverted women can engage in more intimate, impactful conversations, often building stronger, lasting relationships. Setting clear goals for each event, preparing thoughtful questions, and finding smaller, more manageable networking groups can also help them feel more at ease while still making valuable connections. It’s all about playing to your strengths and embracing your style!

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Opeoluwa Okosun
Senior Deal Manager at Oracle

Yes, you can always use your listening skills as an advantage, listen and then ask thoughtful questions, even if they are brief.

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Rutika Bhoir
Grad Student at Umass Amherst

One of the most undervalued superpowers in networking is the ability to truly listen—and introverts often do this with natural ease. I’ve found that when I stop worrying about what I should say next and simply tune in, I learn so much more. People open up. Real connections happen. Susan Cain once said in her TED Talk “The Power of Introverts”: “There's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.” That line stayed with me. Because in a world that rewards charisma, it’s easy to forget that listening—with intention and care—is just as impactful as speaking. Maybe even more. When I attend networking events now, I don’t pressure myself to dominate conversations. Instead, I focus on asking thoughtful questions. I pay attention. I remember details. And I respond with care. These small moments of presence build trust—and that’s what turns introductions into actual relationships. Another quote that resonates deeply: “Solitude is a catalyst for innovation.” We introverts often bring to the table quiet observations, deep focus, and ideas that have been carefully nurtured in solitude. When we listen well, we not only give others space to feel seen—we also invite the kind of dialogue that goes beyond surface-level networking. So lean into your listening. Let it be your strength, not your fallback. Because being deeply present in a world full of noise is its own kind of leadership.

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Anusha Musunuri
Senior Data Scientist at Snap Inc

Introverts can leverage Active Listening as a strength. Instead of trying to meet everyone, prioritize quality over quantity. Building a few deep, meaningful relationships often feels more rewarding and manageable for introverts.

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Prepare and Practice

Before attending networking events, prepare a few conversation starters or questions related to the event’s theme or industry. Practicing these beforehand can help reduce anxiety and make initiating conversations feel more natural.

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Opeoluwa Okosun
Senior Deal Manager at Oracle

Its always good to prepare, practice a brief introduction about yourself, gather interesting insights about your industry, and be ready to share your work, to keep conversations engaging

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Focus on Quality Over Quantity

Instead of trying to meet as many people as possible, concentrate on forming a few quality connections. Deep, meaningful conversations are likely to be more memorable and lead to stronger professional relationships.

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Veronika Lukyanchuk
Learning and Development Specialist at Forte Group

Not to mention, a person may shift the focus to the conversational partner. People tend to be willing to talk about themselves. So, it means you take part in a conversation, for instance, but at the same time you act mainly as the one who asks questions and lets the other counterpart be in the spotlight.

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Mehwish Mushtaq
Technical Anchor at Stella Technology

I believe rather than trying to meet everyone at an event, set a goal to connect with a few people who align with your professional interests. This focused approach can reduce overwhelm and help you build stronger, more purposeful relationships

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Use Online Networking Platforms

Online networking platforms, such as LinkedIn, can be particularly useful for introverted women. They allow you to connect with professionals in a less intimidating environment, where you can take your time to think through and craft your messages.

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Opeoluwa Okosun
Senior Deal Manager at Oracle

As an introvert, you can excel in professional networking events by leveraging your strengths while occasionally stepping outside your comfort zone. Start by embracing virtual and online networking, which can feel more natural and less overwhelming. For in-person events, try to prepare, practice a brief introduction about yourself, gather interesting insights about your industry, and be ready to share your work to keep conversations engaging.

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Find a Networking Buddy

Attend events with a colleague or friend who understands your networking goals. Having a buddy can make the experience less daunting, and they can help facilitate introductions to new people.

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Seek Out Smaller Events

Large networking events can be overwhelming. Look for smaller meetups or workshops that focus on interaction and discussion. In these settings, it’s easier to have meaningful conversations without the pressure of a large crowd.

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Opeoluwa Okosun
Senior Deal Manager at Oracle

As a introvert, you could begin with smaller networking gatherings and gradually build your confidence. Over time, you would find yourself becoming more comfortable and effective in any networking setting.

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Nubia Rojas
Senior IT Project & Operations Manager at Totem Software ISA

From my perspective, one of the main reasons introverts often don’t “excel” at networking events is simply because the whole dynamic can feel unfamiliar: the routine, the high-level conversations, even the logistics of how things work can be confusing. Starting with smaller events and going with colleagues can help build a sense of familiarity and control. That makes a big difference in building confidence so next time, you’re not just attending, but also taking an active part in the conversations.

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Embrace Your Unique Perspective

Introverts bring valuable traits to the table, such as thoughtfulness and the ability to listen and observe. Embrace these qualities and share your unique perspective in discussions; this can set you apart in a positive way.

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Rutika Bhoir
Grad Student at Umass Amherst

Ah, this is gonna be a long one so bear with me. This might sound selfish, but say things for yourself—things you wish someone else would say for you. Speak up not for validation, but for your own recognition. Your own joy. Your own growth. You don’t need to overthink it. You don’t need to sound like the perfect speaker you imagine in your head. You just need to show up—as you are. As an introvert, I’ve learned that networking isn’t about being the loudest in the room; it’s about being real. Let your voice reflect the person you’re becoming. Let it be messy, uncertain, brave. And remember—your quiet, thoughtful way of seeing the world is a perspective worth hearing; it brings depth to conversations that too often skim the surface. Share the thoughts that spark confidence and self-understanding. Keep experiencing yourself in new spaces. Yes, you’ll sometimes say the wrong thing. You’ll stumble, or feel small and your neck will feel warm and your face will turn red. But don’t let that stop you. Don’t let the fear of being “lesser than” deny you the opportunity to grow. There’s no magical call to courage. You have to hunt it down for yourself—again and again and again. One of my favorite quotes is: “If we want the rewards of being loved, we have to submit to the mortifying ordeal of being known.” So be known. Let people see you—not just your polish, but your process.

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Set Realistic Goals

Before an event, set a few achievable goals, such as having conversations with at least three new people or connecting with a specific person. Having clear objectives can give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

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Rutika Bhoir
Grad Student at Umass Amherst

Before networking events, I used to put pressure on myself to “make the most of it.” Whatever that meant. I’d walk in with vague expectations and walk out feeling like I hadn’t done enough—because I hadn’t planned for enough to be achievable. Now, I set quieter goals. Intentional ones. Say hello to three people. Compliment someone whose work I admire. Ask a question in one session, even if my voice shakes. Find one person I genuinely connect with, not just collect LinkedIn requests. I’ve learned that success at these events isn’t about how visible I am—it’s about how present I am. When my goals are rooted in presence, not performance, I walk away feeling proud instead of depleted. Set goals that match your pace. And when you meet them, celebrate it. Small wins still count. Especially when they’re honest, deliberate, and fully yours.

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Follow Up

After making new connections, follow up with a personalized message. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were genuinely interested. This step is crucial in building and maintaining professional relationships.

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Rutika Bhoir
Grad Student at Umass Amherst

I’ll be honest—this part doesn’t come easy to me. After the emotional energy it takes to show up and connect, the idea of following up sometimes feels overwhelming. I overthink it: What if they don’t remember me? What if I say the wrong thing? What if I’m bothering them? But here’s what I’ve learned: a follow-up isn’t about impressing someone. It’s about remembering them. It’s about saying, “That moment we shared meant something to me.” And when it’s rooted in that kind of honesty, it doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be real. So I try to keep it simple. One line about what we talked about. A thank-you. A reflection. Sometimes it’s: “I really appreciated your thoughts on accessibility in design—it stayed with me.” Or: “I loved what you said about navigating tech as a first-gen student. I'd love to stay in touch.” When I frame it not as a performance, but as a quiet act of connection, it becomes less scary. And the truth is, most people do appreciate being remembered. It’s okay if it takes you a day or two. Or even longer. What matters is that you reach out at all. Because continuing the conversation—gently, thoughtfully—is how relationships start to grow roots.

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Practice Self-Care

Networking can be draining for introverts. Acknowledge your efforts and allow yourself time to recharge afterward. Practicing self-care ensures that you're in the best state of mind for your next networking opportunity.

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Selma Zouaoui
Content writer/ Academic research consultant at Web Asset Builders

After networking events, introverts can practice essential self-care by scheduling quiet time for solitude and engaging in calming solo activities. Taking a break from social media and practicing mindfulness through meditation or deep breathing can help decompress. Journaling about the experience allows for reflection, while physical relaxation like a warm bath or gentle yoga soothes both body and mind. Ensure you get adequate rest and express yourself creatively to process the event. Avoid over-committing in the immediate aftermath, allowing yourself time to recharge. Most importantly, celebrate your networking efforts, acknowledging the energy you've expended. Remember, self-care is personal - experiment with these strategies to find what works best for you, and don't hesitate to prioritize your need for recuperation. By taking care of yourself, you'll be better prepared and more resilient for future networking opportunities.

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Nubia Rojas
Senior IT Project & Operations Manager at Totem Software ISA

Networking events usually last more than a day, and each day brings its own value... whether it’s learning something new or making meaningful connections. That said, it’s so important to stay aware of your energy levels and make time to recharge before diving into high-interaction spaces or overwhelming environments. Personally, I always check the agenda ahead of time and identify moments I can repurpose for a bit of solitude (whether that means relaxing in my room or exploring the city on my own). Also, once I’m back home, a massage or any kind of self-care routine works wonders. It really helps reset and recover!

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Rutika Bhoir
Grad Student at Umass Amherst

Networking can feel like stepping into a current that’s not built for your rhythm—especially when you’re introverted. It takes energy to show up, to hold conversations, to be perceived. And while growth often lives in these moments of stretch, so does the need for recovery. After events, I’ve learned to return to myself slowly. Sometimes that means journaling with a warm cup of tea, letting my thoughts tumble out until I find clarity. Sometimes it’s taking a long walk with no music, just letting my breath sync with the quiet. Other times, it’s simply allowing myself to do nothing—and being kind to the guilt that tries to tag along. You have to keep watering yourself to keep growing. Know that it is for the better. Be gentle with yourself. Learn to be a wonderful best friend to you. I used to offer so much encouragement to the people I cared about—cheering them on, forgiving their mistakes, picking out little things that reminded me of them just to make them smile. One day, I started wondering why I never did the same for myself. So now, when I mess up or feel small, I try to respond with understanding instead of judgment. When I need rest, I take it—without guilt. And when I see something that brings me joy, I let myself have it. Just because. I treat myself with the same patience, kindness, and care that I’d offer a friend. It changes everything. I remind myself: showing up was brave. Speaking up was brave. Feeling drained doesn’t mean I’m not cut out for it—it just means I gave something real. So I give something back to myself too. Rest. Stillness. Creativity. A moment of being unobserved. Self-care, for me, isn’t a reward for doing something hard—it’s part of how I honor the hard things I do. And in that way, it becomes the beginning of confidence, not just the recovery from effort.

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What else to take into account

This section is for sharing any additional examples, stories, or insights that do not fit into previous sections. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

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Mariia Stadnyk
Full stack software engineer

Embrace Authenticity As an introverted woman, networking can be daunting—especially when initiating conversations doesn’t come naturally. I found a surprising strategy that worked for me: wearing a bright hoodie with a favourite cartoon character. This simple choice had unexpected benefits: It made me notable, yet invisible. I stood out just enough to catch attention without feeling spotlighted. Interestingly, a few guys wore similar attire, so I blended in rather than feeling isolated. It was a comfortable icebreaker. The hoodie sparked three conversations—all initiated by others. Each exchange flowed easily, and I didn’t have to struggle to start things myself. It allowed me to stay authentic. I didn’t have to “step over myself” to engage. I stayed true to who I am, which helped me feel relaxed and genuine throughout the event. This experience taught me that small, authentic choices can create opportunities while keeping anxiety at bay. Networking doesn’t always have to mean pushing yourself out of your comfort zone; sometimes, it’s about letting your personality shine in subtle ways. For fellow introverts: Try leaning into what makes you feel at ease—it might become your best conversation starter!

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