How to build a professional network as an online learner

By: James M. Tobin, Edited by: Rebecca Munday, Reviewed by: Melissa Venable

Published: June 18, 2025

Online learning offers convenience and flexibility, but it comes with trade-offs. One of the most challenging examples relates to networking: Many online students struggle to build the interpersonal bonds and connections more readily enjoyed by their campus-based counterparts.

Part of succeeding as an online student involves learning how to learn. It takes effort, but it can bring rewards. Discover networking tips for online learners and effective strategies recommended by e-learning experts.

Establish and maintain an online presence

Your online presence can double as a networking gateway. Establishing one and making it visible and accessible can help you connect with fellow students, instructors, recruiters, and employers.

Here are some tips:

• Get active on LinkedIn.
• Share content related to your coursework through peer-focused social media networks like Facebook and Instagram.
• Launch an online portfolio, blog, vlog, or website that showcases your work.

Online education expert Melissa Venable, PhD, says that your posts can be a great way for people to get to know you, your personality, hobbies, interests, skills, goals, etc. But you can also create posts about your studies, such as projects you are proud of, and share how you are using what you are learning in class at a current job or internship.

Participate in classroom activities

Online courses often shift their interactive elements to digital spaces, like message boards and forums. "Be prepared for discussions by staying on track with course reading and assignments," says Venable. In these spaces, you and your peers can discuss academic content, assignments, ideas, opinions, and insights into your course, program, or professional path.

Embrace these opportunities. Engage in productive discussions: Pose questions, offer answers, exchange ideas, and share resources.

The online connections you make could carry over to the offline world — especially if your program involves campus components, such as in-person labs or practicums, or residency requirements. "You may find your classmates become your colleagues, working at the same company or within the same industry after graduation. The better you know each other, the more likely you'll be able to refer each other to job openings," Venable says.

Connect with your professors

Forging personal connections with your professors can lead to both academic and professional opportunities. Instructors of online courses typically maintain virtual office hours, using Zoom or a similar service. Office hours don't always need to be about asking questions about your assignments. Take the opportunity to meet your professor so you can put faces to each other's names and discuss your shared interests.

Such small efforts can pay big dividends. If you decide to continue your education at a higher degree level, you may need letters of recommendation when you apply at the next level up. "They have professional networks, too, and may be willing to introduce you to their peers and other professionals working in the field you want to pursue. This is more likely to happen if they know you well," said Venable. Past professors are a great resource, and an instructor is more likely to remember you if you make an effort to stand out.

Form an online study group

If you're having a hard time with certain assignments or academic concepts, chances are you're not alone. You can turn this into a networking opportunity by forming an online study group.

Start by rounding up participants using your course message board or online forum. Set a study goal and group rules, then choose a collaboration tool or online meeting platform and agree on a meeting time. Make it a regular event, and networking opportunities will likely arise organically.

For additional insights, consider taking a short course in online learning strategies.