Author: Francisco Feliciani

Why Online Networking Matters More Than Ever 

Remote Opportunities and Global Job Markets 

In today’s world, more companies than ever are hiring remotely. This shift has unlocked global opportunities, but it also means students need to stand out in a much larger digital pool. Online networking allows you to connect with potential mentors, recruiters, and professionals worldwide, without leaving your room. 

Building Visibility Before Graduation 

You don’t need a diploma to start building your professional identity. In fact, students who begin networking in their first or second year often land better internships, job offers, and mentorships by graduation. 

What Makes a Career Connection “Meaningful”? 

Quality vs. Quantity in Professional Networks 

It’s tempting to add hundreds of people on LinkedIn, but real success comes from quality over quantity. A meaningful connection is someone you’ve had a conversation with, learned from, or supported, and who knows a bit about you in return. 

The Power of Intentional Engagement 

Liking posts is a start, but real engagement means commenting thoughtfully, reaching out with purpose, or asking insightful questions. That’s how relationships grow, even online. 

Laying the Groundwork: Build Your Online Presence First 

Clean Up Your Social Media 

Your digital footprint matters. Employers do check social profiles. Remove or hide anything unprofessional, and be intentional about what you post. 

Create a Polished LinkedIn Profile 

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network. It’s your digital résumé, and more. Create one even if you’re still in school. 

LinkedIn 101: Create a Student Profile That Stands Out 

Crafting a Strong Headline and Summary 

Your headline doesn’t have to be “Intern at Company X.” Try: 

“Computer Science Student | Aspiring Software Engineer | Passionate About AI & Innovation” 

Your summary should include: 

• Your goals 

• Your studies or achievements 

• A sentence about what drives you 

Highlighting Coursework, Projects, and Skills 

Don’t wait for job experience, use your class projects, teamwork, or volunteer work to showcase what you’ve learned. 

Adding Certifications and Extracurriculars 

LinkedIn allows you to list certificates, languages, awards, clubs, and more. These build credibility and give others something to ask you about. 

How to Grow Your LinkedIn Network Strategically 

Who to Connect With First 

Start with: 

• Classmates 

• Professors 

• Internship supervisors 

• Alumni from your school 

• People in roles you admire 

Using Custom Messages in Requests 

Avoid sending blank invites. Instead: 

“Hi [Name], I’m a student at [Your School] exploring [Your Field]. I admire your work at [Company] and would love to connect!” 

Following Industry Pages and Thought Leaders 

Follow companies, career coaches, or professionals in your field to stay updated and engage with their content. 

LinkedIn Engagement Tips for Students 

Commenting on Posts Meaningfully 

Instead of “Great post!”, try: 

“Thanks for sharing this! As a marketing student, I found your point about storytelling especially relevant.” 

Sharing Your Academic or Career Journey 

Write about what you’re learning, what challenges you’ve faced, or lessons from a recent internship or project. Authenticity resonates. 

Writing Posts That Show Personality and Purpose 

Be human. Talk about your growth, goals, or how you’re navigating student life and career planning. It makes you relatable. 

Reaching Out to Professors and Alumni 

How to Write a Professional Introduction 

When messaging: 

• Be respectful and clear 

• Mention how you found them 

• Ask for a short call or email Q&A 

Example: 

“Dear Professor [Name], I’m a student exploring environmental policy and saw your research on [Topic]. Would you be open to a 15-minute call? I’d love to hear your insights.” 

Asking for Informational Interviews 

Informational interviews are not job interviews, they’re a way to learn about someone’s path. Most professionals are happy to share if you’re polite and prepared. 

Making the Most of Virtual Events and Webinars 

Finding Events Relevant to Your Career Interests 

Look for: 

• Campus-hosted virtual career fairs 

• Professional association meetups 

• Industry webinars 

• LinkedIn or Eventbrite events 

Preparing Questions in Advance 

Before the event, research the speakers. Prepare 2–3 thoughtful questions to ask during Q&A sessions or breakout rooms. 

Following Up with Speakers or Attendees 

After the event, message someone you connected with. Mention something specific they said to show you were engaged. 

Join Online Student and Professional Communities 

Facebook Groups, Discord Servers, and Slack Channels 

From tech communities to writing circles, there are thousands of online groups where students can connect, collaborate, and learn from professionals. 

Engage, Don’t Just Lurk 

Comment on discussions, ask questions, or share your own perspective. Communities thrive on participation. 

Email Etiquette: Reaching Out with Purpose 

Crafting Subject Lines That Get Read 

Keep it short and clear: 

• “Student Interested in Your Career Path” 

• “Quick Question About Your Role at [Company]” 

How to Write a Respectful, Clear Message 

• Use a greeting and full sentences 

• State your intent 

• Ask one clear question 

• Thank them for their time 

How to Ask for Mentorship or Guidance Online 

When to Ask—and When Not To 

Don’t lead with “Will you be my mentor?” Instead, start small: 

“Could I ask you one or two questions about your journey?” 

Build rapport first—mentorship often grows organically. 

Structuring Your Ask in a Way That’s Easy to Say Yes To 

Make it easy: 

• Be specific (“15-minute video chat”) 

• Provide context 

• Be gracious if they decline or delay 

Building a Personal Brand as a Student 

Showcasing Your Strengths Without Bragging 

Use storytelling: share challenges you’ve overcome, skills you’re building, and the impact you want to make. 

Blogging, Podcasting, or Sharing Projects 

Students with online portfolios, blogs, or GitHub pages stand out. Share your process, not just the polished result. 

Mistakes to Avoid in Online Networking 

Being Too Pushy or Transactional 

Don’t message people only when you need something. Relationships grow through mutual respect and interest. 

Ghosting After Making a Connection 

If someone helps you, say thank you. Follow up. Keep them updated. Gratitude builds trust. 

Ignoring the Power of Gratitude 

Simple thank-you notes go a long way. They show character and keep doors open. 

Tools That Help Students Network Online 

• LinkedIn – Build your profile and connect 

• Lunchclub – AI-matched networking calls 

• Ten Thousand Coffees – Student-to-professional networking 

• Handshake – For career events and jobs 

• Calendly – Schedule calls with professionals easily 

FAQs: Student Networking in the Digital Age 

1. Should I start networking in my first year?

Yes! It’s never too early. The sooner you start, the more confident and connected you’ll be by graduation. 

2. What do I say in a connection request?

Introduce yourself, mention why you want to connect, and keep it short. 

3. How often should I engage with my network?

Aim for 1–2 interactions per week: comment on a post, send a follow-up message, or share your own update. 

4. What if I don’t have any experience yet?

Focus on your curiosity, education, projects, and goals. Passion and potential matter more than experience. 

5. How can I turn a connection into an opportunity?

Build trust, ask questions, and show interest. Many opportunities grow from long-term relationships—not one-time asks. 

6. Is networking still important if I’m not job hunting yet?

Absolutely. Networking isn’t just for job seekers—it’s for learning, growing, and being ready when opportunities come. 

Final Thoughts: Start Small, But Start Now 

Online networking doesn’t require experience, just initiative. Start by building your profile, reaching out to one or two people, and joining a few communities. The more consistent you are, the more natural it becomes. 

And remember—networking isn’t about using people. It’s about building relationships that help everyone grow. 

Why Smart Studying Beats Long Hours 

The Myth of Overstudying 

Many students believe that studying for endless hours automatically leads to better grades. But science tells a different story. Research shows that cramming for long periods without breaks actually leads to mental fatigue and low retention. 

Cognitive Load and Brain Fatigue 

Your brain has a limit to how much it can process and retain at one time. Trying to absorb too much, too fast overwhelms your working memory. This is called cognitive overload, and it prevents information from moving into long-term memory. 

What It Means to “Study Smarter” 

Efficiency vs. Effort 

Studying smarter doesn’t mean slacking off. It means using the most effective techniques so you can retain more information in less time. Think quality over quantity. 

Using Science to Your Advantage 

Psychologists have studied how the brain learns best. Methods like active recall, spaced repetition, and dual coding are proven to boost memory, understanding, and application. 

Active Recall: The #1 Most Effective Study Technique 

How Active Recall Works 

Instead of passively rereading your notes, active recall forces your brain to retrieve information. This strengthens neural pathways and improves memory retention. 

Flashcards, Practice Tests, and Self-Quizzing 

Try these approaches: 

• Use flashcards to test yourself 

• Cover up notes and recite answers aloud 

• Take practice quizzes regularly 

• Teach the topic to someone else 

Best Apps for Active Recall 

• Anki – Spaced flashcards with recall tracking 

• Quizlet – Interactive flashcard and game-based recall 

• Brainscape – Ranked confidence levels on flashcards 

Spaced Repetition: The Secret to Long-Term Memory 

What Is Spaced Repetition? 

It’s a technique where you review material multiple times over increasing intervals. This counters the “forgetting curve,” a psychological principle that shows how quickly we forget new info. 

How the Forgetting Curve Works 

If you study something once, you’ll forget most of it within days. But if you revisit it over time—say Day 1, Day 3, Day 7, Day 14—you lock it into long-term memory. 

Tools to Automate Spaced Reviews 

• Anki (uses a spaced repetition algorithm) 

• RemNote and SuperMemo 

• Google Calendar or Notion for scheduling reviews 

The Science of Note-Taking: Capture and Retain Information Better 

Cornell Notes vs. Outline vs. Mapping Method 

• Cornell Method: Divides your page into cue, notes, and summary sections 

• Outline Method: Structured by headings and bullet points 

• Mapping Method: Visual diagrams showing relationships 

Digital vs. Handwritten Notes 

Handwriting engages more parts of your brain and improves recall. But digital tools like Notion, OneNote, and Evernote offer searchability, organization, and multimedia integration. 

Common Note-Taking Mistakes 

• Copying word-for-word 

• Highlighting everything 

• Not reviewing your notes 

The Role of Retrieval Practice in Exam Preparation 

What Is Retrieval Practice? 

It’s the act of actively bringing information to mind—essentially testing yourself. Unlike rereading or rewatching, retrieval practice builds strong memory traces. 

How to Apply It in Your Study Routine 

• Weekly quizzes 

• Question banks 

• Writing short summaries from memory 

• Verbal recall with a friend 

Interleaving and Mixing Subjects for Deeper Learning 

How Interleaving Improves Flexibility 

Interleaving means switching between topics or problem types instead of studying one subject in blocks. It helps your brain learn to distinguish between concepts and apply them flexibly. 

When to Use Blocked vs. Mixed Practice 

• Use blocked practice when first learning a topic 

• Use interleaved practice to prepare for exams or real-life application 

Dual Coding: Combining Words and Visuals for Maximum Retention 

Using Diagrams, Mind Maps, and Charts 

Your brain processes visual and verbal information separately. Combining them strengthens memory. Try: 

• Flowcharts for processes 

• Diagrams for anatomy or systems 

• Mind maps for brainstorming and essay planning 

Tools for Visual Note-Making 

• Miro 

• Canva 

• Lucidchart 

• Hand-drawn notes with colored pens 

Feynman Technique: Learn by Teaching 

How to Use the Feynman Technique 

1. Choose a concept 

1. Explain it in simple terms 

1. Identify gaps in understanding 

1. Review, refine, and repeat 

Real-Life Applications 

• Teach a friend 

• Record yourself explaining it 

• Use a whiteboard for visual teaching 

Digital Study Tools to Enhance Your Study Routine 

Quizlet, Anki, Notion, and More 

Time Management Apps for Students 

• Toggl Track: Time logging 

• MyStudyLife: Schedule and assignments 

• Pomofocus: Pomodoro-based productivity 

Avoid These Common Study Pitfalls 

Passive Rereading and Highlighting 

These feel productive but don’t actually help with memory. They’re low-effort and give a false sense of learning. 

Multitasking During Study Time 

Studying with distractions reduces learning quality. Turn off notifications and use website blockers. 

Cramming vs. Consistency 

Cramming increases stress and reduces retention. Instead, space your learning over days or weeks for better outcomes. 

Build a Smart Study Plan That Works for You 

Planning Around Your Productivity Peaks 

Track when your energy and focus are at their best—morning, afternoon, or evening. Plan your hardest subjects during your “peak hours.” 

Creating Weekly Learning Goals 

Break subjects into weekly tasks, like: 

• Monday: Review biology chapters 3–5 

• Tuesday: Take practice quiz 

• Wednesday: Flashcard review 

• Thursday: Teach concept out loud 

Study Smarter with Group Learning and Peer Teaching 

Why Explaining Concepts Out Loud Helps 

When you explain something, you identify knowledge gaps and strengthen your memory. 

Finding a Study Buddy or Group 

• Pair up with someone from your class 

• Join Discord or Reddit study servers 

• Use Zoom or Google Meet for group review 

FAQs: Learning Techniques That Actually Work 

1. What is the most effective study method?

Active recall combined with spaced repetition is considered the most effective for memory and understanding. 

2. How many hours a day should I study?

Quality matters more than hours. Aim for 2–4 hours of focused study with breaks. 

3. Is it better to study at night or in the morning?

It depends on your personal rhythm. Identify your peak focus times. 

4. Are digital flashcards better than paper?

Both work, but digital tools like Anki offer spaced repetition and easier organization. 

5. How can I stay focused while studying?

Use timers (Pomodoro), eliminate distractions, and study in short, intense sessions. 

6. How do I avoid burnout while preparing for exams?

Take breaks, stay active, get enough sleep, and use smart techniques to avoid overworking. 

Conclusion: Master the Art of Studying Smarter 

Learning doesn’t have to be a struggle. With techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, and dual coding, you can transform the way you study—and the results you get. 

Small changes make a big difference. Start studying smarter today and watch your confidence and grades soar.

Freedom Delayed, But Not Denied 
Imagine waiting two extra years for your freedom—only to finally hear the words: “You are free.” On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, enslaved African Americans received this life-changing news, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day, now known as Juneteenth, marks more than the end of slavery—it symbolizes the unyielding fight for true equality. 

Yet freedom without opportunity is incomplete. The real emancipation began when education became the key to unlocking a future that slavery had tried to erase. 

HBCUs: The Unseen Battleground for Equality 

When doors to higher education were slammed shut for Black Americans, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) became sanctuaries of knowledge and resistance. Institutions like Cheyney University (1837) and Lincoln University (1854) weren’t just schools—they were acts of defiance, proving that education was the ultimate equalizer. 

From Thurgood Marshall (Howard University) to Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State), HBCUs have produced warriors of justice, pioneers of innovation, and architects of culture. These institutions didn’t just teach—they transformed liberation into legacy. 

Education: The Weapon That Builds Futures 

The African American struggle has always paired freedom with learning. Enslaved people risked their lives to read. Civil rights activists marched for integrated schools. Today, education remains the most powerful tool to dismantle inequality—but the fight isn’t over. 

• Did you know? Despite HBCUs making up only 3% of U.S. colleges, they produce 25% of Black STEM graduates. 

• Yet, underfunding and systemic barriers still limit access for many. 

Juneteenth reminds us: True freedom means equal opportunity. 

The Unfinished Journey: How You Can Honor Juneteenth 

Progress is measured not just by history made, but by the work left to do. Here’s how we continue the journey: 
✅ Support HBCUs—Donate, mentor, or advocate for funding. 
✅ Amplify Black voices—Read, listen, and share their stories. 
✅ Invest in education—Whether through scholarships or policy change. 

This Juneteenth let’s celebrate how far we’ve come—and fight for how far we still must go. Because the best way to honor the past is to empower the future.