By Sabrina Ho
Comm Lead student Abigail Salmon presenting at the 2026 Screen Summit
You’ve probably felt the frustration of submitting a job application into the void, wondering if your carefully crafted materials will actually ever be seen.
In a time where algorithms are filtering our professional worth, you’re probably looking for any possible ways to stand out. Is it having the perfect formatting on your resume? Or a rigorously researched cover letter?
While these things are valuable for online applications, it’s the professional community you build that will actually help you land the right job. And cultivating those connections requires stepping away from the computer and into in-person, collaborative spaces designed for shared learning.
The Power of Networking
You hear everyone preach about the importance of networking — connecting with people on LinkedIn, scheduling coffee chats, and following up after events — but why is it so essential?
According to LinkedIn, 85% of jobs come from networking. Recruiters and hiring managers value networking because it gives them the chance to become familiar with the candidate face-to-face. A resume may list your experiences, but it doesn’t tell the full story of your capabilities or highlight your skills as a problem solver, critical thinker, and team player.
But beware: Coffee chats aren’t meant to be an automatic “in” for a job. They shouldn’t feel transactional or performative, even though your ultimate goal may be to secure a position.
Instead, networking provides the opportunity to let the professionals know your true interests and experiences. In turn, they provide advice and can even point you toward a role they think you would be a perfect fit for.
So how do you start networking?
As a student, it can be as simple as speaking to your instructors. Many of the classes you take will be highly relevant to the roles you’re interested in, making your teachers reliable industry contacts with whom you can have meaningful, career-shaping conversations.
Meanwhile, in-person events are the perfect setting for organic networking. Recently, Seattle’s Product Marketing Summit wrapped up another year of networking, interactive roundtables, and community-led learning. This two-day event brought valuable product marketing insights that went beyond surface-level tips. Attendees heard from industry-renowned product marketers from companies including Google and Amazon, sharing insider knowledge on AI-powered GTM strategy and more. Most importantly, the summit served as a prime opportunity to network with other professionals in Seattle and build real connections that will last long after the event ends.
Comm Lead at the 2026 Product Marketing Summit
Beyond the Classroom
The knowledge you gain from instructors — many of whom bring lifelong industry experience to their classes — is invaluable. But taking those lessons and applying them in a room full of peers and professionals is where the real growth happens.
Comm Lead hosts over 50 events every year where students, faculty, and alumni come together to talk about topics like portfolio-building, networking, and leadership skills. These are prime opportunities for students seeking jobs to meet accomplished creatives, managers, and leaders in their field.
In May, the program held the annual end-of-the-year Screen Summit, where students presented work they’d done in and out of classes to peers and industry judges. The showcase was divided into three categories — story, strategy, and design — and featured projects from assignments, internships, consulting and independent work. Winning projects spanned a wide range of subjects, from personal documentaries to app design and crisis communication strategies.
The Screen Summit experience of pitching your work, explaining your work process, and getting feedback from judges is irreplaceable. These high-stakes moments spark natural connections and transform a simple presentation into a lasting professional relationship.
A presenting team at the 2026 Screen Summit
While we host our own events year-round, Comm Lead also actively partners with leading conferences to ensure our community can participate and remain visible at the forefront of the industry. The Product Marketing Summit is a perfect example of how we engage with organizations to promote empowered networking and applied learning. Beyond this summit, we also partner with industry-specific groups like Button, Sparks, ComNet, and PRSSA to ensure our students have access to top-tier experts across a variety of fields.
Stay Connected
Connections don’t end once a conversation at a networking event does. Exchange contact information, connect on LinkedIn, and send follow-up emails to maintain those relationships that will support you for the rest of your career. You don’t have to be asking for something specific, just keeping in touch.
At Communication Leadership, we believe the best education happens when you bring classroom knowledge to the real world, applying academic concepts to tangible projects that you can tell a story about to potential employers. By partnering with events like the Product Marketing Summit and hosting our own events, Comm Lead ensures our students are always learning, networking, and growing.
Your network starts here. Make sure to check out Comm Lead’s upcoming events and Instagram to keep up with our supportive network!
University of Washington
Department of Communication