You've probably heard people say, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." While that might sound discouraging at first, here's the truth: everyone starts somewhere, and building a professional network is a skill you can learn. When you're entering the job market for the first time, switching careers, or looking to advance, your social capital can open doors that job boards alone can't.
So what exactly is social capital, and how do you build it? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about creating connections that can transform your career path.
Social capital is your personal network of relationships and connections that hold value in your career journey. Think of it as networking currency. These aren't random contacts in your phone; they're people who can help you discover job opportunities, provide references, give you insider advice, or introduce you to decision-makers in your field.
Here's what makes social capital different from just "knowing people": it's about building mutually beneficial relationships where both sides gain something.
You've been building social capital longer than you realize. Every positive interaction with a teacher, coach, manager, or colleague has been adding to your network. Now it's time to be intentional about growing it.
Understanding the different types of social capital can help you think strategically about building your network.
Bonding happens when you connect with people who share your background or interests. This might be a neighborhood association, a community program, or a support group for people changing careers. These connections feel natural because you already have common ground.
Bridging occurs when different groups with similar interests come together. Think industry meetups, professional associations, or community events where people from various backgrounds unite around a shared cause or goal.
Linking is where the career magic often happens. This is when you build relationships with people who have different backgrounds, experiences, or socioeconomic statuses than you. When a job seeker connects with a hiring manager on LinkedIn or attends a networking event in their desired industry, they're using linking social capital to access opportunities outside their immediate circle.
Not all jobs make it to online job boards. Many positions get filled through referrals, internal recommendations, or conversations that happen long before a job posting goes live. When you have social capital, you get access to these hidden opportunities.
Your network can also:
For people without four-year degrees, social capital becomes even more powerful. When you're competing for roles that traditionally ask for degrees, having someone on the inside who can speak to your abilities can level the playing field. Your network becomes proof that you're capable, reliable, and ready for the opportunity.
If you're starting with a small network or want to expand beyond your current circle, here are practical strategies that work.
You have more connections than you think. Make a list of:
Don't write anyone off as "not important enough." You never know who knows who. That cousin working retail might have a friend in HR at your dream company.
Reach out to reconnect. A simple message works: "Hey, I've been thinking about my career path lately and would love to catch up. Would you have time for a quick coffee chat or phone call?" Most people are happy to help when asked.
If you're currently employed, look beyond your immediate team. Introduce yourself to people in other departments at company events. Ask questions, show interest in what they do, and mention your own career goals. These casual conversations can lead to unexpected opportunities.
If you're taking training courses (whether in-person or online), build relationships with your instructors and fellow students. SkillUp connects you to affordable, short-term training in high-demand fields, and every program is a chance to expand your network. Your classmates are future industry contacts; your instructors often have deep connections in the field.
LinkedIn isn't limited to people with fancy job titles. It's a tool for anyone serious about their career growth. Here's how to use it:
Professional networks aren't only built online. Local opportunities to connect include:
When you show up consistently, people start to recognize you. That familiarity builds trust, and trust opens doors.
This might sound intimidating, but it's one of the most powerful networking strategies out there. An informational interview is a short conversation (20-30 minutes) where you ask someone about their career path, their industry, and their advice.
The key is to be genuine. You're not asking for a job; you're asking to learn. Most people are flattered to be asked and happy to share their experience.
Try this approach: "I'm exploring a career in [field] and came across your profile. Would you be open to a brief conversation about your path and any advice you'd have for someone starting out? I'd be happy to work around your schedule—even 15 minutes would be valuable."
Come prepared with thoughtful questions, take notes, and always send a thank-you message afterward.
On top of meeting new people, social capital is about maintaining the relationships you already have.
Check in periodically with people in your network, even when you don't need anything. Share an article they might find interesting, congratulate them on a work anniversary, or simply ask how they're doing.
When you invest in relationships over time, people are much more likely to think of you when opportunities arise.
Twannetta Weaver knows firsthand how powerful a strong network can be. She was rising through the ranks in hospitality, on track for a director position, when the pandemic hit. Her position was eliminated, and suddenly she was back at square one.
Twannetta had been considering a career change into marketing, but without a degree, she kept hitting walls. That's when she discovered SkillUp. Within three months, she completed training and earned two marketing certifications through programs she found on the platform.
But here's where social capital made the difference: Twannetta didn't just complete the training and disappear. She stayed engaged with SkillUp's community by attending group career coaching sessions and connecting with other job seekers going through similar transitions. Those peer-to-peer connections gave her support, accountability, and insights she couldn't have gotten alone.
Through the connections she built and the confidence she gained from her training, Twannetta successfully pivoted into marketing. Her story shows that social capital isn't exclusively about knowing powerful people; it's also about finding your community and leveraging the support around you.
Read more success stories from people like Twannetta who used career resources and networking to land in fields they love.
Now that you understand what social capital is and why it matters, here's how to put this knowledge into action.
Take 30 minutes today to write down everyone in your existing network. Include people from work, school, family, and any groups or activities you're involved in. You'll probably surprise yourself with how many connections you already have.
Next to each name, jot down what they do and how they might be able to help you (or how you might be able to help them). This is about understanding what mutual value looks like, not about using people.
Choose one specific action to take each week. Maybe it's:
Consistency matters more than grand gestures. Small, regular actions build momentum.
Not sure what career path you want to pursue? Browse careers on SkillUp's platform to see what's in demand and what interests you. Each career page breaks down the skills needed, typical training paths, and what the work involves—information that's gold when you're networking because you can have informed conversations about the field.
Many training programs are networking opportunities in disguise. When you complete a certification program, you gain both skills and connections with instructors and classmates who work in the industry. SkillUp's training catalog includes affordable, short-term programs that can help you break into high-demand fields while expanding your professional circle.
Building social capital can feel awkward at first, especially if networking doesn't come naturally to you. That's normal. SkillUp's group career coaching sessions can help you practice networking skills, prepare for informational interviews, and build the confidence to put yourself out there. You'll also meet other job seekers who are working on the same goals—instant networking practice.
Keep notes on who you've connected with, what you learned from each conversation, and any follow-up actions you need to take. This doesn't have to be fancy; a simple notebook or notes app works fine. When you see your network growing on paper, it reinforces that your efforts are paying off.
As you build your social capital, watch out for these pitfalls:
Building social capital isn't collecting contacts like trading cards. It’s an opportunity to develop genuine relationships that support your career growth and allow you to support others in return. The connections you make today can change the trajectory of your entire career.
Ready to put your networking skills to work? Start exploring careers, training, and jobs that don't require a four-year degree on SkillUp's platform. Your next opportunity might be one conversation away.
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