Networking is a critical part of a flourishing career — especially in business school, where every handshake could be tomorrow’s partnership, mentorship, or job opportunity. A strong alumni network gives you access to leaders eager to share insights, and asking thoughtful questions is the key to unlocking those conversations. By approaching each interaction with curiosity and purpose, you gather information for career planning, make a memorable impression, and open doors to guidance that lasts well beyond the networking event — and often, to the professional opportunities that follow.

Let’s take a deep dive into questions to ask when networking, helping you create lasting relationships that not only expand your learning but also help you secure your dream role.

The Power of Asking the Right Questions

Asking thoughtful questions is the fastest way to turn a brief introduction into a genuine connection. When you lead with curiosity, you invite the other person to share their story, signal that you’ve done your homework, and frame the exchange as a two-way conversation rather than a quick sales pitch. These moments stick — recruiters recall students who probe beyond surface-level small talk, and peers remember classmates who ask about long-term goals instead of job titles.

Thoughtful inquiries also showcase preparation and professionalism. Executives often gauge a potential mentee’s readiness by the depth of their questions; insightful prompts about industry shifts or leadership challenges reveal that you’ve researched the topic and value their perspective. The result? You stand out in a crowded room and set the stage for future mentorship or referrals.

Identifying Types of Networking Events

You’ll encounter many settings where good networking questions unlock opportunities. Each environment rewards a slightly different approach, so be ready to flex:

  • Career fairs: Fast-paced events where concise, impactful questions help you rise above a sea of resumes.
  • Alumni mixers: Informal gatherings perfect for exploring career trajectories and lessons learned.
  • Industry panels: Targeted sessions where trend-focused questions spark insightful debate.
  • Company treks: On-site visits that let you dig into culture, growth strategy, and day-to-day roles.
  • Virtual networking: Online chats that demand succinct, engaging prompts to keep momentum high.
  • Global trips: Immersive experiences ideal for big-picture discussions on international markets and leadership styles. These trips help students form deep relationships with their peers. For working professionals, they’re an opportunity to grow connections with peers from the other two working professional programs. 

Within each format, McCombs students benefit from specialized resources — ranging from full-time career coaches and part-time specialty mentors to employer partnerships with more than 1,000 recruiting companies — ensuring they arrive prepared and supported by a robust professional ecosystem.

By understanding the nuances of each event, you’ll know exactly when to pose trend questions, when to request personal advice, and when to inquire about company culture — setting up the next section on selecting questions that leave a lasting mark.

Walking into an event with a clear set of questions transforms small talk into purposeful dialogue. Students who arrive with specific goals in mind — and tailor questions to uncover insights — maximize every encounter and create conversations that stand out from the usual résumé swap, as emphasized in its reminder that asking the right questions matters.

Before you shake hands, do the legwork. Research speakers’ recent projects, scan headlines about their company, and browse LinkedIn for shared connections. With those details in mind, you can craft prompts that resonate and show genuine curiosity rather than generic interest.

Here are practical ways to prepare:

  • Review company press releases for recent product launches or market expansions.
  • Scan panelists’ social media to spot common interests — perfect for opening lines.
  • Note industry trends and statistics so you can ask informed follow-up questions.
  • Draft a handful of flexible questions that can be adapted on the fly if the conversation shifts.

16 Questions To Ask When Networking

The most effective networkers keep a versatile toolkit of questions ready for any audience. Here are some open-ended questions to work into your networking efforts: 

Career Path and Professional Journey

  1. What inspired you to choose your current field?
  2. Which early career decision proved most pivotal?
  3. What skill have you found essential over time?
  4. Looking back, what do you wish you’d known during your MBA?

Company and Industry Insight

  1. How is XYZ trend impacting ABC process within your industry? 
  2. How is your organization positioning itself for growth, given this XYZ industry-specific challenge?
  3. What qualities do you prioritize when hiring new talent?
  4. What aspect of your culture keeps you motivated?

Personal Connection and Advice

  1. Which project has been most rewarding for you personally?
  2. How do you maintain energy outside of work?
  3. What strategies help you balance professional and personal goals?
  4. Are there associations you’d recommend for someone interested in this space?

Executive-Level Networking

  1. How has your approach to strategic decision-making changed as you’ve gotten more senior in your company? 
  2. What leadership challenge has taught you the most?
  3. Which traits stand out in emerging leaders you mentor?
  4. What guidance would you offer an MBA candidate at the start of their journey?

Tailor these questions to fit the setting, whether you’re chatting with alumni over coffee or exchanging ideas with a CEO at a panel, and you’ll move seamlessly into the relationship-building phase explored next.

Tips for Building Real Relationships at Networking Events

Authentic connections begin with active listening. When you truly tune in to the other person’s goals, challenges, and passions, you’re not just waiting for your turn to speak but engaging in a meaningful exchange. Listening deeply allows you to pick up on the details that matter most to them, so your follow-up questions feel thoughtful and relevant rather than rehearsed.

Curiosity is your greatest networking asset. Instead of relying on a mental checklist of “good” questions, focus on being genuinely interested in the person in front of you. Ask what excites them about their work or what challenges they’re trying to solve. This kind of sincere curiosity helps build trust, creates memorable interactions, and opens doors to authentic professional relationships.

Texas McCombs’ own networking guidance emphasizes that curiosity and intentionality leave a lasting impression long after business cards are exchanged. This is because people remember how you made them feel heard and valued.

Equally important is creating a true two-way dialogue. Keep your story concise, invite the other party to share, and watch for cues that signal it’s time to wrap. This balance shows professionalism and ensures the conversation feels energizing, not transactional.

Once the event wraps, the real relationship-building begins. Use these steps to stay top-of-mind and position yourself as a thoughtful future collaborator and potential hire:

  • Send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours, highlighting one memorable insight from your conversation.
  • Reference a shared topic, such as a book, podcast, or industry trend, and offer to exchange resources.
  • Connect on LinkedIn with a brief note that reminds them who you are and what you discussed.
  • Log key details (role, interests, next steps) so you can provide relevant updates when you reconnect.
  • Share an article or event invitation a few weeks later to keep the dialogue warm.

These habits mirror the support system McCombs offers its MBA candidates, resources highlighted in an overview of the school’s comprehensive career services. By following up with the same dedication those coaches model, you’ll nurture relationships that grow alongside your career, setting the stage for the final step: leveraging your expanding network to access internships, interviews, and full-time roles that fit your ambitions.

Empowering Your Professional Network at McCombs: Next Steps for Aspiring Leaders

Strategic questions turn introductions into partnerships, mentors into champions, and casual chats into career-defining insights. When you lead with curiosity and follow through with intentional relationship-building, you amplify every opportunity — and at Texas McCombs, you’re surrounded by resources that make those opportunities limitless.

Ready to put these questions to work? Practice them at your next event, then tap into the world-class support of the McCombs community. Explore our Hildebrand MBA programs today to connect with an alumni network that’s always within reach, access coaches who champion your growth, and activate a network designed to help you learn, grow, and land the career you’ve been working toward.