As a recent grad, networking with more tenured people can offer several benefits, such as Mentorship, Career Advancement, Industry Insights, and Professional Development.

More tenured professionals have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in their field. They can offer valuable advice and guidance to those just starting out in their careers. Mid and senior-level employees also often have a larger network and can provide referrals or recommend job opportunities. They may also have insight into how to navigate promotions and advancement within a company.

Leaders and executives have likely seen the evolution of their industry and can provide valuable insight into trends, challenges, and opportunities and can offer opportunities for learning and skill-building, such as attending conferences or taking part in mentorship programs.

Networking with industry experts can provide a wealth of knowledge, connections, and opportunities that can help you advance your career and achieve your goals. Building connections on LinkedIn takes time and effort, so remember to be patient and consistent in your outreach by focusing on building genuine relationship building with those in your network. Here is a great way to start:

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile on LinkedIn and I'm impressed by your work at [Dream Company]. As someone who is passionate about [industry/field], I have been following [Dream Company]'s success and I believe my skills and experience would make me a valuable addition to your team.

I am particularly interested in [specific project/aspect of the company's work]. I have [related experience or skills], which I believe could be of great value to your team. I would love to learn more about the company's culture and any upcoming opportunities that may be available.

Would you be open to connecting and discussing potential opportunities at [Dream Company]? I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your experience and insights on the company.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

If you don't receive a response, follow up with a polite message. Sometimes, people may overlook or forget to respond to messages, so a gentle reminder can be helpful. Keep your message short and to the point. Most people are busy, so avoid long-winded messages that may be perceived as a waste of time.

If you have something in common with the person, such as a shared industry or mutual connection, mention it in your message. This can help establish a connection and increase the likelihood of a response.

Good luck + Happy networking!