How to Build Professional Relationships in Online Courses

7 June 2025

Let’s talk about the elephant in the Zoom room—yes, I’m talking about building professional relationships in online courses. You know, those magical connections we’re supposed to form while staring at pixelated faces during breakout room #842. If you’ve ever wondered, “How on Earth am I supposed to network with someone I’ve never physically met and whose video is always off?”—congrats, you’re in the right place.

Welcome to the digital jungle of online learning. The land where your mic’s muted by default, networking feels like shouting into the void, and somehow, you’re expected to come out with a degree and a LinkedIn list that rivals a Hollywood red carpet.

But hey, don’t panic. Whether you're a student juggling three tabs during lectures or a professional upskilling between Netflix episodes, there are actually smart (and sneaky) ways to build legit relationships in virtual classrooms. And no, they don’t involve awkward cold DMs (okay, maybe just one or two).

So, grab your coffee (or your fourth energy drink), and let’s dive into the not-so-secret recipe of turning random classmates into valuable connections.

Why Should You Even Bother?

Good question! With the internet bursting at the seams with DIY degrees and free tutorials, you could technically never speak to another soul and still learn something. But here’s the kicker: relationships are the real ROI of education.

You see, the people you're sharing a virtual room with? They’re not just faces (or blank Zoom squares). They’re future colleagues, collaborators, employers, maybe even co-founders. That group project partner who responds with memes might end up hiring you. You never know.

In short, don’t ghost people just because your class ends in a week. Relationships outlive syllabi.

Rule #1: Treat It Like The Real World (Even If You’re Wearing Pajamas)

Sure, no one’s actually watching you from the waist down (hopefully). But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t act like a professional. Remember those in-person interactions where you had to shower and pretend to be a functioning adult? Same energy—just digitally.

Here’s what that looks like:

- Show up (consistently). Not just physically. Be mentally present. No one networks with the ghost of passive logins past.
- Turn on your camera if it's not against your religion. Faces build familiarity. Familiarity builds trust. Trust builds professional connections. Bingo.
- Participate like you paid tuition for this (because you did). Ask questions, answer them, react in the chat. Be a real person, not a username in the void.

Rule #2: Slide Into DMs… But Keep It Classy

Ah, the art of the Direct Message—part science, part social gamble. If done right, it’s your secret networking weapon. If done wrong, well… enjoy being left on seen.

Here’s how to make it work:

- Find common ground: “Hey, noticed we both love marketing and hate APA formatting. Want to connect?”
- Be specific: “I liked your perspective on XYZ during the discussion. Mind chatting more about that sometime?”
- Keep it short and sweet: No one needs a novel in the middle of their deadline stress.

Remember: your goal isn’t to impress, it’s to connect. So ditch the resume-speak. Be chill.

Rule #3: Use Group Projects as Networking Bootcamps

Yes, I know—group projects are the seventh circle of academic hell. But ironically, they’re networking gold disguised as collaborative torture.

Here’s how to turn that chaos into connection:

- Take initiative. Volunteer to organize, coordinate, or even just start the group chat. Leaders stand out (and people remember you).
- Be reliable. Nothing builds trust faster than showing up and doing your part without being chased like a stray cat.
- Show your personality. Don’t be just “that silent guy from slide three.” Crack a joke, share a meme, be memorable in a good way.

At the end, follow up with your groupmates: “Hey, loved working with you. Want to stay connected?” Boom. Instant network expansion.

Rule #4: Start or Join a Study Group (Yes, Even If You Hate Studying)

Let’s be honest—studying alone sucks. It’s hard to stay focused when Reddit is two clicks away. But slap on the word “group,” and suddenly you’re being productive and social.

Online study groups are the modern-day equivalent of watercooler chat. You bond over confusing assignments, missed deadlines, and shared academic trauma.

To make it worth your while:

- Use platforms like Discord, Slack, or even WhatsApp.
- Mix it up—don’t just focus on class content. Share resources, discuss career paths, and yes, throw in the occasional meme for morale.
- Invite others. The more, the merrier. (Okay, maybe not 30 people. We want a group chat, not a flash mob.)

Rule #5: Leverage Course Forums Without Sounding Like a Robot

Most online courses have forums. Sadly, they often feel like the internet’s version of a dentist’s waiting room—awkward, silent, and full of forced small talk.

But here’s a secret: your classmates skim through those posts. So if you show personality, originality, and actual insight, you’ll stand out like a cat in a dog park.

Try this:

- Ask interesting questions that aren’t just “What did everyone think of Chapter 6?”
- Respond to others with genuine interest.
- Use humor—lightly. This isn’t stand-up comedy, but a little wit goes a long way.

If someone drops a comment that vibes with you? Follow up. Build the thread, then take it outside the forum—with consent, of course.

Rule #6: Engage on Social Media (Yes, Really)

Who says academia can’t slide into Instagram or LinkedIn territory? Social networking isn’t just for influencers and recruiters—it’s the place to extend classroom conversations into real-world relationships.

Here’s how to not make it weird:

- Add connections on LinkedIn after the course—especially professors, guest speakers, and classmates who actually participated.
- Comment meaningfully on their posts. No “nice post” nonsense. Show you care. Or at least that you can read.
- Share your own course wins—finished a project? Post it. Learned something cool? Share it. Others might chime in, and boom—conversation.

Oh, and if you still think LinkedIn is just Facebook in a suit, you’re using it wrong.

Rule #7: Don’t Forget the Professors (They're People Too!)

Ever think, “Professors will never remember me”? True—if you act like an NPC (non-participating character). But if you engage, ask questions, and show actual enthusiasm? You’ll become that student—the good kind.

Why bother?

- They can write recommendations.
- They often have industry connections.
- They usually know who’s hiring.
- And let’s face it, they’re smart cookies.

So yes, email them, comment on lecture points, and—hot tip—thank them at the end of the course. Politeness never goes out of style.

Rule #8: Follow Up or Fade Out

Building relationships is like growing plants. You can’t just water them once and hope they bloom into lush networking gardens. You’ve got to follow up.

Send a quick message every few weeks:

- “Hey, how’s your new job going?”
- “Saw this article and thought of our project—remember that madness?”
- “We both survived that course. Want to catch up?”

Don’t be clingy. Be casual, cool, and consistent. If you fade into silence, so will your connections.

Rule #9: Be Genuine or Go Home

Last but not least: be real. People can smell fake networking from a mile away—especially behind a screen. You’re not trying to collect contacts like Pokémon cards. You’re trying to build actual human relationships.

Focus on:

- Listening more than pitching.
- Helping without expecting something back.
- Being curious, not just career-hungry.

Think of it as building a community rather than a contact list. Because the best professional relationships? They start with good old-fashioned human connection.

Final Thoughts: Relationships Are the Hidden Curriculum

Yes, you're here to earn a degree or certification. To collect knowledge, pad your resume, and maybe land a job that doesn’t make you want to scream inside your heart. But if you ignore the people around you, you're missing out on the real value of online education.

You never know which classmate will become your mentor, business partner, or best connection yet. And the beauty of online learning? Your network isn’t bound by geography. You could literally be friends with someone from five time zones away who has a dog named JavaScript.

So turn on that camera. Send that message. Join that study group. And above all, act human—even if you’re wearing bunny slippers off-screen.

You're not just building a resume. You're building relationships.