The importance of networking in the academic and professional experiences of racial minority students in the USA

Abstract

Through examination of the experiences of minority undergraduate doctoral aspirants in the United States, this study points to the importance of academic and professional influences of networking, as well as its role in the academic attainment and professional experiences of underrepresented groups in academe. The findings suggest that networking positively influences academic and professional lives of marginalized racial minority students. Recommendations for providing meaningful networking opportunities to students for postsecondary administrators and faculty are provided.

Keywords:

• networking
• academic
• professional experience
• racial minorities