The most important part of networking is obviously contacting people who you think can help you in your quest for information. One of the best ways to do this is to check out the Alumni Connections Database through Career Services. This consists of Alumni who are totally willing to help you define future plans, search out opportunities, and make contact with more people.
Previous Employers are also excellent networking connections.
Once you get a name to contact you have a couple options. E-mailing is one of the most effective ways to make contact because it's quick and easy for the person you contact to respond to. If you need more advice on how to word a letter or e-mail stop by the Career Services Library and check out the book A Foot in the Door , it has sample letters that can be really helpful. Another way to contact is obviously to call the person. Meghan did this a lot in addition to e-mailing.