How to network as a new graduate student in a new country First of all, let me admit something from the beginning; I don't understand exactly what is meant by networking in an academic setting.
I am a new Master's student in a country where I never studied before (Germany). Until now, as an undergrad, I have done several internships, worked within a couple of research groups for some time, attended many seminars &amp; workshops, taken several graduate-level courses. During each of those occasions, I had the opportunity to meet with several academics who could (I guess) help me while I am shaping my career, but I've never tried to communicate with people whom I didn't have to. Sounds quite a bit of lost opportunity, but in my defense, I don't like socially interacting with people whom I don't know and don't comfortable being around.
My first question is that what have I (possibly) lost by not networking?
Secondly, what is meant by &quot;networking&quot; exactly in an academic setting? Just knowing each other exists, or being some kind of friends, or just knowing who is interested in what?
Thirdly, how can a graduate student network in events where most of the people are way older, and academically more senior?

Addendum:
I've just come from my first, proper academic event. It was more for a celebration than a networking event, but still, I've met a lot of people and it was great. There were a lot of people who think in the same way as I do (not necessarily we agreed on everything, just our way of thinking were the same; analytical, based on data, etc.). I think I've made some &quot;academic friends&quot;, and there was a lot of interesting discussion on almost everything but above all, it was really fun.
But, all the things were with the people whom I had already known a bit, and I found it a bit hard to join the discussion with the people I hadn't know.
Since you

have done several internships, worked within a couple of research groups for some time, attended many seminars &amp; workshops, taken several graduate-level courses

You have probably done a fair amount of networking already. And I'd say likely more than other Master students. You're maybe not as &quot;connected&quot; as someone who introduced themselves at seminars or workshops, but you still know better now what the various speakers are working on. This is a big part of what networking is about.



 Secondly, what is meant by &quot;networking&quot; exactly in an academic setting? Just knowing each other exists, or being some kind of friends, or just knowing who is interested in what?

Since you indicate you are in Germany, networking is about getting acquainted: knowing each other exists and what their professional interests and topics are.
You may also become professional friends (and since you are in Germany, beware of the difference between English friend and German Freund - which is reserved for close friends in English terms)



 how can a graduate student network in events where most of the people are way older, and academically more senior?

The most effective way is IMHO attending conferences.

If you are at a conference on your own (noone else from your group), attach yourself to various other groups that are there in somewhat larger numbers. Easiest IMHO to attach yourself to some fellow students, who are there with also postdocs or their professor around.
If you are attending together with more senior people from your group, I'd expect &quot;your&quot; postdocs or professor may introduce you to their acquaintances.

You can also attend e.g. PhD student seminars. There it should be quite easy to get acquainted with your peers. This is also very relevant and useful networking: a) you can get e.g. information on working conditions in their groups when you'll be looking for a postdoc position later on. b) Like you, they'll &quot;grow up&quot; academically/professionally. In a few years, they'll be your experienced professional peers, PIs and professors that you know already.
Last but not least, I think it also important to get acquanted also with a group of people outside your field. In Germany, I'd recommend joining some sports club/university sports or a theater group or... depending on what your hobbies are.