u/GoodEffective6223

Context: I am an south Asian admit to an Ivy for their MPP Program. I have ~2.5 years of work ex and did my undergrad in economics.

The issue: Almost everyone I have spoken has emphasised how the US job market runs on networking. I understand the broad strokes and the sentiment but I am struggling to understand the how-to and the ABCs of networking. How do I build a network? how and when do i approach people? What pre-work should I do for this. How do I stay in touch? If I am a conference or a speaker session, how do I meaningfully engage and standout for this to be a potential connection later in life?

I appreciate any and all help. Really just a networking rookie looking for specific directions. Thank you!