Of UC Berkeley’s many benefits, one influences its culture more than the others: its extensive network of students and alumni. Connections can get you far, but networking can get out of hand sometimes. Occasionally, it can turn a would-be rom-com into an unwanted job interview. Luckily, we’ve got your back. Here are five signs that will help you determine if someone is flirting or just networking. 

1. You meet on Sproul

At any other school, the main gate would be the perfect spot for a meet-cute. At UC Berkeley, Sproul Plaza is a free-for-all. The tablers are in tough competition with one another, and they will use any means necessary to get your attention. Flirting is never off the table. Intense, steamy eye contact is the perfect ploy to get you to accept a club flier. You will not be asked on a date here; the closest you will get to a nighttime link will probably just be an info session. Be warned. 

2. They express a desire to “connect”

This might be how the Haases students flirt with each other, but for the rest of us regular folk, it should be a red flag.  It won’t be long before they’re sending you an invite to a coffee chat, and that idea alone should send a chill down your spine. Don’t keep your bCalendar free for these — they will be checking. 

3. “Consulting” is mentioned in any way, shape or form

Turn back, run away, do whatever you can to get to safety. These are the Casanovas of networking, and they will not hesitate to put the moves on you for their consulting club. Many have conducted extensive research into what they actually do, to no avail — they keep that information locked up tighter than the Pentagon. 

4. Smiling too much

This is suspicious because, frankly, there is not much to smile about at the University of California, Berkeley. Anyone flashing their pearly whites for too long either has Colgate strips in or has an ulterior motive, and more often than not it’s the latter.

5. Asking for your LinkedIn

This is basically third base. Go right ahead.