Networking request - how much help is reasonable?

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

I received an email from a young graduate (who I don't know, but who must have got my name from LinkedIn) who is interested in getting into the industry I work in, asking to meet so they could fact find about the industry and my own route into it. I'm working from home at the moment, really busy, and frankly, I just don't want to go for a coffee with a stranger, even if I had the time, so instead I replied with broad brush information and several weblinks to help with more detailed research, sources of training and possible networking opportunities. They've now replied to that message asking follow up questions, and have also sent me a LinkedIn request. I'm inclined not to respond as I feel I've offered help to the extent I'm able and comfortable with, but I'm not up to speed with the norms of modern networking - and I don't want to be perceived as rude, which may reflect badly on my employer. How much help is reasonable in this sort of situation?

IMHO, you can only offer as much help as you are willing or able to give. I would drop the person a few lines and explain that due to personal commitments you are unable to help any further.
Personally, having now retired , I offer as much help and guidance as I can. I mentor a few younger people at different stages of their careers in any way that I can.

I'd say you've done enough by replying to the email. Unless your job is very specialist, they may have emailed quite a few people they found on Linkedin so don't feel bad. It's a bit like scammers, if they get an initial response, they keep going!
I wouldn't respond any further (but then I wouldn't have responded in the first place so you are nicer than me!).

Thank you, @PacificallyRequested, that makes me feel better!

Thanks too, @cheekaa - if I wasn't still working full-time, I'd be happy to help more but at the moment I just don't have the spare capacity. Even the half hour it took to sort out the email was time I could ill-afford this week.