Networking is used by professionals to widen their circles of acquaintances, find out about job opportunities, and increase their awareness of news and trends in their fields. Business owners network to develop relationships with people and companies they may do business with in the future. The benefits of networking include access to job opportunities, professional connections, career advice, new ideas, and valuable information. Networking also helps with personal and business growth, building relationships, and gaining a competitive edge in your industry.
I went to Washington DC for 3 years and I attended a conference called Disability Policy Seminar. What I learned from the seminar is listening to speakers from different sections like networking and listening skills. Networking helps a professional keep up with current events in the field and develop relationships that may boost future business or employment prospects. Networking can happen anywhere and in small or large groups. Networking is all about connections, which can provide you with advice and contacts, which can help you make informed career decisions. Networking can even help you find unadvertised jobs and internships.
Networking can take place in a group or one-on-one setting. Networking can open doors to new opportunities that might be out of reach otherwise. Plus, a strong professional relationship can inspire someone to hand-deliver your resume to the hiring manager’s desk. This can make you stand out from the crowd and even help you land your dream job one day. Once you’ve drawn up your list, start making contact with the people in your network. Let them know that you’re looking for a job. Be specific about what kind of work you’re looking for and ask them if they have any information or know anyone in a relevant field. Don’t assume that certain people won’t be able to help. According to LinkedIn, 80% of professionals consider networking vital to career success. Looking for a job can be a challenging and lengthy process, but networking is one way to make it easier.
Some lessons I have learned about networking include:
- The use of speed networking
- You can use volunteering as networking
- The importance of social media in networking (especially LinkedIn)
- You can use your passions to create networks
I have learned about networking from courses, LinkedIn, and other people in my career field. Going forward, I plan to teach other young people how to network and advocate for themselves. It can help you find a job. Networking can help you learn how to start a resume or cover letter. Networking can help with small things or big things in your career. I want to be a chef, so I use networking to find jobs and find support from people around me. It helps me research skills on how to be a chef and communicate in the field. I want to start my own business as a chef and I know networking can help me. Networking allows you to meet new people in your field, learn about new opportunities, and get your name out there.
Sources:
https://careerconnections.smeal.psu.edu/resources/networking-resources-and-tips/
https://careercenter.umich.edu/content/networking-resources
https://careers.umbc.edu/students/network/networking101/tips/
https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/college-networking/