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7.9: Networking Confidently

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    134860

    • This page is a draft and is under active development. 

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    Learning Objectives
    • Identify strategies for networking

    What is Networking?

    Networking involves meeting and staying in touch with professionals and other people, usually within your field or area of interest. These people can help you find a job, change jobs, secure a raise or promotion, or resolve other problems.

    Blue figures spread across a white page, connected by black dotted lines
    Figure 7.9.1 : Networking

    The Benefits of Networking

    Networking offers all employees, not just those seeking employment, with many benefits. For job seekers, networking can provide access to job opportunities, including the hidden job market (those jobs that are not advertised) and career advice; for all employees, networking can open doors to professional relationships, knowledge sharing, and new perspectives. Other benefits include:

    • Gaining insights into different industries and career paths
    • Learning from experienced professionals
    • Receiving mentorship and career guidance
    • Building relationships that can lead to collaborations and job referrals

    The Power of Networking in Career Development

    Whether you are searching for a job, seeking mentorship, or exploring new industries, networking provides valuable connections and opportunities. When you network, you exchange information, build relationships, and increase your skill set. You can ask for help with creating application documents, developing your business card, and finding new clients. You can also gain:

    • Job search strategies and job leads
    • Industry insights and company details
    • Connections with others through networking events, conferences, and meet-ups
    • Social media connections with other professionals on platforms such as LinkedIn

    Your network expands with every new relationship you establish. If you have a job and are seeking a new opportunity, don't discount networking within your company. You can attend company events, ask to work on projects with other teams, seek a rotational assignment (e.g., ask your boss to "trade" you to another team), or volunteer for additional assignments.

    Example: New United Motors Manufacturing, Inc.

    For example, New United Motors Manufacturing, Inc. (known as NUMMI, a collaboration of Toyota and General Motors) organized community events when the company was located in Fremont, California (1984 - 2010). Volunteers organized a tree-planting event at a local park. Employees and their families were invited to attend. The event required a great deal of preparation, including announcing the event, purchasing trees, and preparing the planting site. This event created numerous opportunities for employees to network with executives, managers, employees and their families, as well as the community and park staff.

    When the company moved to Texas in April 2010, many employees who did not chose to move found new positions through networking. Their participation in the tree-planting event as well as many other company events allowed them to forge many new relationships. [1]

    Getting Started with Networking

    Where to begin? Although networking may be challenging for those who identify as introverts, it doesn't have to be. For those who have not yet started careers, simple steps can reap big returns. Hank Blank, in the video Networking Tips for College Students and Young People, recommends these strategies:

    1. Have a Plan – Identify who you want to connect with and why. Treat networking as an intentional process, not a passive one.
    2. Leverage Your Existing Network – Start with friends, family, classmates, professors, and alumni. Ask for introductions.
    3. Create and Carry Business Cards – Keep a physical card handy; it's a simple yet effective way to stand out and ensure people remember you.
    4. Establish an Online Presence – Secure a professional email and social media handle that match your name (e.g., Jane.Doe@email.com, @janedoe_marketing).
    5. Attend Networking Events – Join industry-related events, professional organizations, or student clubs.
    6. Connect with Your Parents' and Professors’ Networks – Think about the valuable contacts THEY have; reach out for their help.
    7. Volunteer or Take Internships – Engage in volunteer work or internships to meet professionals in your field.
    8. Master LinkedIn – Create a strong profile and engage with industry-related content. HR professionals frequently use LinkedIn to find candidates.

    Why and How You Should Network Using LinkedIn

    Since 2003, LinkedIn has been helping people develop their professional networks. According to Tzufit Herling in the article Networking on LinkedIn: Why You Should and How to Do It (2022), LinkedIn has more than 800 million members in 200 countries, meaning it has endless networking possibilities. This is his advice for why and how to use it effectively.

    Why Should You Use LinkedIn?

    LinkedIn offers many ways to:

    • Build your personal or company brand
    • Find a job
    • Market your services and find clients or customers
    • Follow leaders in your industry or in fields you would like to enter
    • Learn from interesting content; experts often include articles, Infographics and more
    • Create collaborations; discover like-minded individuals looking for co-creators
    • Get expertise from those in different stages of their careers; seek expert knowledge
    • Find potential contacts; join groups; locate events

    How Can You Make the Most Out of Your Experience?

    • Start a conversation; send a message to a contact; ask your contacts to connect you with others
    • Share something (e.g., a quote, TED talk, story, or graphic)
    • Engage with content others post; provide feedback, add to a story, ask a question
    • Ask for help; ask for assistance on job-related issues
    • Be authentic; keep it real (don't over-sell yourself; avoid political or controversial rants)

    Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/networking-linkedin-why-you-should-how-do-tzufit-herling/

    How to Network Effectively

    According to Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar in the Harvard Business Review's article, "A Beginner's Guide to Networking," "people with stronger networks end up with higher salaries and more promotions..."The more connected you are to people at different job levels...the more likely you are to know about new opportunities when they arise." [2]

    Key Tactics to Build Connections

    • Engage in Conversations: When attending events, introduce yourself with confidence and show genuine interest in others
    • Ask for Introductions: If you want to connect with someone, ask a mutual contact to introduce you
    • Follow Up: After meeting a potential connection, send a thank-you email or LinkedIn message
    • Network in Unconventional Settings: Career opportunities can arise anywhere—coffee shops, community events, or even online forums
    • Set Weekly Goals: Challenge yourself to meet at least two new professional contacts per week

    Online Networking Tips

    • Connect with industry professionals and recruiters on LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, SimplyHired, or other websites
    • Join relevant groups and participate in discussions
    • Share industry-related content to showcase your expertise
    Real-Life Success Story

    Roger, a marketing student, attended a local business event and introduced himself to the marketing manager. The manager appeared frazzled, so Roger offered to help her distribute the company's giveaways. He even stayed to box up the remaining goods. While boxing, he suggested ways to streamline events involving giveaways. Although the company had no job opening listed, the manager hired him to help at the next event. After streamlining processes and tracking financial savings, Roger was the first choice when a marketing position opened within the company. Today, Roger is a Marketing Director for a Fortune 500 company.

    A Cautionary Note on Networking

    Networking is a two-way street. Instead of focusing solely on what others can do for you, think about how you can provide value. Listen actively, offer help where you can, and build genuine relationships. Remember, opportunities often arise from mutual support and goodwill.

    Where to Find Networking Opportunities

    Networking opportunities abound. Start with your family and friends. Once you gain confidence, you can keep expanding your connections. Additional resources include:

    • Campus Resources: Career centers, professors, alumni associations
    • Events: Conferences, meet-ups, industry panels, workshops
    • Online Platforms: LinkedIn, professional organization websites, job forums
    • Community Engagement: Volunteering, internships, part-time jobs
    • Personal Networks: Family, friends, classmates, former colleagues

    Additional Resources

    Contributors and Attributions

    Footnotes

    This page titled 7.9: Networking Confidently is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Nina Burokas via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.