What is Networking?
Networking is a strategic process to build and maintain mutually-beneficial long-term relationships with others.
Networking is the art of mapping out who you know, nourishing relationships you already have, and expanding your network by getting to know new people.
Before you start networking, you have to ask yourself what your mission is in your career and what your motive is to build a specific relationship. The relationships you build have to work in both directions: not only do you reap the benefits of networking; you should also reach out to others when they will be in need. Maintaining them requires effort.
How to build your professional network?
-
Reach out to the right people you already know: anybody who can help (past and present colleagues and supervisors, friends, family, etc.)
-
Invest in each relationship and keep in touch. Take notes during conversations, find out your shared interests, come up with a solution about a problem they shared with you
-
Build your online professional network, join a professional association, connect with your college alumni.
-
Attend professional networking events to meet new people: show that you have a genuine interest in learning about other people; communicate that you have an authentic passion for your career.
-
Relationships are built on trust and loyalty.
Create your profile on LinkedIn:
LinkedIn is currently the largest professional networking platform that will help you build your online brand, grow and maintain your professional network, and search for jobs.
Contact us if you need assistance to build your LinkedIn profile.
Follow these tips when you build your profile:
-
Upload a professional profile picture and customize your personal URL.
-
Write a powerful headline mentioning your specialty and an interesting summary for recruiters and professionals to immediately know who you are and what skills you bring to the table; remember to use keywords related to your field.
-
Highlight your experience using action words to demonstrate what you have accomplished.
-
When your profile is complete, start making connections (first with people you know) and ask for recommendations.
-
Keep your page active: join professional groups based on your interests, participate in discussions, post thoughtful comments and share posts.
-
Always be careful about what you say about yourself and what you post online: think of everything as public information, be careful of scams for fake job postings, training or job search help.
Additional Resources:
Contact us if you need assistance.