In today’s fast-moving world of profession, it is often said that « It is not what you know but who you know. » Networking is one of the most powerful tools for career growth; it enables new opportunities, knowledge sharing, and professional support. Whether you’re a beginner in your career or looking to take the next leap, building good relationships could be as essential as gaining technical expertise.
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WHY NETWORKING MATTERS
Networking can help boost career growth in various ways. First, it creates opportunities that a person wouldn’t have otherwise found. According to research from LinkedIn, up to 85% of jobs are filled through networking-that is, most hiring is done through personal connections rather than traditional job postings-and networking is therefore necessary to find new roles, especially in competitive industries.
Besides, networking enables one to learn from others. Through networking, individuals gets in contact with peers, mentors, and leaders in their field, thus exposing him to trends in the industry, best practices, and how to be successful. Simply put, a good professional network is an informal support system to help you through challenges and into new opportunities.
Finally, networking is about emotional and professional support. Building a relationship with those who understand the nuances in your field creates a community that will ultimately encourage, advise, and mentor you throughout your career.
THE ROLE OF PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Associations will help in networking: they provide a structured setting where professionals can connect with one another, share their experiences, and learn from one another. Besides conference settings or workshops, many associations include online forums and mentorship programs to help members build strong networks.
In fact, most societies, like ours, offer members various opportunities to meet and work with a group of seasoned professionals. These relationships often lead to career opportunities but are more important in allowing transfer of knowledge and diverse insights among members.
One of the most important aspects of networking through associations is that it mostly translates into mentorship. A mentor can assist with career choices, provide constructive criticism, and guide professionals through the complexities of career growth. Studies have indicated that professionals with mentors are likely to get promotions and enjoy greater job satisfaction.
EXPERIENCE WITH NETWORKING
It has also become a big part of my personal and professional life in recent years. One good example is from the military. The friendships and connections I had during my service lasted in several cases. Although those relationships began in a different context, they remain valuable today.
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I still regularly go out for drinks or otherwise with my old military friends. We have stayed close and have been there through thick and thin, for each other personally and professionally. These connections reminded me of the importance of keeping in touch and how sometimes relationships can change over time.
This experience taught me something about networking in the professional world. Just like my friendships forged in the military, professional relationships need time to be nurtured. They don’t happen in boardrooms only; they evolve over time when people are in constant contact with one another, go through similar experiences, and assist one another.
BUILDING A GOOD NETWORK: SOME TIPS
Here are some tips to help you build a strong professional network:
- Be proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you, get out there and attend industry events, reach out to professionals in your field of operations, and join organizations that further your career aspirations.
- Offer value: Remember, networking is a two-way street. Every time you reach out to someone new, consider what you may be able to offer him or her-insight, assistance, or perhaps a bridging opportunity.
- Stay in touch: For any relationship to build up, time is required. Be it casual checking or attending events together-regular follow-up is a must to maintain your network.
- Leverage technology: These days, networking is not confined to live events only. Make use of social networking sites such as LinkedIn for staying in touch and keeping engaged with your network virtually.
GOING DIGITAL WITH NETWORKING
Digital platforms have made it much easier for professionals to network around the world. For example, LinkedIn lets a user expand their networks beyond the place they are living; hence, this allows for a wide range of contact. Virtual events and webinars are increasingly emerging, which enable reaching out to industry leaders and peers without physical presence.
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While traditional face-to-face networking still has its place, digital tools have helped keep the effort much less labor-intensive. Staying active in online communities by commenting and engaging in discussions—all a good way to remain visible, which is crucially relevant for today’s networking.
Networking is more than a tool for finding a job; it’s an investment in your professional future.
It opens up new opportunities, a source of priceless knowledge, and provides a supportive network that can help see you through adversities. Whether through professional associations, personal relationships, or digital platforms, developing and maintaining a strong network can be the key to long-term professional success.
I have lived through how strong connections-from the military to professional life-can create a lifelong impact. Thus, take the time to invest in your relationships—they will undoubtedly pay dividends throughout your career.
Sebastian Hügi
Sources:
Rebelo, Terry. « The Lifelong Power of Networking. » Center for Creative Leadership, 2017. CCL Article
Ibarra, Herminia. « How Leaders Create and Use Networks. » Harvard Business Review, January 2007. HBR Article
« Networking your way into a job. » LinkedIn. LinkedIn Career Advice
Cohen, Don, and Laurence Prusak. « Social Capital and Networking in the Digital Age. » MIT Sloan Management Review, 2001. MIT Sloan Article
Gallo, Amy. « Why Mentorship Is Key to Career Growth. » Harvard Business Review, January 2021. HBR Article
Clark, Dorie. « The Real Value of Joining Professional Associations. » Forbes, May 2014. Forbes Article
« The Importance of Digital Networking for Career Growth. » LinkedIn Learning, 2023. LinkedIn Learning Blog
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