With Imprint coming up, I wanted to discuss a bit about the importance of networking. According to Google, networking can be defined as the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contracts. In our courses, we typically hear about networking and how important it is but do we actually know the impact it can have? I know this is something that I hear a lot about in my classes and wanted to learn more so I decided to look into it.
Networking can be beneficial in both social and professional aspects. Social networking can be defined as using different social media platforms to connect with others who have similar interests. This can also be your own personal connections in the real world. Social networking has lots of socioeconomic benefits to a job, future home, or even potential relationships. It’s always great to expand your network to learn more about different interests and shared ideas and this is a great starting point.
Now moving on to professional networking, this is what we hear more often in our classes and from our advisors. Professional networking can be defined as building relationships with other professionals either in your career or other related fields. Typically this occurs at career fairs, conferences, and sometimes even social events. It’s important to professionally network because of the opportunities that come with it. Through networking, you can learn more about different companies and careers, receive some professional advice, find some potential clients, and learn so much more in general.
Networking brings about so many benefits that we may not think of. It helps build connections with those either in your career or just with shared interests. You can learn something new, gain some new resources, and create new relationships all through networking. Finding ways to start building these connections with others can help begin this initial step to networking.
Sources:
https://hbr.org/2007/01/how-leaders-create-and-use-networks
https://centers.fuqua.duke.edu/case/2018/04/06/networking-social-change/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/social-networking
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/professional-networking
