NETWORKING & CONNECTION BUILDING
WHY NETWORK?
As you enter the workforce, it is essential to start building your connections to find new jobs and professional opportunities along the way. The people in your network can help you not just find new opportunities but also advice and insights in a specific industry or in general.
Also keep in mind that networking entails a lot of paying it forward. Be sure to share your knowledge and connections to other people so that we, as a whole, can build better relationships and later on a better society too.
TIPS & TRICKS
There are several factors and ways to build your own career network. The most basic step is to start with who you know. These people will have other people as their connections and can later on introduce you directly or indirectly.
CONNECTIONS FOR YOUR CAREER & GROWTH
Consider these roles of connections in your personal career. They will encourage you to grow in different aspects of your life including your professional life.
THE LIFETIME MENTOR
Finding someone who can guide you in multiple and various aspects of your life overall is a like having a navigator system while driving. Without holistic guidance, you may get lost on the way. This may be a manager you closely work with that has the same outlook, principles & values that you have. Remember that this person is the one who will guide you long term so you keep in mind that he/she will be there timelessly.
THE CHAMPION CRAFTSMAN
Part of climbing up the ladder is identifying your blind spots when it comes to your skills. Having an icon to look up to, whether it’s the senior manager or the Chief Marketing Officer, is essential to have. Someone who is already up there may help you climb the same ladder in the long run. You need to know what skills they have that you may need to work on to reach your goals.
THE ACADEMIA COACH
Knowledge is power. Putting things in perspective from the academia would greatly help you be ahead of emerging views. To be at the forefront of trends is extremely important in any industry. This person can also be your pipeline from any academic institution (helpful internships, further studies, etc).
THE PARTNER-IN-CRIME
To have someone who knows you in & out, that sometimes may transcend beyond your work life, can be beneficial for your mental health. Having someone who you can connect with and just simply rant to cultivates a strength in your work attitude. We are humans and we are never made to be a lone wolf.
THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE
To have a full scope of the whole picture, it is important to see the other side of the field. Meaning, if you find yourself in the same echoing industry as your network, you may need to find connections who are in another opposing industry, department, or even values. Different is not bad. It gives us fresher ideas and inspirations.
BE PREPARED IN THE WORK PLACE
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