Written by Alexandra Doncheva

Imagine you and an equally talented counterpart are in contention for a job at a new company. Your skillsets and experience are equal. However, your competition has an extensive network of positive relationships. Some of the management team members at this new company are part of this network, and your competition is well acquainted with them. There is only one spot. Who will get offered the position, and who won’t?

I will go ahead and ruin the surprise. Because your competition has already developed meaningful connections ahead of time, they will most likely be selected for the job. Easier job procurement is just one of the many benefits of networking. However, networking serves a much more comprehensive purpose than simply acting to self-serve and bolster one’s reputation in the professional world.

What is Networking?

Before we get into the true perks of networking, we need to understand networking from a conceptual standpoint. Networking is any interaction in which individuals become better acquainted with one another’s skillsets and can serve as a point of reference for each other in the future. This can be through exchanging physical information such as contacts but can even go as far as sharing new ideas. Networking is building meaningful relationships – genuinely. Perhaps most importantly, networking builds relationships so you can help others (and they can help you).

Why Should We Network?

Apart from the potential to cultivate connections that could prove advantageous to you in your current industry, networking presents a whole host of other benefits, such as helping develop communication skills, exposing one to fresh perspectives, and aiding in the discovery of new knowledge or ideas.

Strengthened Communication:

By continually putting yourself in new situations with individuals you may not be familiar with, you are effectively building invaluable social skills that are not just necessary in the workforce but are of value in any social situation. Each new individual you cross paths with allows you to practice and improve your skills.

Often, the most difficult questions for many career-oriented individuals can be the simple “tell me about yourself” questions. Networking allows you to hear others’ answers to this question. Through interacting with individuals whom you have never met and who have likely never met you, you will gain some practice in learning how to talk about yourself effectively and how to actively listen to others. These skills will come incredibly handy in future job interviews and other instances where you will need the ability to sell yourself.

Fresh Perspectives:

We’re all busy, and it is very easy to get wrapped up in your world when surrounded by and interacting with the same few individuals daily. However, there is a whole other world out there. The perk of networking is that it allows us to look outside the realm of familiarity and gain exposure to new perspectives that our daily co-workers cannot offer. Talking to different individuals within your field or a related field may give you insights on how to address a particular situation or problem you have been working hard to solve that could only be offered by viewing the issue with a fresh set of eyes.

New Knowledge:

Every person you meet has something different to bring to the table. Networking is a phenomenal opportunity to exchange the best knowledge and industry insight (i.e., what certifications are trending or will prove to be useful in the near future, any new software that has been highly efficient, relevant industry developments, etc.). The wider the network you build, the more exposure and access to valuable information you will have. Not only will this make you better versed as an individual, but you may also pick up some new knowledge that significantly benefits your company.

How to Network Effectively?

Now that we have gone over some of the benefits, the question becomes: how do you network effectively so that both parties can equally benefit from the relationship as much as possible? The answer to this question can be broken down into two key components – where you network and how you handle your new connections post-networking – that are essential to a successful networking experience.

Where to Network:

When deciding where to begin your networking experience, consider your industry and where you feel you will make the most meaningful connections. Networking can happen in many different ways and at various events.

For instance, in the current digital age, technology has proven to be a highly reliable and easy tool for engaging in networking. With platforms such as LinkedIn, individuals now have the luxury of networking from their own homes. These platforms provide a central online location for people to get to know other professionals in their fields and showcase their expertise through creating an updated profile, highlighting their professional experience and relevant skills. However, networking in this form is strictly virtual. We all need to keep our profiles and resumes regularly updated. This is the only way for other professionals to see what experiences you have, and you will not be able to speak to your skillset outside of what is listed on your profile.

The other option is to take the more traditional route and participate in in-person networking at conferences or events. Even this has been made easier as there are now forums like Meetup.com that allow you to connect to groups with people who share a common interest and attend in-person events with these individuals.

Maintaining Positive Long-Term Relationships:

The second important piece in effective networking is how you treat your connections once you have made them. Acknowledge that your connections are humans with aspirations and desires like you. Everyone is looking to become the best version of themselves that they possibly can be, which is where it helps to have a solid support system of like-minded individuals.

That being said, make sure you are actively following up with your new connections and keep yourself asserted as a readily available resource for them to reach out to should they need any help or advice. This will let your network know that you see them as more than just a name on your long list of connections and that you are genuinely invested in how you can best help them succeed. These efforts will surely be appreciated and will help with the longevity of your networking relationships.

Written by Alexandra Doncheva

Alexandra is a student in Montgomery County Public School’s Summer RISE program.