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what is the best way to network with people in the industry
i don't really try to keep up with people that much. Most times I'm too caught up in my work.
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9 answers
Updated
Randy’s Answer
Leviticus,
Great question, and I'll do my best to answer with advice that I've been following since joining tech.
1) Talk to everyone
I adopted this advice from the Career Director who worked at the coding bootcamp that I attended. She stressed that her best networking tool was the fact that she talked to everyone that she ran into. I used this advice throughout my career and it's been a game changer. No matter where you go, it helps to speak to people, learn about their careers, learn about their interests, etc.
Why?
Because you never know when you're going to run into your future boss, future colleague, or an opportunity that lines up with your career goals. In addition, you'll become more comfortable communicating with people from various backgrounds, and this can be a helpful skill to pick up as your grow your career.
2) Contribute to communities
Oftentimes, the industry you're trying to get into will have communities available for you to join. Depending on your age level, you'll find benefits from joining these communities. If you're in high-school, look into local STEM clubs or local meetups that are age appropriate. If you're in college, consider joining LinkedIn and see about connecting with other early-career professionals there. Search for local events that will allow you learn about companies, meet other professionals, and discover opportunities go participate in giving back.
Why?
No one is on the journey alone, at least you don't have to feel that way. Find ways to connect with others through communities. When you do find the right community for you and your career goals, give back! See how you can contribute and grow that community.
3) Share your journey
If all else fails, and you're having a tough time finding your people, consider documenting your journey using a blog or even social media. Use relevant hashtags to attract others that are on a similar journey. Keep a positive voice and perspective on your career journey and you'll find others wanting to network with you as well.
Why?
As someone who's been in the professional world for many years now, I know that others out there look for guidance and help. You can be that guidance, you can be help others find their way. Don't feel like you need to be a senior-level or super expert, before you start to share your journey with others. Feel free to share what you've learned and communicate what your experience has been like; if done correctly, you'll be able to build a network of like-minded folks.
I hope these three small pieces of advice help!
Best of luck, Leviticus!
Great question, and I'll do my best to answer with advice that I've been following since joining tech.
1) Talk to everyone
I adopted this advice from the Career Director who worked at the coding bootcamp that I attended. She stressed that her best networking tool was the fact that she talked to everyone that she ran into. I used this advice throughout my career and it's been a game changer. No matter where you go, it helps to speak to people, learn about their careers, learn about their interests, etc.
Why?
Because you never know when you're going to run into your future boss, future colleague, or an opportunity that lines up with your career goals. In addition, you'll become more comfortable communicating with people from various backgrounds, and this can be a helpful skill to pick up as your grow your career.
2) Contribute to communities
Oftentimes, the industry you're trying to get into will have communities available for you to join. Depending on your age level, you'll find benefits from joining these communities. If you're in high-school, look into local STEM clubs or local meetups that are age appropriate. If you're in college, consider joining LinkedIn and see about connecting with other early-career professionals there. Search for local events that will allow you learn about companies, meet other professionals, and discover opportunities go participate in giving back.
Why?
No one is on the journey alone, at least you don't have to feel that way. Find ways to connect with others through communities. When you do find the right community for you and your career goals, give back! See how you can contribute and grow that community.
3) Share your journey
If all else fails, and you're having a tough time finding your people, consider documenting your journey using a blog or even social media. Use relevant hashtags to attract others that are on a similar journey. Keep a positive voice and perspective on your career journey and you'll find others wanting to network with you as well.
Why?
As someone who's been in the professional world for many years now, I know that others out there look for guidance and help. You can be that guidance, you can be help others find their way. Don't feel like you need to be a senior-level or super expert, before you start to share your journey with others. Feel free to share what you've learned and communicate what your experience has been like; if done correctly, you'll be able to build a network of like-minded folks.
I hope these three small pieces of advice help!
Best of luck, Leviticus!
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
The best way to network with people in the industry is anyway you can. I wouldn't worry about trying to keep up with people because they are busy also. Instead of trying to keep up with people, look for opportunities to accomplish tasks (volunteer, sports, social events). Executing tasks gives you an opportunity to get to know people, share information/insights and develop professional relationships. Time is your most valuable resource you can make more of it and you can't get it back once it is spent. I see you are a student...I recommend looking for student organizations focused on your field, efforts your instructors are involved in and exploring current or emerging trends in your field. The student organizations are a great investment for the future. It provides an opportunity to work together with peers at a similar stage as you but may be at very different stages later in life. Exploring emerging trends is a great way to identify movers and shakers in your field and learning how they arrived at their positions can often translate to your personal journey.
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Most companies and industries offer volunteer & social events, conferences and leadership opportunities (like stretch assignments, special projects, etc.) - things that are optional. Sign up for these! Through the engagements, you'll be forced to network. Ask people questions about their jobs, and come from a place of curiosity. What does their role entail? How did they handle XYZ challenge? What would they have done differently? You'll end up learning from one another, and make some friends along the way. This is called social capital, and people don't talk enough about how valuable it is! You can get lots of opportunities by investing time in growing your social capital.
Updated
Abby’s Answer
Put yourself out there as much as possible. Get involved in different clubs, attend things that are offered by your school. Go to career fairs as well, that gives you a lot of networking.
Updated
Jayda’s Answer
One way that I network is through events & webinars in my industry/field. If something really sticks with me, I'll follow up with the individual via LinkedIn to connect. This has allowed me to build authentic relationships with people in the industry that are making an impact and sharing knowledge. This has helped networking not feel forced or inauthentic.
Another tip is joining industry-specific communities! There are so many Slack channels filled with people that want to build community and keep up-to-date on industry best practices.
There are so many good tips shared, I hope these help too!
Another tip is joining industry-specific communities! There are so many Slack channels filled with people that want to build community and keep up-to-date on industry best practices.
There are so many good tips shared, I hope these help too!
Updated
David’s Answer
Attend conferences, try to get involved (if your time allows it) in extracurricular activities(committees or clubs) and maybe a not so popular one, go out and party every once in a while and socialize.
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Blaine’s Answer
Participate in virtual training sessions through industry programs such as ASCM or others. Go to career fairs is another option.
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Michael’s Answer
Leveraging your alumni network, participating in conferences, asking friends and family who have common careers, information interviews (reach out to someone in the industry, you will be surprised how often they will help), coffee chats, research networking groups to find best fit, keep LinkedIn profile tags up-to-date.
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
1. Maximize Social Networking: Professional Social networking platforms such as LinkedIn and Fishbowl offers you a great opportunity to interact with industry professionals. Follow people who share your interests and engage them
2. Attend conferences and career fairs
3. Engage everyone you meet in conversations about your interests and things you are passionate about.
2. Attend conferences and career fairs
3. Engage everyone you meet in conversations about your interests and things you are passionate about.