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Networking is key to advancing your career and reaching your goals. In today's highly competitive job market, networking is more important than ever in helping you advance your career and reach your goals. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional, networking can help you build relationships, develop new skills, and uncover hidden job opportunities.
But what exactly is networking and why is it so important? Simply put, networking is about making connections with other professionals in your field. This can be through attending events, connecting on social media, or joining professional groups. By expanding your network, you can gain valuable insights, advice, and access to job opportunities that might not be available through traditional channels.
For young people, networking is extra important because they are entering a job market that is rapidly changing and becoming increasingly competitive. By building a strong network, we can better understand the job market, stay up-to-date on industry trends, and get a leg up on the competition.
So, where do you start networking? There are plenty of options, both online and offline. Here are some popular ones:
LinkedIn: It's the biggest professional networking site with over 740 million members. You can connect with others in your field, join groups, and attend virtual events to grow your network. So many people are leveraging this platform to share their successes and achievements and get the attention of potential employers or clients. You can also get access to genuine job openings when employers announce an opening job role. This is something you should explore.
Meetups: These are in-person events where you can meet people who share your interests. They're a great way to make new connections in your area or around the world. You can search for groups that match your interest and you’ll find a list of meetups in your area. Attend those meetups prepared to share value, ask questions and collect contacts for follow-up.
Social media: Sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are great for connecting with others in your field. Follow industry leaders. Also, make effort to engage with their content meaningfully. You can go the step forward and share your content to build a strong online presence. Be deliberate about your social media profile and the content you upload. You can maintain your identity and be unique but avoid hateful or offensive content that would not recommend you to career opportunities.
Professional organizations: Joining organizations in your field can give you access to events and networking opportunities. Many organizations have members-only events and networking chances that can help you build your network. Find out the requirements for joining these organizations and the rules and regulations they abide by. Make sure you adhere to their terms and conditions.
Webinars: There are a lot of events, and video presentations held virtually. Keep your eyes on those that are in your line of interest. When you attend webinars, speak out rather than just be a passive listener. By engaging you can get recognized by people who need your services. You can also ask if you can reach out to the presenters for follow up
Community: there are many virtual and physical communities for various niches. For example, if you’re interested in growing a career in tech then you can join a tech community on telegram or slack. Joining a community gives you access to resources and opportunities that might be shared exclusively with that community. You might also get to access mentorship opportunities depending on how the community is formed.