The Importance of Networking (and How to Build a Strong Professional Network)

No matter your field of study, professional networking can benefit you in several ways. Specifically, networking refers to the art of establishing and building meaningful professional relationships with others in your field.

It’s never too early to start career networking, but there are some tips and best practices you should keep in mind before you get started. From there, you’ll be able to reap all the benefits of a strong professional network not just during your studies, but after you graduate as well.

Networking: Building Out Your People Portfolio

It can be helpful to think of professional networking as building out your people portfolio. With the right connections, you can reap the many benefits and effects of networking as you get started in your own career.

Opportunities Yes, But So Much More

It’s no secret that there are plenty of opportunities in connecting with other industry professionals. However, you should also keep in mind that networking is about a lot more than just connecting with people who hold a specific title or job. In fact, the right industry connection can provide some incredible resources for industry-specific tools, trusted guidance, and peer support.

Knowledge From the Experienced

One of the biggest advantages you stand to gain from connecting with other professionals in your field is that of specialized industry knowledge. This is especially true when you begin to establish professional relationships with people who have been working in your field of study for an extended period.

Specifically, these professionals will have the in-depth industry knowledge and insights that you simply cannot get from the classroom alone. By building meaningful relationships with these professionals, you can gain a better understanding of the unique nuances of your chosen field that can help you prepare for greater success beyond graduation.

Finding the Hottest in Industry Trends

Being connected to professionals and other thought leaders in your chosen field can also be an effective way to stay up-to-date on the latest industry news, trends, and innovations. Often, experienced industry leaders are among the first to be informed about upcoming trends and exciting changes. When you’ve established relationships with these experts, you’ll be “in the know” ahead of others in your field.

Where Can You Network?

Now that you have a better understanding of the potential power of a strong professional network, you might be wondering where to begin in building your own. The good news? Networking is now easier than ever, especially when you utilize online platforms to help you connect with others in your field.

Online Platforms

There is no shortage of online platforms and similar resources designed to connect professionals across the country and even across the globe. The great thing about these online platforms is that you don’t even necessarily have to leave your home to start networking and connecting with thought leaders from anywhere on the planet. Some examples of online platforms especially useful for professional networking include:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Hired
• Jobcase
• Meetup

Some of these platforms are even designed to help professionals find like-minded connections locally. In this sense, you could use a platform like Meetup to find other industry professionals in your area. From there, you could make plans to meet in person and discuss potential projects, partnerships, and more.

Career Fairs

Another great way to meet people in your field is to attend career fairs and other industry events. Several colleges put on career fairs at least once per year, inviting employers from across the state and even across the country to attend and connect with potential job applicants. This is an especially effective way for upcoming and recent college graduates to make connections while discovering potential employment opportunities.

In addition to career fairs, industry events (such as conferences and trade shows) can be ideal places to meet others in your field.

How to Build a Strong Professional Network

Of course, networking in your field isn’t just about knowing where to meet people. It’s also about understanding how to build a strong professional network that will serve you well. As you get started here, there are a few practical tips worth keeping in mind.

Build Your Brand

Begin by establishing and developing your own personal brand that can carry you from your college studies into your professional career. This can be easier said than done but is an important aspect of setting yourself apart from others in your field and differentiating yourself as a professional. As you build your personal brand, focus on things like developing a personal brand statement, voice, and image. These aspects of your brand should be portrayed not only across social media platforms (such as LinkedIn), but in your personal life as well.

Effective Networking Strategies

Whether you’re looking to build professional relationships online, in person, or a combination of both, you should follow the same general practices. This begins with having an “elevator pitch” nailed down, which is essentially a one or two sentence explanation of who you are and what you do. Likewise, going out of your way to present yourself professionally can pay off in a major way.

Finally, never underestimate the power of following up with your contacts. When you discuss a potential partnership or job opportunity in passing, sending a follow-up email a day or two later can be a great way to keep the discussion going.

Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections

At the end of the day, the power of your professional networking lies not in the number of connections you have, but in the quality of those connections. It’s generally better to focus on developing meaningful and lasting professional relationships — or quality over quantity.

Creating a Diverse Networking Group

As you build and refine your professional network, you won’t want to overlook the importance of diversity in your networking group.

Importance of Diversity

By connecting with people from different fields, skill sets, and backgrounds, you can keep an open mind as a growing professional. As tempting as it may be to connect only with like-minded professionals in your field, the reality is that some of the best ideas and partnerships come from diverse or even opposing viewpoints.

The Role of Mentors

Growing your professional network can also make it possible to find mentors, or experienced industry professionals who can provide you with valuable advice and guidance as you embark on your own career.

Find the Right Mentors

Networking sites like LinkedIn can be a great resource for finding career mentors, but plenty of aspiring professionals also find mentors organically during their studies in college. Either way, it’s crucial to find a mentor who is willing to work with you and who you can look up to.

Keep in mind that you might not have the same mentor for your entire academic or professional career. Even if you decide to switch up your mentor, you should try to stay in touch with any professional who mentored you in the past.

Learn From Your Mentor

Take advantage of finding a great mentor by scheduling meetings and touching base regularly to ask questions, seek guidance, and develop that professional relationship. This will allow you to learn as much as possible during your mentorship. At the same time, it’s essential to establish and respect boundaries with your mentor. This may mean following their preferred method of contact and possibly even formalizing your professional relationship with a written agreement.

Build Confidence in Your Field

For many aspiring professionals, building a network is easier said than done. However, with these tips and strategies in mind, you can start building and growing a strong network that will help you advance your career and boost your reputation as a thought leader in your field of study.

Looking for a school that will support you not just in your academic studies, but in growing your professional network as well? Carson-Newman, a Christian university, is proud to offer The College of Professional Studies to help students reach their full potential as educated citizens and worldwide servant leaders. Learn more about our diverse program offerings or get started with your application today!