To take the first steps in your career after university, one of the most important strategies is networking.
Although its importance is often emphasized, many doubts can arise when it comes to putting it into practice.
In this article, we will unlock the secrets of networking and give you practical tips on how to get started on your journey in the job market. Check it out!
The Real Benefits of Networking
To begin with, it’s important to understand the real impact of networking at the start of your career and throughout it.
Many doors can be opened for those starting out in their professional career, not only in terms of internship or job opportunities, but also to expand their knowledge in general. Take a look!
Job Recommendations
Networking can certainly help with career moves, both for a first internship and for those who want to take the next step when looking for a new job.
Tips and Advice
If you already have the job you want, it’s still important to keep networking, as this network of contacts can be useful when you need good advice about your career or the position you are in.
Broadening the Circle of Professional Contacts
One of the great advantages of networking is the possibility for your contacts to introduce you to new people. This can be useful when searching for suppliers, partners, customers or employees.
Always bear in mind that companies are made up of people and you end up depending on them to grow in your profession.
New Knowledge and Increased Repertoire
The relationship is also a very important tool to expand and diversify your repertoire, which directly impacts the performance of your work.
Conversations with people in your network can generate good ideas, new points of view, inspiration to take a project forward, and more!
What Can Be Considered Networking and How to Get Started?
With so many benefits and important assignments, building a good network of relationships is essential to achieve professional success.
But is networking limited to specific meetings for this purpose? No!
Many people think that networking is about participating in a specific network that has only this goal, but this practice is only one way to cultivate relationships.
Before the digital transformation process, formal networking groups were the main means for people to connect. However, nowadays the possibilities have expanded!
The truth that no one tells you is that it is possible to stimulate relationships in diverse environments, through everyday situations.
Below are some basic examples of what can be considered networking for you to start applying right away.
Participate in Conversations at College
Enjoy the moments of group work, the meetings during breaks and the exchanges that take place during classes.
These exchanges can lead to ideas for partnerships and opportunities with other students and also with professors, who are often in the job market and can connect you with other relevant people.
Interact with People on LinkedIn
Connect with important people in your industry and create a routine of interacting with your posts through likes, comments and inbox conversations.
What can start as a simple exchange of ideas can open future doors for you to gain knowledge and be on the radar for future opportunities.
Make Contacts in Different Environments
You know that event where you don’t even want to make professional contacts? It can be in a moment of leisure, in a family environment or even in short courses.
Use these meetups as an opportunity to meet people and exchange general experiences.
You never know what might come out of those moments. So, keep your doors open and keep in mind that any unassuming conversation can be relevant directly or indirectly to your career.
Listen to What People Have to Say
Keep an open mind and put yourself in a position where you can always learn something from the people around you.
Even if it’s someone who does not seem to add to your career, you can learn something that will increase your repertoire and help you in decisive moments.
Consistency: The Key Factor for Networking
Part of the success of leaders and entrepreneurs is that they cultivate their network of long-term relationships. To give an example, think of how many stories you have heard of fellow students who have created successful businesses or united their companies in innovative partnerships.
The great opportunity — and the great challenge — of networking lies in maintaining frequency. When it is practiced sporadically, its results may not be consistent over time.
For this reason, it is important that you maintain small everyday actions that, over time, cultivate your relationship with key people in the market.
Keep in mind that it is much more important to practice networking in small doses constantly than to limit it to short periods of time.
Conclusion
As seen in this article, networking is not as difficult as it may seem and can be applied spontaneously at various times of your day: whether in college, at work or in your free time.
Just as important as taking advantage of opportunities to cultivate professional relationships is knowing how to communicate effectively in the corporate world.
To do this, see this dictionary with main terms from the corporate market and improve your communication.
