Networking: A New Professionals guide

I’m sure all of you have heard the phrase “Your network is your net worth”, and I’m sure all of you have disagreed with it. So did I… but recently, I have found myself disassociating from the “lone wolf” mentality, often glorified in modern day media, and starting to think about my career within Defence and how networking can benefit.

Networking is engaging with or reaching out to people within a sector or with a common interest. It can be something as simple as messaging a new connection on LinkedIn or, more conventionally, meeting people through events. I believe it’s something that could be done at any time, with any person; regardless of who they are and the position they hold – you never know who you might meet.

Benefits of networking

Individualism is often gloried in European and American cultures and being from the UK, it’s easy to see why; people often focus on themselves and immediate family and are less invested in society and their community. The “hustle” culture often invites having a “long wolf” mentality. Although there is some merit in this – you can do everything by yourself, but humans being social animals often have an affinity towards social experiences and forming connections with other people. Socialising and networking will boost your professional confidence, helping your build positive relationships and challenging yourself.

Imagine a person you met at a networking event reaching out for a new job role that is perfect for you, wanting help with a passion project they are pursuing, or asking you to join their start-up. Widening your circle and forming professional connections with other people may help you in your long-term career. After all, according to Jobvite, around 25% of people submit resumes through friends or former colleagues.

School has taught is that academic success will bring opportunities, while this isn’t incorrect, life is random sometimes and you never know who you might meet. For example, Steve Balmer got involved with Microsoft become Bill Gates was his college roommate – now he is worth over $90 billion! If he never maintained his relationship with Gates, or even tried to build on, he may not have achieved the same success.

How to get involved with networking events

Finding out and going to networking events may seem impossible if you’re in a backend field such as Software Engineering that isn’t customer facing like Business. Sometimes all it takes is just reaching out to your Early Career Program supervisor and expressing that you want to get involved in some events.

You could even take the lead and form a networking event yourself, within your company and neighbouring companies, creating a community. Finding free events through websites like Meetup and Eventbrite is also a good option to meeting professionals wanting to network.

Here is a list of events hosted by ADS/Farnborough international and their respected sectors, you could express an interest to attend one or more of these through your company.

Improve your networking

Maybe you’re scared of talking to new people like a vampire is to sunlight, or maybe you’re completely happy going up to a group of people and striking a conversation. Many of us are somewhere in the middle, regardless, there are somethings you could do help.

Often relieving the pressure of needing to talk to people is a hurdle. Try and relax, be present and enjoy conversing, these are important aspects of any social dynamic.

Avoid speeding through a conversation, build a rapport with your people.

The number of people you talk to isn’t a good metric to measure your success. Rather, you should focus on the relationship you’re building.

Start small, if you’re completely clueless on how to approach, talk more to people throughout your day. Your friends, co-workers, and colleagues can provide you with that confidence boost you need.

Conclusion

Remember, your car will be stationary unless you press the accelerator. There will be no results if there is no action. Think about what you want your network to be this time next year and take some time out weekly to pursue this goal.