How Networking Contributes to Your Development
Networking is all about making connections with people, and is usually beneficial within your sector. Attending industry events, joining professional organisations, or reaching out to people in your field on LinkedIn are great ways that you will be able to increase your networks.
It is not just about the number of people you know, but is more about the benefits that come with having a great network that will contribute to your professional and personal development.
My top 5 benefits for this are listed below…
Enhancing Career Opportunities: You might hear of job opportunities through your networks, sometimes as an FYI as to what’s happening in someone’s organisation. or they may encourage you to have a look and to go for a role if they know your professional strengths and feel like it would be a great opportunity for your career progression.
Knowledge Sharing, Support and Resources: Engaging with peers in your industry will allow you to learn and keep up to date on changing trends in your sector, exchange ideas and share best practices. You might also gain access to and be able to share resources and tools with your peers.
Mentorship and Guidance: Mentors will be able to give you great career advice and guide you through your professional journey. Building a good relationship with an experienced person in your sector can lead to a valuable connection.
Business Development: Networking tends to lead to partnerships and collaborations that will often be beneficial to organisations.
Inspiration and Motivation: Interacting with other professionals can be inspiring and will give new perspectives and innovative ideas. A great opportunity for this is to attend conferences related to your field as there is so much to learn from sessions, but also to have meaningful conversations with peers in between.
Being able to effectively tap into your professional network can make a big difference in achieving your career goals and allowing you to learn and grow in your field. The flip side is that at the height of your professional development, you will in turn be able to impart your knowledge and skills to those coming up in their careers, which will bring new depth to your own continued growth.