If you are a student preparing to leave high school and enter the world of university or work, you should start thinking about building your network. Many students underestimate the value of networking and don't realise that it can open up countless opportunities and help them achieve a variety of career goals.
Networking is about making meaningful connections with people who share your interests, passions, or career goals. You should meet people and create relationships that can be mutually beneficial in the long run. By networking, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise that can help you advance in your career.
What are the key benefits of networking?
Career Opportunities: Networking is a great way to learn about job or career opportunities that aren't always publicly advertised. By connecting with professionals in your field, you can get insider information on jobs, upcoming projects, and other opportunities that can help you get ahead.
Personal Development: Networking will also help you develop personal and professional skills. By connecting with seasoned professionals, you can learn from their experience and gain valuable knowledge in your field. You can also find mentors who can give you advice or support.
Insights and Trends: Networking can give you access to a wealth of information on trends in the industry you're interested in. When you connect with professionals, you can learn more easily and quickly about new technologies, new trends or other developments that may affect your career.
Building Long Lasting Relationships: After all, networking is about building relationships. By connecting with other professionals, you can establish meaningful relationships that can be beneficial to both of you in the long run. You never know when you'll need a reference, referral, or even a job opportunity, so it's important to invest in building strong relationships.
A person who is known for emphasising the importance of networking and building relationships is Keith Ferrazzi. He is a business consultant, speaker and author of "Never Eat Alone" which is all about building relationships and networks to achieve success in work and life.
Keith Ferrazzi is also the founder and CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight, a consulting and training firm specialising in building high-performance teams and cultivating professional relationships. He has given numerous lectures and interviews on the topic of networking, and his work has been featured in important publications such as Forbes, Harvard Business Review or The Wall Street Journal. If you're interested in hearing his opinion or advice, check out Lewis Howes' interview with Ferrazi on how to build a strong network.
Business Review or The Wall Street Journal. If you're interested in hearing his opinion or advice, check out Lewis Howes' interview with Ferrazi on how to build a strong network.
"All that exists is a relationship. Everything in the universe exists only because it is in relation to everything else. Nothing exists in isolation. We need to stop pretending that we are individuals who can do it on our own." - Keith Ferrazzi
So remember that as students prepare to leave high school and enter the world of college or work, it's important for them to start thinking about building a professional network. Networking can open up countless opportunities, help you advance your career and give you access to a wealth of new knowledge, experience and expertise. By investing in building strong relationships with other professionals in your field, you can achieve your career goals.