Networking Contacts help you make better informed decisions about your future. Spending time in developing a network of contacts can help develop career ideas and gain great advice. Many jobs are offered to people already known to an organisation so networking is one of the most important, if not the most important, activities in which a job-seeker should engage. Additionally networking can help produce career plans through talking with people in an attempt to understand their job and the associated skills etc. When used appropriately it can help plan your future and get you one step closer to employment.
Building a network Start local and pursue your own contacts. Approach people you already know, even if their job isn’tof immediate interest to you, as they can lead to people who are. Ask friends, family, academics and GTAs if they know people in the fields you’re interested in and if they could introduce you. You’ll need to prepare a brief introduction about yourself and what you’d hope to get from any connections you make. It’s also a good idea to prepare a few questions that you would like to explore. The internet has made it easy to find people to network with. Social media and online groups are an easy way to source possible connections and London is filled with various societies and networking groups too. You can also try more creative approaches to track down organisations of interest to you and make direct approaches to either request a meeting with an employee or to explore employment potential with them.
Making contact Your initial introduction may be by email, phone or social media but, whatever the format, it should explain who you are, how you found the contact and that you like to ask a few questions about their career and to seek their advice. Explain why this would be of use to you and look to arrange a mutually convenient time. You do need to prepare for rejection at this stage but many people will be quite willing to spend a short amount of time answering a few questions – buying a coffee can always sweeten the deal too!
Information Interviewing Once you’ve found a relevant contact you may want to engage in an informal conversation to gain information and advice. This is often overlooked by many but it can be an effective research tool in addition to reading books, websites and exploring job descriptions. You may feel awkward approaching people you don’t know and asking to talk with them about heir work however most people actually enjoy taking time to talk with someone about their opinions and experience (most people like to talk about themselves). Use your time to ask about their personal experiences to seek advice and opinion and show a curiosity and interest to encourage them to share. Exploring their personal perceptions and careerdecisions can be invaluable to shaping your future.
Making the Most of Mentoring
Hansa Shree 2nd Year Biology with a Year in Industry/ Research student “It was really nice to have someone so invested in my professional, academic and personal development by providing as much support as possible. Being given tours of GSK’s research and business sites gave me unique insights into the firm I was applying to. As a sounding board, he provided a valuable 3rd person perspective which helped me constructively reflect on interview feedback. I can now articulate and track my goals better, and maintain stronger workplace connections.”
Follow-up and maintenance Manners cost nothing! Effective networks thrive when there is mutual respect and trust between the people involved. Thank your contacts for their time and nurture beneficial relationships by keeping in touch; you never know when the contact may be able to assist you in the future.
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