Networking
Networking
Have you ever found accommodation, bought a dog or purchased a car by asking your friends and family, who asked their friends and family, who eventually found you what you were looking for? This is networking at its best!
Networking involves meeting people and exchanging information to benefit you and the other parties. It means making contacts, collecting information, asking questions and maintaining your personal and professional relationships.
Networking can help you find a job, improve your communication skills, and increase your understanding of particular industries or organisations. Once you are an active member of the workforce, your networks will continue to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Remember that networking is a two-way street. Most people leap at the opportunity to give advice, enjoy receiving recognition and like to be helpful. So when you network, you're not just asking for help, but agreeing to be helpful in return.
Reasons for networking
At any given time, about 75% of all available jobs don't appear in the newspaper or on job websites. One of the best avenues for exploring this 'hidden' job market is networking - using your friends, acquaintances and referrals - in other words, networking. By meeting people, letting them see your face, and hearing what they have to say you are tapping into the hidden job market.
Getting started
Networking involves establishing goals, analysing the kind of help you will need in achieving your goals, developing your communication skills, and building and cultivating your network accordingly.
This article on 'starting your search' provides some excellent tips on planning your networking activities.
Finding opportunities
You can network almost anywhere! Your family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues and lecturers are a great place to start. Start by letting people know that you are interested in working in a particular industry or organisation, and asking if they have any contacts who may be able to offer you some advice. Career Fairs, Industry Associations and Professional Bodies also offer excellent networking opportunities.
Networking tips and techniques
When networking it is important to have demonstrate strong communication skills by asking questions, being a good listener, presenting yourself attractively, being positive and showing a willingness to learn.
Professional associations
Joining your professional association as a student is a must.
Professional associations exist to develop their profession by
- Supporting new and emerging professionals
- Creating networks
- Sharing information and connections
Some, but not all, offer professional accreditation - if your degree is related to a professional accreditation you will have this listed in your Program information.
Most professional associations will have a reduced cost or free student membership, and many actively support the integration of students into their chosen profession with special events, work experience opportunities and employment support.
Your professional association is a valuable starting point for your professional network, and you may find that your profession is serviced by more than one association. If you do not know your professional association ask your lecturer or run a "google" search.
- Professional Associations in Australia Worksheet (Word 46kb - opens in a new window)
Alumni connections
Connecting with alumni while you are studying can assist you to:
- Gain understanding of job conditions
- Broaden your knowledge of your profession
- Develop your professional network
Go to the UniSA Alumni Website to find out more.