Do Networking events really help us get jobs?
Networking events are an opportunity for social interactions to meet new people that can help you in your career. It is seen as the most reliable path to getting a job. Networking is a form of selling your self-as-a-business where you promote your skills, experiences, in person or online. Networking can create weak ties and strong ties which vary according to how people nurture their relationship. Networking can help fast-track applicants who want to work in a particular role or company.
In my experience, networking is difficult and hard to be consistent in. Many people talk short and many don't really create real connective relationships that can lead to more. Maybe it's because I may not know how to network, so it's hard. Going to these events have short-term impact to no impact which can make it a daunting task to continue. I have not really been to events that helped me, but have you experienced positive networking events that helped you? What were your interactions like and what did you achieve? What are some specific events you recommend for others?
Great post! I also find that networking is hard and I believe one of the most significant reasons for this is because I am surrounded by individuals that are in the same position as me. Usually, when networking, the goal is to build a relationship with someone more established than you in order for more opportunities to be available to you in the future. When in university, we are surrounded by people that are the same age as us, more or less in the same seniority levels as us, and have about the same experience. Because of this, I never look at my peers as a chance to network.
ReplyDeleteHello, I agree that networking events can be difficult. I attended one event in Toronto where there was some time set aside for networking. In my experience, I too had difficulty harvesting those connections after the event. Fortunately, none of the individuals I met were extremely applicable to my desired career path so I wasn't too upset with the outcome. On a positive note, networking doesn't necessarily need to be in hopes of finding a job. Another way to look at it...we network at Laurier every time we go to a new social activity, whether it is joining a club on campus, attending a sports game, or doing group work for a class. Talking with new people and establishing relationships can happen anywhere at anytime. My advice is to try your best to find a common ground between the two of you and ask questions about it: How did you hear about this event? What team are you cheering for?
ReplyDeleteHope this helps! :)
Networking definitely doesn't come easily to everyone (at least it doesn't to me), but in my opinion and experience, it can be an integral part of finding a job, which could potentially lead to a career.
ReplyDeleteI recently connected with a Laurier alumni through LinkedIn that is a part-time professor at Humber and McMaster, and also owns her own digital marketing business. When talking about networking, she gave me a really great piece of advice. She said that there’s really no end to the types of events that you can find, but pick an event that interests you. Not every event will be amazing, but generally it’s good practice to go to industry events and learn from people, or just talk to the person next to you because you don’t know what might come of that relationship down the line. You’re not going to networking events with the purpose of getting something in return. You’re going with the purpose of learning more about your industry and maybe making a connection with one or two quality connections with people that could be really valuable, regardless of which industry they work in.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your post about networking and the difficulty in securing a job through these events! I agree with your experience; I also have had a hard time creating strong-ties through these events! Some of my friends have had success at networking and securing a job. However, they did not get the job right after the event. Instead, they got a few names along with their contact information, showed an interest in the company and position, informed the individual that they were looking for a job, and then followed up with them after the event. I believe that the follow-up is the most important step in having a successful networking experience. Once you follow up with this individual, you can ask them more about their job and what steps they took in achieving their position, after you can book an in person casual meeting over coffee. As well, you should go to the events that are most relevant to you and within your field of study/ interests, that way you will be meeting professionals in the industry you are hoping to enter after graduation! It is also all about talking to the right people, do not get discouraged if you have a conversation with someone who does not seem interested in what you have to offer, take it as a learning opportunity and move on to the next person.
Indeed, networking events can help bridge the gap between employees and employers but talking to strangers is certainly not easy for everyone. I found the conversation in today’s class very relatable to this post as I was able to share my opinions about weak ties and strong ties. Being the Vice President of the Student Alumni Association at Laurier, I am able to connect with alumni and bring them back to campus so that they can connect with students. This is a great opportunity for students to expand their networks and gain information about their career paths. With this said, I strongly believe in the power of networking events because although you may not get a direct job from just talking to someone at an event, you are expanding your network and are exposed to other people who are connected with that one individual. Speaking from my personal experience, I have been able to connect with the HR of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada through a Laurier alumni at a Student Alumni Association event. This is an example of how weak ties become strong ties, creating meaningful connections with those beyond that one persons’ network.
ReplyDeleteIf there is one thing I would recommend to others who want to get the most out of networking events, I would tell them to step out of your comfort zone and talk to people — and when I say talk to people, I mean having a genuine conversation with them. In other words, this conversation does not have to be about a career, it can simply be about what you may have in common or what drives you to be successful.
I would definitely encourage you guys to connect with Laurier alumni via LinkedIn as many of our alumni have told me that they are wanting and willing to connect with fellow Golden Hawks, even over coffee! In sum, do not be afraid to reach out and step out of your comfort zone!
Hi there this was a very good post one that I think a lot of us obviously can relate to as most of us are on the job hunt these days. I don't think networking is necessarily hard, once you get into it, its not so bad. Although, I think the word I would use to describe it is daunting. I think the thought of putting yourself out there and displaying yourself that was is frightening to most people. I think this is why some 'outgoing' and 'personable' personalities stand out so much. Those who are willing to put themselves out there and connect with others especially face to face is admirable to most people and it gets you results. I believe networking is extremely effective because you are able to market yourself on your own. Its an effective way to stand out.
ReplyDeleteI have only been to one networking event: Start up and beers and I found that I was nervous to go because I didn't know what to expect at first. My friends invited me to the event and it was interesting to go with them because they were already in the workforce and were not looking for jobs, and just there to see "cool" companies and have some drinks. I decided to take this approach and added the factor of having interesting conversations with interesting people.
ReplyDeleteTaking the pressure off of going to these events with the intention of finding a job really helped me enjoy the events and have more meaningful conversations with people I may contact later for employment. I was able to see what kind of companies exist in the area and I was able to meet really interesting people. For this, I thought the event was a success.