If you’re a young professional, you’ve probably asked yourself why networking is important for young professionals.
When I started my first corporate position, I asked myself this question too. Like many young professionals, I was focused primarily on doing the best job I could for my boss. This meant I would work long hours at my desk, learn all that I could on the job, and be a pleasant employee to have around the office.
Now there is nothing wrong with striving for these qualities. In fact, they’re crucial for your career success. But soon after starting in the corporate world, I quickly realised there is something else that plays a major role in moving up the corporate ladder.
That thing is networking.
You see, as a young professional, you hear about networking and networking events often. But you immediately put those “opportunities” in the box that’s for more experienced professionals.
As a young professional, unless you have a mentor close by, you don’t often realise the importance of networking events for your career. And most likely, you’re a little intimidated to attend.
I strongly believe that every professional, young or not, should attend as many networking events as they can.
Why would networking events be reserved only for “experienced professionals”? Well, they aren’t. You may not realise this, but you already possess the core skills required for networking. If you can strike a conversation and build a connection, you’re ready to go.
But what will distinguish you from a beginner networker to an advanced networker is the refinement of those core skills.
In today’s post, I want to share with you my thoughts on why networking events are so important for your career and why every young professional should attend as many networking events as they can.
1. Networking Makes You Visible
If you want to be on the radar of important decision makers for upcoming promotions and job opportunities, those decision-makers first need to know that you exist.
Attending networking events will help to get you noticed and remembered by those decision-makers in your company or industry, and later on can get you one step closer to landing promotions or a new job.
2. Networking Gives You Industry Intelligence
You can learn a lot about your industry at networking events by being involved in conversations with other professionals.
Networking gives you the chance to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in your industry, swoop on opportunities as soon as you hear about them, and impress others with your insightful knowledge.
3. Networking Makes You Look Proactive
Employers love proactive professionals. By choosing to step outside of your comfort zone and attend networking events, you’ll be seen as a proactive, confident professional.
These are qualities that are going to make you shine as a confident and capable leader in the making.
4. Networking Helps You Connect
Being a regular at networking events, you have a greater chance of connecting with important decision-makers who can elevate your career.
In this type of forum, you have the chance to strike up an interesting conversation with somebody who could lead you to your next job.
This is your chance to impress and take charge of your future career.
Networking events are very important for your career. What is my advice to you?
Become an advanced networker. And become one fast.
Advance your networking skill in Business Etiquette 101: Social Skills for Success.
Your career success depends on the actions you take every day. So, stop and take charge of your professional future right now by tapping into the wealth of knowledge in my Bestselling online video training, “Business Etiquette 101: Social Skills for Success” where there is a whole section on networking.
About Kara
