It is who you know.
This advice speaks to professional networks and makes the assumption that the people in these networks have the influence necessary to open doors and create opportunities. To be more accurate though, the statement should say: It is who knows you. Networking relationships need to be reciprocal. They are ongoing. Networking isn’t about getting a business card like a get out of jail free card in a game of Monopoly. The card isn’t to be traded in at a future date to get a favor or even a job. Your Career Planner provides many exercises to develop self-awareness, knowledge of work, and career planning strategies. Throughout the book the concept of networking is often mentioned. Networking is important as long as it is viewed as being about relationships and not using people to accomplish a goal. Information gathering is an important use of professional networks. In fact, the term “informational interviewing” refers to what occurs when a person seeking career insights meets with another professional for the purposes of learning more about the other person’s job, career path, and current perspectives on a job, industry, company, or other career topic. The informational interview is often one of the first steps career explorers and job seekers can take as they seek to build ongoing, reciprocal relationships. Remember, it is the beginning, not the end. By taking and using advice, meeting with referrals, showing appreciation, and keeping in contact with the person sharing their career insights, the relationship has the opportunity to deepen. In times of career uncertainty, the information gathered through professional networks is incredibly valuable. Many industries will take new directions as a result of COVID-19. Companies may institute new work arrangements. New opportunities will emerge while others will be sidelined. This information may not be easily accessible through traditional means. However, professionals in your network are able to speak to the changes they see and the information that is known to them. This information is critical to those making career decisions and seeking new opportunities. Now is a great time to reach out to others to gain insights and advice. Use the tools shared in Your Career Planner. Use social media and other tools that might be available through your college or university. We wish you success! Welcome to 2021. How will you fill those empty pages of your new calendar? What are your hopes and dreams for a new year? If you had answered those same questions at the beginning of 2020, how would you have answered them?
2020 has been described in many terms ranging from apocalyptic to wreck. As December came to a close, it seemed to be a topic for popular publications to ask of readers. An article in the Washington Post reported the top three words as exhausting, lost, and chaotic. Australia’s Guardian readers also used the word exhausting as a top word along with challenging and surreal. According to most people, it was an unprecedented year. To many, it was a dumpster fire. Yet there was good to come of it and it wasn’t all bad as readers shared words such as resilient, transformative, and perseverance. Perhaps you can relate to the phrase, “six feet apart but never closer,” and “Daily search for little wins.” If we take the time for reflection, we may realize that we changed in positive ways as we experienced life in unexpected and extremely different ways. As you look forward, what are the lessons you learned from 2020 that you will bring with you as you enter 2021? What are the things you missed most in 2020 that are at the top of your to-do wish list? What dreams and goals can you control despite external occurrences? We look forward to hearing your words for 2021 as this new year unfolds. Your Career Planner is available to help you set and achieve your career goals. We look forward to sharing your journey. |