Tharles
How to take advantage of networking? Is it a disadvantage to be an introvert?
As a student I always hear that we need to build up a "nice network", but how can I address my efforts to really take benefit from it? #engineering #management #mechanical-engineering #electrical-engineering #industrial-engineering
13 answers
Stephanie Murnen
Stephanie’s Answer
https://www.themuse.com/advice/an-introverts-guide-to-networking
https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2015/dec/10/how-to-network-introvert
Networking can seem intimidating and especially for an introvert. It doesn't have to be scary though, and especially if you approach it in a way that's more complimentary to your personality. You could network in college by joining smaller common interests groups with other students and get to know people that way. Perhaps pick a professor, advisor, or visiting speaker and email them to ask if they'll get coffee and share their experiences with you- most people are very happy to help and offer their advice in a mentorship relationship.
If there are opportunities to have an alumni advisor for a group project you're doing for school, this could be a less intimidating way of meeting a young professional without having to leave the classroom. Lastly, bring a friend to a career fair or networking event so you at least have someone to initially work the room with. Chances are, you'll get into some great conversations and won't even need your wing person after a few minutes, but it can make it a lot easier to show up to a networking event with a support system.
Brian Cunkelman
Brian’s Answer
I have found that networking comes in various forms - physical networking events, web interaction (like this) and social media. Perhaps you are more comfortable in one form of communication than another. All ways of reaching our to meet new people and connect are important and will help build your network. However - dont limit yourself to only one from of networking because your ability to work with a global team of people will be very important as you enter the workforce.
Kevin Drevik
Kevin’s Answer
I am assuming you are talking about a professional network (instead of a personal one). Look at what sort of professional links you currently have. Some thoughts would be key professors, professionals that you parents know, and local professional chapters of the societies that represent your major. Almost all professions have a professional society (I am an Industrial Engineer, and mine is IISE.Org). Most professional chapters welcome and are looking for college age individuals to meet with, and would welcome talking to you (even via email).
After that, look for some professional conferences you could attend, even locally. Also, look for vendors that are in your profession - many of them would like to contact future customers. For example, my logistics profession uses a lot of racking and conveyor. There are many companies that do this line of work, and they would be willing to talk with you and join your network (in the hopes of getting your business in the future).
Hope this helps
Josh Wiegand
Josh’s Answer
As an introvert, my experience is that introversion can actually be to your advantage when it comes to networking. Introverts typically prefer fewer, deeper personal connections, so focus on the quality and not the quantity of your connections. I've also found that my anxiety related to networking events can often be managed by 1) attending events with a friend/colleague 2) preparing questions I might want to ask someone ahead of time and 3) having an exit strategy for conversations. Best of luck to you....you can do it!
Leo Velasco
Leo’s Answer
Best luck in the journey!
Leo
PS Eberenz-Freeman
PS’s Answer
I am an introvert as well. I always found networking to be hard unless the conversation began organically. In order to start building my network, I needed to go outside of my comfort zone but not too far out. I started conversations with people I was already meeting with. It's always a little easier to ask someone for coaching, be a mentor or a sponsor if you have some form of relationship. From there, those people will suggest other to meet with. As you continue to follow up with your mentors or meet with new suggested people, your talk track becomes more comfortable and easier.
Since you are still in school, it may be easiest to start with a professor. If you complete internships over the summer, keep in contact your boss or people you met. They can help you land a future position.
Rob Vrshek
Rob’s Answer
Some choose to join professional societies or take part in large conventions, social gatherings, etc., and
that's great for them. Some are heavily involved in social networking platforms like LinkedIn. You can
definitely recognize those who are the salesperson-types who can "schmooze," vs. those who are very,
very good at what they do. The best way to do it is to take elements of both and be great at what you do,
while putting yourself out there as much as you can. There are many ways to build your network, and it is
a long-term effort.
Recognizing I'm not an overtly social person, throughout my career, I have been able to build up a "network"
by fostering strong interpersonal relationships and gaining trust of those around me. You can start in school
by getting to know others in your classes on a personal level and discussing career aspirations, difficulties,
uncertainty, etc. You can participate in departmental research projects, or try to obtain a grad school
assistantship. These kinds of opportunities look great on a resume, can get you noticed by fellow students
and faculties, and if you are serious and do noteworthy work, they can get you solid professional references
for a job.
Once you're into a job situation, you should try to go our of your way to take on new assignments and
advanced responsibilities, and always do the best work you can. This will make your job a constant learning
experience and get you noticed by, and be able to interact with higher-level management. At the same time,
it's great to really get to know your coworkers, supervisor, clients, stakeholders on a personal level. You will
make some very good friends along the way. I know some people who try to build professional relationships
strictly for their career's sake, but I choose to forge relationships to make my job more enjoyable and feel good
about where I'm at. Throw in stellar performance, and people will remember you as someone who is great to
work with, trustworthy, skilled, willing to take risks and reliable. Voila.... you've got your professional network.
Lastly, you want to keep these relationships going and try to stay in touch as much as you can. Trusted
colleagues and work friends can help you land good opportunities throughout your career, or throw you a
lifeline if you find you're in need of a job.
Jason Hayes
Jason’s Answer
Rob Miller
Rob’s Answer
1) Develop a good relationship with your immediate supervisor - 1 to 1 communication is key. Get comfortable giving and receiving feedback. This is critical as an introvert, as you will may need a champion to help speak on your behalf.
2) Pick the right manager to work for - work for a manager that wants to develop his/her people. If you don't work for this kind of manager, you may be taken advantage of and never move up.
3) Get comfortable speaking and participating in small groups - key to business is teamwork. Yes, even as an introvert you will have to speak and work with others. Starting small is the key, you will be surprised at how you will get more and more comfortable as your career progresses.
4) There will be times that you may want to force yourself to be outside your comfort zone (I'm personally scared to death of public speaking, I'd rather be hit by a train - but I force myself to do it and I work very hard to get as comfortable as possible).
In the end, be yourself, do great work and you will be more than fine.
Ajay Shenoy
Ajay’s Answer
I suggest reading this book "Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking". Also there's a video course on Mastering Authentic Networking by Keith Ferrazzi (which may be a little expensive for students) but quite useful.
These will shift your perspective. Being an introvert is not a disadvantage in itself. You can be successful in area of life being an introvert, networking included.
Networking isn't overly complicated although it may seem daunting at first. Here's how I would go about it.
1. List all that you have to offer
- Your personality (Deeply caring about the world? Analytical? High EQ? Your outlook to life?)
- The inter-personal skills you have (Great listener? Sense of humor? Helpful? )
- Your skills (Good with computers? Can use this design software with ease? Can make a mean pizza etc)
2. List the people / communities you may be able to offer what you have in you
- Your school? Your local municipality? A tech company? An NGO? etc
3. Be clear about what you need from these?
- Employment? An opportunity to volunteer? A mentor? A summer job? Career advice?
4. Reach out to these people/communities. Communicate what you need and what you have to offer. Lead with the latter. You can send an email, request for a meeting, attend an event, create your own meetups using sites like meetup or clubhouse, use networking forums etc. Put yourself in a place where you're likely to meet people you want to meet.
Hope this helps.
Good luck!
Ajay
Husna Adila Binti Mohd Bokeri
Husna Adila Binti’s Answer
Juan David Perozo Adarme
Juan David’s Answer
I'm going to say something that I always say, by saying the word "Networking" people may think just engineers pluging and unplugin cables and interfaces, It's something way beyond that, can be understood as a person who always tries to stay updated about new technologies. Being introvert makes opportunities more difficult to you because you treating people everyday, all hours of the day. Think about that.
Juan David recommends the following next steps:
Robert Sanchez
Robert’s Answer
Great question!!! I work in a company that reaching out and building relationships is very beneficial. If you plan on career pathing through a company this is a must. If you are up for a promotion against some stiff competition but you do know people that already work within that department you will have a leg up. This will allow those people who already know you to speak specifics on your qualities and qualifications based on the relationship you have built.
Hello,
It is never a disadvantage to being who you are. You recognized that you are a introvert and therefore know some of the things that you need to work on to take advantage of networking. It always help to start out with the things that you like. If you like a sport, join a group that likes playing the same sport. If you like video games, find someone that shares the same interest. Network with people that share the same career aspirations, hobbies or interests that you like. When you join a group that shares the same interests it can turn an introvert to an extrovert. I think we all can be introverted at times but people that share the same interests can bring out the extrovert side.
Charisse Hendricks