22 answers
Tatiyana
Student
Kissimmee, Florida
3
Questions
Updated
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When is the best time to start networking and building professional relationships in your desired career field?
When is the best time to start networking and building professional relationships in your desired career field?
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22 answers
DaSabria Dunbar, RPT
60
Answers
Updated
DaSabria’s Answer
Embrace the present moment, it's always the perfect time to commence networking. LinkedIn is a fantastic platform I wholeheartedly endorse for expanding your connections and networking with like-minded individuals who can assist you in reaching your professional aspirations.
By the time you earn your degree, you will have already established a robust network. This network can encompass friends, family, alumni, club members, colleagues, and more.
The most valuable counsel I can offer is to remain open to encountering new individuals, pose questions that align with your objectives, pursue opportunities, and maintain regular contact with your connections. Consistent networking can propel you to great heights if you leverage your connections wisely. Best wishes on your exciting journey!
By the time you earn your degree, you will have already established a robust network. This network can encompass friends, family, alumni, club members, colleagues, and more.
The most valuable counsel I can offer is to remain open to encountering new individuals, pose questions that align with your objectives, pursue opportunities, and maintain regular contact with your connections. Consistent networking can propel you to great heights if you leverage your connections wisely. Best wishes on your exciting journey!
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Today! It is the perfect moment to expand your network now. These relationships can benefit your career, personal life, and even benefit you as an individual. Who knows you might find your best friend like I did!
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Networking is continous! There is no set time that you should start but the longer you wait to solidify connections with people the harder it gets to leverage them further down the line. Identify People who inspire you, who are active in asking questions, who seem interesting to you. Use platforms like LinkedIn and emails to find others working in your field of interest. Networking is all about maintaining relationships and getting to out of your comfort zone.
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
It is never too early to build your network! And, it's only too late if you say it is. It's always a great idea to attend career fairs or recruiting events. Also, don't be afraid to reach out to people via LinkedIn for a short informational meeting.
Phyllis Aguilar
Administrative Professional
9
Answers
Land O' Lakes, Florida
Updated
Phyllis’s Answer
Hi Tatiyana,
The best time to start networking and building relationships in your desired career field is as soon as you can. Once you are eligible to work in your state (I see you, like me, are in Florida and that is 14 years old), starting off with an entry level job will teach you a lot! If you are going to be in school for a while more before you're ready to go to college or a trade school, maybe you could work part time after school hours. Sometimes a volunteer opportunity will teach you just as much as a part time job will.
Going to the library can be a great resource when looking up a profession you think you might want to go for and networking will be that much more valuable especially since you are socializing yourself with people who hold the same career interests. You will learn a lot from them! Watch for the people who complain too much - they can really dampen what might be a great career for you, but they just aren't happy with.
Best to you,
Phyllis
The best time to start networking and building relationships in your desired career field is as soon as you can. Once you are eligible to work in your state (I see you, like me, are in Florida and that is 14 years old), starting off with an entry level job will teach you a lot! If you are going to be in school for a while more before you're ready to go to college or a trade school, maybe you could work part time after school hours. Sometimes a volunteer opportunity will teach you just as much as a part time job will.
Going to the library can be a great resource when looking up a profession you think you might want to go for and networking will be that much more valuable especially since you are socializing yourself with people who hold the same career interests. You will learn a lot from them! Watch for the people who complain too much - they can really dampen what might be a great career for you, but they just aren't happy with.
Best to you,
Phyllis
Thomas Sawyer
Learning and Development
8
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Tatiyana,
The best time is now! I know networking is a challenge for alot of people. As an introvert, I need to work hard to overcome my own shyness and put myself out there. To that end, I have created a process I use to network. But the first thing I like to think about are a couple ideas that help to quiet the self-talk that gets in the way. Consider this:
-There is no such thing as networking police. If you do it "wrong", the networking police aren't going to come arrest you and drag you off to networking prison! What's the worst that could happen? You don't hear back from them. Which leads me to a couple more thoughts...
-Don't take it personally. There are a number of reasons why someone might not respond - they didn't see it, they're too busy, or they're not interested. Either way, it's their loss. They had the opportunity to meet Tatiyana and they blew it! Move on to the next one!
-Most people WANT to help other people, especially if it involves them doing a little bit of bragging or talking about themselves. Most folks out there want to share.
Which brings me to this - have a process. Set goals for reaching out to people you don't know to network with - maybe five a week, two a day, ten per month - depending on where you are in your life. Then you'll need to figure out how to find people. LinkedIn is one of the best sources but I'm sure there are many more I'm not aware of. Then you need to reach out. Here is my specific model for sending out a networking communication:
Let's assume you are using LinkedIn and you are adding a comment to a request to connect, so you are limited in the number of characters. I include the following:
-Intro that cites the common connection: "Hi Tatiyana. I see you are active on CareerVillage.org. I am too!"
-Say something nice about what they are doing: "You are doing such a great job with the questions you are asking. Shows alot of focus and drive!"
-Say something about where you are and why you are reaching out: "I am hoping to take better advantage of CareerVillage.org and make it work better for me. I'd like to spend 15 minutes talking about your best practices."
-Set a time to meet (do NOT say "are you willing to..." or "are you open to..." Just suggest a date and time: "I am available this Thursday at 4:30pm et and I'd be happy to call you! Looking forward to meeting with you." If they don't want to meet, they'll tell you. If that time doesn't work, they'll tell you. And since you suggested a date and time, they will be more likely to suggest a better time for them.
Then there is alot I can say about how to conduct that meeting, but we can save that for another time, but I'll leave you with this. At the end of each networking discussion, ALWAYS ask "Is there anyone else you think I should reach out?" And if they suggest a name, say "Would you be willing to introduce us?" or "Are you comfortable using your name?"
That's it! Good for you for asking about networking!
Tom
The best time is now! I know networking is a challenge for alot of people. As an introvert, I need to work hard to overcome my own shyness and put myself out there. To that end, I have created a process I use to network. But the first thing I like to think about are a couple ideas that help to quiet the self-talk that gets in the way. Consider this:
-There is no such thing as networking police. If you do it "wrong", the networking police aren't going to come arrest you and drag you off to networking prison! What's the worst that could happen? You don't hear back from them. Which leads me to a couple more thoughts...
-Don't take it personally. There are a number of reasons why someone might not respond - they didn't see it, they're too busy, or they're not interested. Either way, it's their loss. They had the opportunity to meet Tatiyana and they blew it! Move on to the next one!
-Most people WANT to help other people, especially if it involves them doing a little bit of bragging or talking about themselves. Most folks out there want to share.
Which brings me to this - have a process. Set goals for reaching out to people you don't know to network with - maybe five a week, two a day, ten per month - depending on where you are in your life. Then you'll need to figure out how to find people. LinkedIn is one of the best sources but I'm sure there are many more I'm not aware of. Then you need to reach out. Here is my specific model for sending out a networking communication:
Let's assume you are using LinkedIn and you are adding a comment to a request to connect, so you are limited in the number of characters. I include the following:
-Intro that cites the common connection: "Hi Tatiyana. I see you are active on CareerVillage.org. I am too!"
-Say something nice about what they are doing: "You are doing such a great job with the questions you are asking. Shows alot of focus and drive!"
-Say something about where you are and why you are reaching out: "I am hoping to take better advantage of CareerVillage.org and make it work better for me. I'd like to spend 15 minutes talking about your best practices."
-Set a time to meet (do NOT say "are you willing to..." or "are you open to..." Just suggest a date and time: "I am available this Thursday at 4:30pm et and I'd be happy to call you! Looking forward to meeting with you." If they don't want to meet, they'll tell you. If that time doesn't work, they'll tell you. And since you suggested a date and time, they will be more likely to suggest a better time for them.
Then there is alot I can say about how to conduct that meeting, but we can save that for another time, but I'll leave you with this. At the end of each networking discussion, ALWAYS ask "Is there anyone else you think I should reach out?" And if they suggest a name, say "Would you be willing to introduce us?" or "Are you comfortable using your name?"
That's it! Good for you for asking about networking!
Tom
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Networking is continous! There is no set time that you should start but the longer you wait to solidify connections with people the harder it gets to leverage them further down the line. Identify People who inspire you, who are active in asking questions, who seem interesting to you. Use platforms like LinkedIn and emails to find others working in your field of interest. Networking is all about maintaining relationships
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
I first dipped my toes into this exciting journey when I was a fresh-faced college freshman! You'll find that around the months of September and October, our university puts on career fairs. These are fantastic opportunities because they bring together recruiters, leaders, and professionals from a wide range of companies who are there to steer your discussions. Attending these events in person can provide you with valuable insights that can really help you out!
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Starting ASAP is the right time and LinkedIn is great for that
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
It is never too early to build your network!
John Greenwood, MBA
Strategy Director
57
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
John’s Answer
Hey Tatiyana,
I get this question a lot so I actually gave a TEDx on the topic (see link below).
The best time to start networking is long before you need it. :) I recommend start where you are with people who have a connection to you (friend of parents, parents of friends, people going to the college you are going to or who recently graduated from there, etc.). My video takes you through what type of message to send, what to do in the meeting, and how to build a community through networking instead of just a list of acquaintances.
Best,
John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMQQeV74H7U
I get this question a lot so I actually gave a TEDx on the topic (see link below).
The best time to start networking is long before you need it. :) I recommend start where you are with people who have a connection to you (friend of parents, parents of friends, people going to the college you are going to or who recently graduated from there, etc.). My video takes you through what type of message to send, what to do in the meeting, and how to build a community through networking instead of just a list of acquaintances.
Best,
John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMQQeV74H7U
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Now! You never know who you will meet now a come across later in life. If you know anyone in the field reach out or ask a mentor or counselor for advice on how to get started! Good luck!
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Starting ASAP is the right time and LinkedIn is great for that
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
It is never too early to start networking, but if you are in college and actively seeking internships, strive to find as many opportunities as possible to network and find mentors.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
615
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
The answer is today! Start a LinkedIn page and start connecting with professionals in the profession you are aiming to pursue. Begin with teachers and ask for recommendations. You can also look up alumni from your high school. You may be able to find some good resources.
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
It is never too early to start building relationships that will bear fruit. Many of your friendships can benefit you in the work place as well. Always be social and put yourself in scenarios to meet new people.
Nicolas McKissack
Independent artist
72
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Nicolas’s Answer
Believe that you can network anywhere at anytime and in any place you feel like it because we are all allowed to do this in the United States of America. As far as networking goes, you will be able to build & connect with people through family & friends of friends. Always keep contacts in your phone & social media even if you don't use those contacts. Know important dates like birthdays so you can reach out which would make your connections valid. Don't underestimate the power of community networking groups, and places of community that allow you to stay active with these people. Yes, you will need to network, but is it in a healthy way? Make sure to always stay healthy in the relationships you build and never forget to be a connection for someone else as well.
Keep contacts
Know it's a healthy connection
Remember important events/dates
Nicolas recommends the following next steps:
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Anytime!! people want to get to know you! Build your network today. Be proactive and open
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Start now, there's no time like the present. Building a network can never start too early, and it's unpredictable when you and your colleagues might cross paths again. So, seize the opportunity and start connecting.
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Start building your network now if you haven't already, because the ideal time would have been two years ago. Remember, it's all about Always Being Connected (ABC). The larger your network, the more opportunities you'll come across. Make it a point to connect with individuals who can boost your skills and provide insights into further development.
PwC Impact
577
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Starting to build meaningful relationships early on is always a great idea, as they can yield positive outcomes. Your friendships can also be a valuable asset in your professional life. So, always be open to socializing and place yourself in situations where you can meet new individuals. Don't hesitate to step out of your comfort zone!
Pamela Woodard
Banking
24
Answers
Piscataway Township, New Jersey
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Hello Tatiyana,
The best time to start networking and building professional relationships in your desired career field is now. If you are currently working in your desired field, talk to people you work with, ask them to share best practices and experiences with you. Try to set-up meetings with co-workers, meeting new people and establishing mutually beneficial relationships with other business professionals builds a group of people who you can confidently exchange services, advice, and knowledge. If you aren't in your desired career field, pretend that you are, remember to dress how you feel and want to be seen, create the environment that you are in by treating everyone with respect and have fun; practice on everyone, you never know who you might meet.
Best,
Pamela
The best time to start networking and building professional relationships in your desired career field is now. If you are currently working in your desired field, talk to people you work with, ask them to share best practices and experiences with you. Try to set-up meetings with co-workers, meeting new people and establishing mutually beneficial relationships with other business professionals builds a group of people who you can confidently exchange services, advice, and knowledge. If you aren't in your desired career field, pretend that you are, remember to dress how you feel and want to be seen, create the environment that you are in by treating everyone with respect and have fun; practice on everyone, you never know who you might meet.
Best,
Pamela