5 answers
Brianna
Student
Reno, Nevada
1
Question
Asked
432 views
How do you engage with professionals or more experienced people in your field ?
How can you form professional or familiar relationships with people?
Login to comment
5 answers
Carmen Sánchez
Program Manager
4
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Carmen’s Answer
You might consider seeking out a Ted Talk chapter in your own city. It's an excellent opportunity to network with professionals across a variety of sectors.
Arpita Kaushik
Data Scientist
10
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Arpita’s Answer
Every response to this question is fantastic! To add on, consider visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/ for discovering tech or social events in your town. By registering for an event, you can connect with professionals who have more experience in your field.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Brianna !
You've asked such an important and profound question and the answer depends on many, many things and is very conditional. I would like to provide some general advice that may help you along the way.
Let's take relationships in the work place first. It will depend on the type of person you are. Some people use their jobs to gain friendships and will hang around with everyone and anyone. This often times is because the person has a strong need to be part of a group both professionally for the support and personally for the benefits of companionship outside of work. This is just my observation. Than there are the types that can go to work, enjoy their co-workers for the time they are at work but have friends and a social life outside of their job or busy with family and other things. One answer is that friendships, no matter where you meet the person, should develop naturally. That means that like-mindedness in most aspects of life and work interests are in harmony between you and the person. If you are worried about people that have more experience than you, do not be concerned. No one is scrutinizing your resume while you work together, it will be you as a person, what you say and what you do that you offer them and start friendships or professional relationships.
As for social friendships outside of work, it sometimes starts with people getting a general sense that they like you and invitations to go somewhere or do something. Think of activities that you like doing and invite someone to share it with. Whether it's a movie, a power walk in the park or to a local art gallery - it's a way to get to know a person better. Conversations with people will ascertain how much you'll want to be with the person. Let it happen naturally.
Be around people. The more you are involved in things that surround you with a lot of people, the more experience you will have with interacting and meeting people of all different backgrounds and interests. It will be easier for you to have a choice of friendships that way.
I hope that this has put a general outlook on things for you and has been something to consider. It is my observation in life that friendships cannot be predicted or forced, they happen as they naturally develop because of a special, indescribable bond between two people.
You've asked such an important and profound question and the answer depends on many, many things and is very conditional. I would like to provide some general advice that may help you along the way.
Let's take relationships in the work place first. It will depend on the type of person you are. Some people use their jobs to gain friendships and will hang around with everyone and anyone. This often times is because the person has a strong need to be part of a group both professionally for the support and personally for the benefits of companionship outside of work. This is just my observation. Than there are the types that can go to work, enjoy their co-workers for the time they are at work but have friends and a social life outside of their job or busy with family and other things. One answer is that friendships, no matter where you meet the person, should develop naturally. That means that like-mindedness in most aspects of life and work interests are in harmony between you and the person. If you are worried about people that have more experience than you, do not be concerned. No one is scrutinizing your resume while you work together, it will be you as a person, what you say and what you do that you offer them and start friendships or professional relationships.
As for social friendships outside of work, it sometimes starts with people getting a general sense that they like you and invitations to go somewhere or do something. Think of activities that you like doing and invite someone to share it with. Whether it's a movie, a power walk in the park or to a local art gallery - it's a way to get to know a person better. Conversations with people will ascertain how much you'll want to be with the person. Let it happen naturally.
Be around people. The more you are involved in things that surround you with a lot of people, the more experience you will have with interacting and meeting people of all different backgrounds and interests. It will be easier for you to have a choice of friendships that way.
I hope that this has put a general outlook on things for you and has been something to consider. It is my observation in life that friendships cannot be predicted or forced, they happen as they naturally develop because of a special, indescribable bond between two people.
Thais Kooiker
Finance
2
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Thais’s Answer
Hi Brianna! LinkedIn would be a great resource to connect with more experienced professionals in your field.
I would recommend you found companies you'd like to work for, or that are related to your field of expertise, and found a few individuals to reach out to that work in that company. You can write a brief introduction of yourself, highlighting your skills and passions, and asking if they'd be willing to connect with you for 15 minutes to help in your development and career.
Lots of people will not respond to you, but some will. Embrace those contacts and opportunities and do your best to connect with them in the call, and hopefully you can nurture those relationships and keep in touch over time. Prepare good questions to ask (nothing you'd easily find on Google), know how to introduce yourself in a concise way (who you are, your current occupation and strengths, what you are passionate about), and offer to help them in any way you can as well. Think that this is a 2-way street and you always have something to offer.
Hope this helps, best of luck!
I would recommend you found companies you'd like to work for, or that are related to your field of expertise, and found a few individuals to reach out to that work in that company. You can write a brief introduction of yourself, highlighting your skills and passions, and asking if they'd be willing to connect with you for 15 minutes to help in your development and career.
Lots of people will not respond to you, but some will. Embrace those contacts and opportunities and do your best to connect with them in the call, and hopefully you can nurture those relationships and keep in touch over time. Prepare good questions to ask (nothing you'd easily find on Google), know how to introduce yourself in a concise way (who you are, your current occupation and strengths, what you are passionate about), and offer to help them in any way you can as well. Think that this is a 2-way street and you always have something to offer.
Hope this helps, best of luck!
Mariana Andreoni
Recruitment Coordinator
2
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Mariana’s Answer
Hi Brianna!
You ask a good question and I think Michelle gave some great advice above. Meeting, engaging with, and building connections with people takes time and also being bold and courageous. To reiterate what Michelle said, the more you are involved or surrounded with people the more organic opportunities will come to build relationships.
Consider looking into clubs, groups, webinars, mentorship, and networking opportunities in your areas of interest. There are so many free opportunities through the public library, local societies, and schools. LinkedIn is also a great site to establish your brand and connect with people online and professionally.
Overall, relationship building takes time and dedication. A simple verbal introduction (in-person or virtually) is a great start. Don't be afraid to be curious and ask questions - especially from people who inspire you. One of my favorite questions to ask someone professionally is: "What advice would you give to someone like me who is just starting out?" In my experience, people are eager to share and provide encouragement. People also make connections based on shared experiences or common interests. Having a fun ice-breaker question can help break the initial ice and awkwardness that comes with meeting someone for the first time.
Be patient, be kind, and be you! Best of luck.
You ask a good question and I think Michelle gave some great advice above. Meeting, engaging with, and building connections with people takes time and also being bold and courageous. To reiterate what Michelle said, the more you are involved or surrounded with people the more organic opportunities will come to build relationships.
Consider looking into clubs, groups, webinars, mentorship, and networking opportunities in your areas of interest. There are so many free opportunities through the public library, local societies, and schools. LinkedIn is also a great site to establish your brand and connect with people online and professionally.
Overall, relationship building takes time and dedication. A simple verbal introduction (in-person or virtually) is a great start. Don't be afraid to be curious and ask questions - especially from people who inspire you. One of my favorite questions to ask someone professionally is: "What advice would you give to someone like me who is just starting out?" In my experience, people are eager to share and provide encouragement. People also make connections based on shared experiences or common interests. Having a fun ice-breaker question can help break the initial ice and awkwardness that comes with meeting someone for the first time.
Be patient, be kind, and be you! Best of luck.