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When should you start networking and who is good to get referrals from?
For example, would academic or work referrals be more valued?
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8 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jolene !
Since I just gave advice to you on your previous question and have an idea of the path you have chosen, I would like to give you some advice. You are preparing right now for college, so as for referrals, I would say that you should try to obtain some academic referrals from your current teachers to include in your college admissions package. The reason I think that school referrals will help you better now is because they have seen you function in an academic setting, one that you will continue in college. These referrals can be from people that are familiar with your academic merit and achievements.
As for professional referrals, most of the time when applying for work you will need references included in your application. Think of people whom you have worked with, managers at jobs you have had and ask them to be a reference when you apply for work.
I think that the best place to start for networking for you would be at Job Fairs, Career Expos and special events related to your career interest. I would also suggest that you register at Linked In and follow all Australian career related profiles. I have left a link for one below. I would also advise continuing to ask advice here at Career Village and mention what your career interest is. The best thing would be if you can join a group related to your career interest and the best time is whenever you are ready to do so, but the sooner the better.
So, for school, I would focus on academic referrals. For work, I'd say that employers are looking for referrals from people who know how you work.
I hope that this will prove to be useful and I wish you all the best !
https://www.linkedin.com/company/australia-job-fairs/about/
Since I just gave advice to you on your previous question and have an idea of the path you have chosen, I would like to give you some advice. You are preparing right now for college, so as for referrals, I would say that you should try to obtain some academic referrals from your current teachers to include in your college admissions package. The reason I think that school referrals will help you better now is because they have seen you function in an academic setting, one that you will continue in college. These referrals can be from people that are familiar with your academic merit and achievements.
As for professional referrals, most of the time when applying for work you will need references included in your application. Think of people whom you have worked with, managers at jobs you have had and ask them to be a reference when you apply for work.
I think that the best place to start for networking for you would be at Job Fairs, Career Expos and special events related to your career interest. I would also suggest that you register at Linked In and follow all Australian career related profiles. I have left a link for one below. I would also advise continuing to ask advice here at Career Village and mention what your career interest is. The best thing would be if you can join a group related to your career interest and the best time is whenever you are ready to do so, but the sooner the better.
So, for school, I would focus on academic referrals. For work, I'd say that employers are looking for referrals from people who know how you work.
I hope that this will prove to be useful and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Laura Jean’s Answer
Get them from ANYONE - find people who know you well enough to speak on your positive qualities and help you.
Remember, they do not have to be in the career field that you are trying to get into.
Don't be shy- ASK them, friends, family etc. You may be surprised and find someone who will help you more than you know.
Otherwise, START NOW! :) The sooner the better.
Remember, they do not have to be in the career field that you are trying to get into.
Don't be shy- ASK them, friends, family etc. You may be surprised and find someone who will help you more than you know.
Otherwise, START NOW! :) The sooner the better.
Updated
Sean’s Answer
I would start networking now. When I was choosing my original major, I was fortunate enough to find a local resource in the field I wished to pursue and I spent a day with him watching him do his normal daily job. This experience helped me solidify my major as I was stuck between two different fields of study. This person also served as a resource as I was going through my college experience.
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Karen’s Answer
Good question! Start networking now. Never too soon to ask others, whether family members, friends, relatives or neighbors about their jobs -- what they like and how their job makes them feel. Let them know if you have a particular interest and ask for their advice about getting started and they may have some connections to share with you.
As to referrals, I believe a variety of work, academic and others such as volunteering experiences would be very positive.
With every good wish.
As to referrals, I believe a variety of work, academic and others such as volunteering experiences would be very positive.
With every good wish.
Dinesh Heber
Business Operations Analyst, Business process improvement,problem solving,Project management etc
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Dinesh’s Answer
Hi Thank you for asking this question.
Start networking as early as possible, even in high school or college, to begin building a diverse and extensive network. Good referral sources include supervisors, colleagues, mentors, and clients who can vouch for your skills, work ethic, and character. The early stages of your career are an excellent time to gather referrals from those who have direct experience working with you, and as your career progresses, maintain and expand your network to include industry professionals and peers. Remember that networking is an ongoing process that benefits from genuine engagement and mutually beneficial relationships.
With good wishes
Start networking as early as possible, even in high school or college, to begin building a diverse and extensive network. Good referral sources include supervisors, colleagues, mentors, and clients who can vouch for your skills, work ethic, and character. The early stages of your career are an excellent time to gather referrals from those who have direct experience working with you, and as your career progresses, maintain and expand your network to include industry professionals and peers. Remember that networking is an ongoing process that benefits from genuine engagement and mutually beneficial relationships.
With good wishes
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
It is good to start networking while still in high school, if possible. Collaborate with trusted teachers, neighbors, family members and family friends. Volunteer work is another resource for meeting people and gaining advice on career options. Join LinkedIn which has a built in network builder.
Once employed, fellow employees in your industry can serve as mentors and help you with network building. Conferences are also wonderful places to meet people who have similar career interests and many conferences offer social media/networking connections.
Check out the CareerVillage.org website.
Once employed, fellow employees in your industry can serve as mentors and help you with network building. Conferences are also wonderful places to meet people who have similar career interests and many conferences offer social media/networking connections.
Check out the CareerVillage.org website.
Updated
Olayinka’s Answer
Great question!
Attending conferences and seminars is a great way to increase your network.
I think both academic and work references are ranked equally.
But the difference comes in the content of the reference letters, the purpose of the job/position application and the status person recommending you.
It's always advisable to avoid generic reference letters. Letters that talk in detail about you and what you can do are more convincing.
Attending conferences and seminars is a great way to increase your network.
I think both academic and work references are ranked equally.
But the difference comes in the content of the reference letters, the purpose of the job/position application and the status person recommending you.
It's always advisable to avoid generic reference letters. Letters that talk in detail about you and what you can do are more convincing.
Updated
Ainhoa’s Answer
Managers who provide support, mentors who guide, and sponsors who advocate for you.