1. Networking is not just about attending events.
We often hear, “It is all about who you know”. In a professional career, networking can be an invaluable space to express your personal qualities and values to others. Even if you are not looking for a job, as a result of networking you may have more opportunities in the future. Additionally, networking provides you with a competitive edge allowing you to broaden your horizons on the latest industry trends.
2. It’s the best way to connect and build relationships with other businesses.
By attending networking events, you will have the chance to meet face-to-face with professionals across various industries, an opportunity that is not often available in general life. Also, by sharing your opinion about new business plans, you can attract other companies interested in your idea, leading to new collaborations and more possibilities.
3. Great chance to build one’s confidence.
Participating in networking events and meeting new people can bring you out of your comfort zone. It is a great opportunity for everybody to develop and practise their social and communication skills. In all, networking is a transferable skill that will help you to communicate your ideas more confidently in all aspects of life.
4. Can be applied to business and academic skills.
Most people see networking as a business activity, yet it has become an important skill for academic professionals. For example, if you meet companies or professionals in your field of study, being able to effectively communicate and share ideas, could lead to further insight and value to your own research, while gaining a meaningful connection for possible collaborations. In addition, postgraduates and PhD students independently research literature for their dissertations, so attending networking events can help them to interact with other business leaders, and professionals, and help their interpersonal skills.
5. A platform to reflect on yourself.
Often people are satisfied with the status quo and overlook opportunities for new types of collaboration, but don’t consider how professionals in similar fields have gotten to where they are. Through networking events and activities, you can reflect on your own strategies, strengths and weaknesses and how to improve.
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By Judy Chang.
