Information for Mentees

The Importance of Networking

networking

Networking is about meeting people, developing contacts and exchanging information. Meeting and networking with the right people can lead to opportunities.

The old saying 'it isn't what you know but who you know', rings true. Statistics show that a staggering 70% of jobs are obtained through networking - the percentage is highest for senior positions. Some believe that in this bad economic climate, this statistic is even higher.

Now is the time to do the networking, not when you come to look for a new position.

Join a women's networking groups such as The Women's Engineering Society - You have heard of the 'old boys network', make sure you are in a woman's network!

Join your professional institution and attend their meetings - local and national.

Go to conferences and meet others working in the same field.

Sign up to Daphnet, the mailing list for and about women in science, engineering and technology.

Don't make enemies and try to build a good working relationship with as many people as possible.

Networking is particularly important for women wishing to return after a career break. Attending events and talking to people in your field may help you to come up to speed with changes in your area. Again, talking to the right person may lead to a job!

There are various on-line networking tools which enable you to keep in touch with your contacts and can help you to strengthen and extend your network.

Not all networking is good for your career. Be careful about the information and pictures of yourself displayed on social networking sites. Potential employers look!!