What is networking?

In short, “networking” means interacting with people to exchange information and develop professional relationships. For many people, the term “networking” brings to mind an image of a large soulless event, filled with people in formal dress drinking prosecco and trading business cards. However, networking is so much more than this.

When utilised effectively, networking can offer a fantastic way to source and exchange information, make new connections, maintain or strengthen existing relationships, and create opportunities. However, it’s not just about what you can gain from somebody else. It’s as much about assisting others. Networking should be mutually beneficial, and this is something that the most effective networkers are well aware of. For this reason, you shouldn’t wait until you have a favour to ask before connecting with someone; build the relationship without a goal in mind and – if at all possible – offer out your own help whenever it’s needed. If your network is full of people who you’ve helped without (initially) seeking anything in return, you’ll be very well positioned if you need help at a later stage.

How can networking benefit you?

Networking isn’t only about formal employer events and career fairs. You can network with people internally (e.g. people working at the same organisation as you), externally (e.g. with people working at firms that are collaborating with, advising, or working opposite your firm), online (e.g. via LinkedIn, email or virtual groups), in social settings (e.g. at weddings, over coffee, during casual conversations etc.) and in many other contexts, each of which can be beneficial in a number of different ways.

People from within your existing network (or people you meet through networking) may be able to provide advice about a range of different careers based on their own experiences. They may help you to secure work experience or assist you you’re your application writing or interview preparation. They could help you to make informed decisions (for instance when deciding which firm to choose if you are lucky enough to receive multiple offers) and provide general advice relating to your training and the work that you will be set once you start.

As a student, networking at employer events can help you to elicit information about a firm from employees who have attended networking events. These insights could prove invaluable when you come to work on your answers to career and firm motivation questions. You might also pick up information about the key competencies that the firm expects from candidates, or examples of the types of questions and exercises that come up during the firm’s assessment centres. 

It is also highly likely that you will end up working with or for people from within your network throughout your career, so networking effectively from an early stage can help to lay the foundations for positive working relationships further down the line. After all, if you’ve already built up a rapport, some good will and a degree of trust with a new colleague or collaborator, you’re more likely to work with them effectively from the outset.

Moreover, as you progress into more senior positions, you might be expected to rely on your network to attract new work and clients to the firm. If you have proven yourself to people and built solid relationships over time, these people will likely be more willing to send work your way. 

In addition, if you ever want to move to another office, work for another firm or change careers altogether, your network could be essential for helping you to discover the opportunities available and to helping you to get a foot in the door. Doing a good job for, and keeping in touch with clients and colleagues who you have previously worked with can help in this respect. In general, the longer your history with people, the more likely it is that they will be willing to help you out, so try to network from the earliest possible stage.