Three Avenues for Building a Solid Professional Network - Your Career Intel

Three Avenues for Building a Solid Professional Network - Your Career IntelIts common knowledge that the most effective tool for career change is your network. In fact, research shows that 60-80% of professional-level positions are obtained through ones network, says John Bennett, director of the Master of Science at the McColl School of Business. The best network a professional can create is one thats made of strong, genuine relationships, keeping in mind that networking is just as much about what you have to offer as what your network has to offer to you. Lynne Waymon, co-author of Make Your Contacts Count states, Networking is about teaching and giving. Teaching people who you are and what kind of opportunities to send your way. And it is about givinglistening so generously that you can also help people accomplish their goals. And the best time to start building that network of mutually-beneficial contacts is before you need or want to utilize it.There are three key avenues to con sider when building your professional networkCultivate relationships around the workplace. The first place to start is with your coworkers, and when appropriate and available, your company vendors and clients. Building sincere, lasting relationships with colleagues can be paramount to your success both now in your current position and later down the road. Build relationships across departments and at all levels within the organization, and spend time getting to know the people who are the best at what they do.Join professional societies and organizations related to your profession and/or industry. Pick one or two professional organizations and invest in them by taking on a leadership role. By serving in a chair-type capacity, youll become more visible and come in contact with a vast network of people. Also, at each event, take time to get to know one or two professionals, exchange contact information and stay in touch.Get involved in a non-profit organization. This avenue is often o verlooked but can be very important as you grow your career toward the executive level. Consider causes that are important to you and get involved by volunteering. Over time, as your participation increases and grows, doors of opportunity for networking will begin to open. Many not-for-profits offer exposure to C-level executives who sit on the boards of these organizationsa rare gunst der stunde to be visible to and cultivate relationships with top executives. Aside from the professional benefits of volunteering, theres immense intrinsic value in contributing to a worthwhile cause.There are a number of ways to grow your professional network. What other avenues do you consider crucial to networking success?

The top skills employers need from new graduates (Hint They arent technical)

The top skills employers need from new graduates (Hint They arent technical) Share Share via TwitterShare via FacebookShare via Google PlusShare via LinkedInShare via E-mail It may seem surprising with the age of technology that we live in, but the most in-demand job skills right now are uniquely human. According to a 2019 survey of employers, the top skills todays employers are looking for in candidates includeListening skills (74%)Attention to detail and attentiveness (70%)Effective communication (69%)Critical thinking (67%)Interpersonal and intercultural skills (65%)Active learning/Learning new skills (65%)So, how do you go about developing or enhancing these skills? While many of them are built into the courses you take, there are ways to develop these skills outside the classroom. Here are some tips to help you get started.ExperienceWhether its a part-time job, internship or volunteer work, you can develop the most in-demand skills through experience. Visit the CU Stude nt Employment website for opportunities to gain hands-on experience, both on and off campus. Handshake can help you to explore all kinds of internship opportunities with employers both locally and nationally. And you can visit the Volunteer Resource Center to find ways to gain experience while helping the community.With any of these options, take time to reflect on how your experiences are helping you develop these important skills. Look for additional opportunities to expand on these skills. You could talk with your supervisor about taking on mora responsibility, or lead a volunteer project.LeadershipLeadership takes many forms, from official positions in student government to supervising peers or managing a group project. Taking on leadership roles not only helps you develop in-demand skills, it can also help you build your network. Visit the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) online or in person to look for ways to participate in student organizations on campus.In addition to b uilding skills, these experiences will provide you with great examples and stories to share with employers during job interviews. For instance, to demonstrate that you have great listening skills, you could share a specific story about when you used you actively listened to better understand a dicke bretter bohren mssen and provide a solution.Intercultural competenciesIn the global marketplace and world of work, being able to engage with and understand the perspectives of people from different cultures is essential in all fields. Like any other proficiency, you can develop your intercultural skills with training and practice. Check out Education Abroad programs that can provide opportunities to gain real-life experiences outside of the U.S . The Center for Inclusion and Social Change (CISC) also provides numerous programs and workshops to help you develop intercultural skills and create inclusive work environments. There is even a tool called the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) that will help you to learn about and strengthen your intercultural awareness and understanding.Mastering these essential skills can lead to more job offers, a better work environment and job satisfaction. Whether you are looking for a job or an internship, emphasizing the skills you bring to the table can give you an advantage over other candidates. If you need help articulating your skills or thinking about the industries in which they may be most marketable, stop by Career Services and meet with a career development advisor. Make an appointment through Handshake or visit during drop-in hours Monday - Thursday from 11 a.m. 4 p.m.TagsCareer Planning