External Contributor: Ye Myo Maung (MS. Occupational Health – University of Western Australia, MBBS. University of Medicine 1 Yangon)
Networking is a socioeconomic business activity by which people meet to form relationships and to recognize, create, or act upon opportunities, share information and seek potential partners. Networking is very important because it can help your career opportunities, business and relationships grow wider. Students can increase their academic and employment opportunities by proper academic networking. Students can do academic networking in many ways.
Here are some networking tips to keep in mind.
• Being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others. • Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Etc. • Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible. • Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them. • Become known as a powerful resource for others. • Have a clear understanding of what you want and why. • Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. • Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them and ask if you could get together and share ideas.
