Best Places To Network

What are the best places to network? Why not make it easy on yourself and start where you're working right now? Does this mean that you should break up the work day by schmoozing your superiors? Of course not. That behavior will most certainly not lead to your professional advancement, which after all is what networking is all about.

While your networking in your current job should not interfere with your daily responsibilities there or the responsibilities of anyone else, for that matter, if you like what you're doing and where you're working but are interested in eventually advancing, this best place to start your networking is a place you're going to everyday, anyway. Lucky you! How do you network at work? Don't eat lunch by yourself, for example. Go out with the gang from your department to build team unity and strengthen your relationships. You can also consider emailing people you don't know all that well, but who hold jobs you would one day like to have. If they are free for coffee or lunch, they might be able to provide you with valuable information as to how they got where they got and how you can get there, too. And even if you want to get home as quickly as possible, if after-work invitations are extended to you, think twice before turning them down. By building a base of fans in your office, you will have support down the road when it's time to apply for a better position.

Join a Professional Association

Many fields have national organizations that hold events throughout the year that offer people the opportunity to increase their professional network. These organizations also might provide continuing education opportunities such as useful seminars that will help you excel in your current job or give you strategies for securing an even better job. CPAs can join the American Society of Public Accountants. Technical writers also have a national organization. In addition to profession-specific professional associations, there are also organizations for women in business, young professionals, etc.

Join Your Alumni Association

Joining your alumni association, whether it's from high school or college, and attending its events, might be your best networking choice to make. These alumni organizations thrive on school pride, and nothing makes alums prouder than getting into positions where they can help each other out professionally. Alumni organizations often offer events similar to those offered by professional associations for career enrichment or for the express purpose of networking. In addition, you should attend reunion-type events. Though they are not advertised as networking opportunities, indeed they are as well.

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