In an online discussion post, Alcorn State University history professor Dr. Jason Gibson posed a question that represented part of his students’ midterm. It was about the…
In an online discussion post, Alcorn State University history professor Dr. Jason Gibson posed a question that represented part of his students’ midterm. It was about the…
Networking matters. I went to an academically rigorous private university, but not one the better-known ones. I graduated during a recession and had plenty of doors slammed in my face. But one of my professors who liked my work had an old friend from Harvard who was a hiring manager at an important nearby company. The letter of reference he wrote to his friend got me in the door. I rose fast in the company after that, because I’m a quick study and actually knew how to do things. But I probably wouldn’t have gotten in without that string having been pulled.
I’m on the other side of the spectrum. No relevant degree in my field, no certifications, just real world experience. I rose very quickly too.
I also haven’t really seen real world effects of networking with anyone I know. Lots of people join college clubs, go to networking events, etc. but when they need a job or a lawyer or something they get the same rates as everyone else. Maybe it’s just my friends though.
Networking is the only way I got hired at my company. Networking is the best way to move up in the company. Networking is the ONLY way to move past a certain level in the company. Networking is the way I ensure the people I hire onto my team are going to work out, as opposed to relying an hour long interview plus reading a resume.