The Art of Networking

A Reflective Review: The Art of Networking 

The most common yet helpful piece of advice that young adults are given when starting their journeys at university or college, is to network. This new phase of life can be daunting for a myriad of reasons, ranging from navigating independence, transitioning into adulthood, discovering your identity, and tackling college coursework. Understanding how to network, or even what networking is can make this time even more daunting. Reflecting back on my time as a freshman, I can certainly sympathize with many like-minded students. 

The Strengths of the learning experience in effectively educating the community

Through my time at Illuminate Universe as a Community leader, I was fortunate to gain access to the work-integrated learning experience and leadership journey “Illuminate x CPAO: The Art of Networking”. Through review, this experience provided me with valuable insights into forming genuine professional relationships and conducting myself in different professional settings. I learned how to optimize my LinkedIn profile to highlight my skills and achievements effectively. The interactive virtual platform, real-world examples, email etiquette, and step-by-step guidance allowed me to gain practical skills and build confidence. Additional resources, feedback opportunities, and follow-up support helped me apply and refine my skills in a supportive community environment. 

 The Three biggest key Takeaways & Learning points

My takeaways from this learning experience were: 

1. The Importance of Authenticity in Networking: One of the main learning points emphasized that networking is about building genuine connections because networking is not just a one-time communication. Building relationships based on authenticity and mutual respect leads to more meaningful and lasting professional relationships. 

2. The Power of a Well-curated Online Presence: Another learning point was that presenting oneself professionally on LinkedIn is not only an opportunity to highlight skills and achievements but also empowers one to create a personal brand that helps one stand out to potential employers and collaborators. 

3. Effective Communication Etiquette: Another critical learning point was that mastering the etiquette of professional communication goes a long way in corresponding professionally with impactful & clear messages. 

The Learning Experience & encouragement of positivity, resilience, and personal growth through some key messages: 

This experience promotes positivity, resilience, and personal growth among students by empowering them with practical skills and knowledge through key messages.  Firstly, it teaches that setbacks and challenges in networking and communication, such as not receiving an email back from a recruiter, are opportunities to improve and learn. By highlighting the positive aspects of such setbacks, the experience stresses their importance in developing resilience for personal and professional growth. Secondly, the experience emphasizes that networking is not a one-time connection, but instead is a journey of continuous self-improvement and lifelong learning. Additionally, Illuminate Universe emphasizes the importance of taking notes during important networking events, etc, instilling a proactive approach to growth and underscoring resilience as essential for achieving success. Through such key messages, it impactfully encourages a determined, growth-oriented mindset among learners. 

Personal Reflection

Through this process, I have learned how crucial it is to be authentic, determined, and resilient in achieving my goals - instead of worrying about how to act or what to say when it comes to the professional sphere of networking and creation, one must be guided by their belief in themselves. More importantly, I realized that networking is a significant opportunity to gain personally and professionally from positive interactions and to give back to the community. This reflection has enhanced my understanding of content creation by emphasizing the true value of genuine connections, constant improvement, and the power of determination. 

Tips & Advice 

1. Networking in Person 

• Be genuine and approachable e.g. “Hi I’m Alex. I really enjoyed your talk on sustainable work practices. How did you get started in this field?”

• Listen Attentively and take notes e.g. After a conversation you note, “Ahmed mentioned a new project on green energy. Follow up with him for potential collaboration” 

• Exchange contact info at the end of a conversation e.g “It was great talking with you! Can we exchange LinkedIn profiles to stay in touch?”

• Do prior research when approaching specific professionals e.g. Look up their background, recent projects, or interests to have informed discussions.  

• Ask relevant questions e.g. “What inspired you to pursue a career in HR, and what advice would you give to someone starting out?” 

1. Online Presence 

• Use a professional headshot 

• Avoid controversial content 

• Share content relevant to your agenda 

• Engage with connections and remember to follow up 

1. Emailing 

• Use compelling subject lines 

• Be concise and clear 

• Personalize the message 

• Follow up respectfully & in a timely manner