Build your professional network

What is networking?

Networking is about making contacts who can help you with your job search. Talking to people about their work, what it involves, and how they got to where they are can make your own job hunting more successful.

Networking is important, as it will not only allow you to develop your knowledge around a particular area (aka. your commercial awareness), but you might also hear about any work opportunities that become available. It is worth remembering that many jobs are never formally advertised. Many work experience and temporary opportunities come through employers hiring those they already know through events or social media interactions, or who have sent speculative applications.

Ways to network

• Think about who you already know. This could be friends, family, and people you have previously worked / volunteered / studied with.
• Search for, and interact with, relevant people and organisations on social media.
• Attend career events run by Careers and Enterprise as well as across London. Research the speakers or companies beforehand, so that you can prepare questions to ask. Keep a note of particular speakers you are interested in, so you can contact them with follow up questions or a thank you note later.

Possible questions you could ask

• What advice would you give to somebody looking to enter the industry?
• What types of projects do you get involved with / what does an average day entail for you?
• What is the best way to look for work experience in this area?
• Are there any particular skills or qualifications that recruiters value?