damn i suck at networking

current first year analyst at an eb. i  recognize that i probably have stronger hard skills than soft skills but i am genuinely well liked within my group, especially among fellow analysts and get along well with people. there is a streak of me that is slightly awkward when first meeting people, but people warm up after the first interaction in general.

the thing is, i fuckin suck at networking and it's through sheer luck that I managed to land in my current position. it may be my first impression isn't strong (not necessarily unlikeable, but struggle to get a connection going in first interaction), but whether it's lateral positions or Pe positions, i feel like I strike out because the first impressions aren't good. just venting but feel like it's a little cooked for me. definitely need to improve.

3 Comments
 

Honest solution from someone with the same problem: start talking to randos throughout your day. Whether it be complements like “I like your bag” or “nice jeans” or whatever, it’s a big help (especially when you genuinely mean it). You likely come off as awkward or detached on first encounter and the best way to solve that is just tons of reps of talking. Also, smile all the time. This job is pretty lame in terms of the atmosphere and a lot of times people look miserable, don’t be that guy. I used to ask myself why the jocks always got more girls, and it’s because people are into people who seem happy and that shines through in nearly all of life’s avenues.

 
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