Network Like Your Life Depends On It

Most people find networking to be an odd concept, but when you think about it, we all network on a daily basis: We meet new people, become acquainted, and make connections with other people through these acquaintances. However, when we get told at university that "networking" is crucial, it is often looked at as something made solely for the purpose of reaching career ambitions. Networking doesn't need to be about a career; wanting to have a trial at Manchester United requires connections too. It's just socializing with a goal in mind.


Networking, and hence knowing people with connections, is far more crucial than having a high-profile education or being competent in a specific skill. Think about Paris Hilton; she's absolutely useless to society, but because she's the heir to the Hilton Hotel dynasty, she's been able to create a name for herself (unfortunately). That's just an extreme example because she was born into a network of absurdly "connected" people. 

But in the case of you and I - It's completely up to us to design a network that will allow us to create a name for ourselves. 


Having a degree won't get you as far as you think. It's only a qualification and does not imply that you are capable of surviving in the real world. Knowing people, and having the ability to leverage your network, will impact you in ways that a degree could never replicate. 

There's a concept known as the Six Degrees of Separation, which states that on average, we are all "six degrees" away from anybody in this world. And this proves the power of networking: You know somebody, that knows somebody, who knows someone that likes cars, who knows a car collector, who could connect you to the CEO of Lamborghini.


So get out there. Find your passion and meet others who are like-minded, or are already in the shoes you wish to be in one day.


Cheers, 
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Disclaimer: This blog and its components are in no way affiliated with Wilfrid Laurier University.
3 Comments
 

I disagree that networking is more important than degree and actual skill sets. Also, I see a big difference between being social and meeting people and going to specific networking events where people's sole goal is to find someone who can help them out in their career. I find the latter totally obnoxious.

 
MBA-policyI disagree that networking is more important than degree and actual skill sets. Also, I see a big difference between being social and meeting people and going to specific networking events where people's sole goal is to find someone who can help them out in their career. I find the latter totally obnoxious.

I'd argue that the degree, in the sense what school bestowed it, is more important. In effect it is networking. Let's not pretend for a second an average student at HYPSW will have mangitudes easier time obtaining an interview/job than a good/great student at most non-targets.

Skill sets matter for the buyside.

 

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