You have worked diligently to build an extensive professional network. Despite your best efforts, your network remains stagnant. At this point, you may need extra help to expand your network.
There are many tried-and-true things you can do to grow your professional network. These include:
1. Attend Professional Networking Events
Keep an eye out for professional networking events in your city or town. You can find these events on LinkedIn, Meetup, and similar websites. From here, you can attend these events to connect with professionals close to home.
In-person networking events can provide valuable learning opportunities. They let you engage with professionals in your community and foster relationships with them. Over time, these relationships can help you pursue jobs in your community.
Along with attending in-person networking events, sign up for virtual networking sessions. You can attend virtual networking sessions via video chat to connect with professionals from across the globe. And with every networking event you attend, you can move one step closer to landing your dream job.
2. Become a Volunteer
Seek out volunteer opportunities in your community. Many nonprofit organizations encourage people to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of these opportunities whenever you can. In doing so, you can connect with community members and expand your professional network. Also, you can give back to your community.
VolunteerMatch provides a great resource for those who want to find volunteer opportunities. The website makes it easy to search for local organizations in need of volunteers. Furthermore, you can find an organization for volunteering that has a mission, goals, and values that align with your own.
3. Join a Professional Organization
Research professional organizations in your industry. Review the eligibility requirements to join these organizations. Next, select a professional organization and become a member. This gives you access to a wealth of industry professionals.
Once you join a professional organization, capitalize on the opportunity. Attend organization-wide events, so you can engage with other industry professionals. You can even pursue opportunities to host events or engage in workshops or other training programs that the organization offers.
In addition, check out any educational resources that the organization provides. These resources can help you learn the ins and outs of your industry. They can also empower you with the knowledge and insights you need to build a successful career.
The Bottom Line on Expanding Your Professional Network
Your professional network remains a work in progress. Meanwhile, how you treat your network can dictate your career. If you do what’s necessary to engage with your network and grow it, you can accelerate your career growth.
The aforementioned tips can help you expand your professional network. Yet, if you need extra help in your search for your dream job, partner with Techneeds.
We are a professional staffing agency that helps job seekers thrive. Our recruiters can connect you with top employers in New England. And we offer tools, resources, and guidance to ensure you can accomplish your career aspirations. Check out our job board today!