You're considering a career pivot. How can you utilize networking opportunities to explore new paths?
Considering a career change can feel daunting, but networking is a powerful tool to explore new opportunities and gain industry insights. Here’s how to effectively use your network:
What strategies have worked for you in exploring new career avenues?
You're considering a career pivot. How can you utilize networking opportunities to explore new paths?
Considering a career change can feel daunting, but networking is a powerful tool to explore new opportunities and gain industry insights. Here’s how to effectively use your network:
What strategies have worked for you in exploring new career avenues?
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When pivoting careers, networking can open doors to new opportunities. Start by reaching out to your existing connections and sharing your goals. Attend industry events, join LinkedIn groups, and engage with professionals in your desired field. Conduct informational interviews to learn about their experiences and advice. Volunteering or freelancing in the field can help you gain relevant experience and build credibility. Always follow up and stay engaged to nurture relationships. Networking isn’t just about opportunities—it’s about building meaningful connections that guide your transition.
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I love to browse people's profiles on LinkedIn and advise my clients the same. The more you can do it with a genuine curiosity and in a relaxed way - without the pressure of having to achieve something - the more you will enjoy it and the more successful you will be. I have discovered information on people's profiles that led to more information that opened doors that resulted in great opportunities. Be curious, be an explorer, look at people's career paths, how did they get to where you want to be? Ask them! Note what you liked / admired about their profile. Show genuine interest. Be consistent, do this every day, and you will find out - industry trends, career paths, company cultures, unadvertised opportunities...
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When pivoting career, many people make a big mistake of over-relying on their current proven networks. Those close circles though caring about our well being, are already invested in our current identity and thus likely to be LESS effective in supporting our pivot into something new. In fact, those close connections usually provide extra gravity and often work against the change (with the best of intentions). Research and practice of successful career pivots shows that best opportunities come from further periphery orbits of our networks, from those more distant or even dormant ties - like old alumni, colleagues or acquaintances. They are more likely to buy into our new career identity and bring us new connections, ideas and opportunities.
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The time to leverage your network is before you are considering a career change. The future is uncertain and the only thing we can control is making sure we are prepared for the uncertainty. Network with people in your industry now. Write articles. Develop new skills. Get on a panel to speak about a topic for which you are an expert. Get your name out there. When I started my firm 18 years ago I had no clients but over the years I had created a network of people who knew my work, and I was active in my professional association, so it was easy for me to establish business. So many people write to me and say, "Hey - I'm looking for a new job I'm going to join SHRM." Too late.
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One thing that I’ve done when exploring new career opportunities is to talk to people working in those areas or in the roles that you are exploring. This gives you the first-hand insights into those opportunities and helps you to further understand what is actually expected out of you.
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