Network before you have need to

One of the keys to managing careers effectively is through building and maintaining strong and varied networks.
According to Connie Musisi, head of Careers at Uganda Christian University Mukono, networking is talking and interacting with people who will learn about you and your interests and can help you gain insight into your career perceptions.
“Networking is a valuable career asset which is all about building authentic relationships with real people in line with your dream job,” she says.

Joweria Nansereko, a human resource manager at Graben 4PL says networking is one way of widening and broadening a job seeker’s contact base not only in number but in depth.
“Networking can be done through attending events, conferences and meetings. A person can also join social media forums that can benefit them by connecting them to appropriate people in the industry, profession or area of interest,” she says.
“The informal job market always exists in a much more hidden fashion, before a job is made public, there are informal opportunities that can be accessed through networking”, she says.

How to get access to useful networks
Musisi says networking is something that should be ongoing throughout a career. She says job seekers need to present themselves well and sell their ideas appropriately to people who matter whenever opportunity avails itself.

“It is about how you dress, who you speak to, how you speak and what you talk about, as well as how you conduct yourself in public that counts because you never know where it might lead you. Also, networking should begin early before you have the need to do it. This will give you the opportunity to build your network of people that you will bank on to link you to a job just in case need arises,” she says.

Musisi advises jobseekers to look out for relationships that can benefit their career. She notes that networking with as many people as possible may not necessarily be advantageous.
“Focus on building quality relationships with key people who can, and who have made a difference in your professional career, these can be of help at some time,” she says.

Nansereko advises job seekers to make use of events where they can meet useful people that are in line with their career.
“Consider joining professional organisations, attending events, seminars, conferences and meetings. These are potential avenues that can link you up with key people in your career,” she says.

More than just meeting people
She adds that the jobseekers should also consider doing something for someone instead of someone doing something for them.
“Networking is more than just about making the right connections for yourself, it is also about helping others by donating your time and talent or connecting people you feel have some beneficial value to each other,” she noted. She observes that your good deeds can land you into something better in the future.

Musisi says networking affords one an opportunity of knowledge sharing. She also adds that it gives access to a wealth of knowledge and experience.
“The people in your network will likely come from a wide variety of backgrounds, meaning they will offer a broad range of perspectives and possess deep wisdom from which you can draw,” she explains.
She advises every job seeker to spare time off their schedules for networking noting that the process can add another dimension to their career development.