Ever heard of a quote, “Your network is your net worth.”
Networking isn’t just cold approaching a senior manager of a large company and hoping for a dream job, although you could certainly try. But by building relationships with others today, it could lead to receiving valuable advice, a job or a successful collaboration tomorrow. Knowing the right person, who you may have helped with a project or enjoyed meeting you at an event, could offer you employment or become your client in the future.
If you meet someone you are inspired by in your creative industry, they could offer advice and mentorship.
If you have a contact at your dream company, they might let you know about an opening that suits you or share valuable work experience and advice with you. Knowing others who have experience that they are happy to share can give you industry insights and help build your knowledge.
Creating great relations with others does involve confidence and patience but think of the possibilities that could happen. If networking makes you anxious, just remind yourself you have already done it by making friends with your course mates. They may then introduce you to their wider network and with platforms such as LinkedIn and the The Dots, it’s easy to stay connected with new and existing contacts.
By making contacts with others in your field, there are other benefits such as knowing industry trends, seeing professional standards and perspectives, referrals and recognition. Keeping a network with others who share your passions will accelerate your career faster than having no network.
Networking is a crucial part of every stage of your career journey. Whether you are exploring your career options, actively looking for work, clients or collaborators, why not sign up to our friendly Networking event? There will be a panel of industry professionals and brands to answer your questions.
The event takes place at UAL High Holborn on Thursday 1 Dec 2022, 6pm to 7.30pm. If you’re a new graduate stepping into the world of work, this is a chance to:
– learn industry insights and tips in a variety of sectors
– hear career stories and ask questions to industry professionals
– meet other UAL graduates
– meet the Graduate Employability Team in-person to learn more about the graduate careers support offer and how we can help you
You don’t have to be an extrovert to maximise these experiences. Most people attending these events are nervous, just go with an open mind and a willingness to talk to others. We have organised peer networking events in the past and have struggled to get participants to leave, so much is the enthusiasm once everyone gets started.
If you require any additional support in relation to your booking, or careers support, please email: gradsupport@arts.ac.uk
If you are looking for a creative role, UAL’s jobs board, Creative Opportunities specialises in promoting creative industry roles and opportunities for students and alumni from the University of the Arts London (UAL). Careers and Employability run this service. It’s the go-to hub for art, design, communications and performance graduates. We promote jobs, paid internships, volunteering roles, scholarships and competitions. Our mission is to provide genuine career progression through industry experience, internships, mentorship, grants, funding and bursaries for our students and alumni to be able to do something they love and make a living.