I’m not talking about dating; I’m talking about networking. Networking can get you in doors that degrees cannot.
For this particular story, I am going to use fictitious company names, because I don’t want to jinx my opportunity. I worked with a company (let’s call it Tank Productions) on a particular project that was in partnership with a major media company that I’ve had my eye on for a while (let’s call it Major Media). Once the project was completed, I was scouring LinkedIn and noticed that Major Media had this really cool job opportunity that I was highly interested in. I immediately applied and began thinking about people in my network that I could reach out to that could help me and possibly connect with me someone at Major Media. I reached out to my contact at Tank Productions remembering that they had previously partnered with Major Media and would most likely still be in contact with the company. I shot my shot, expressed my interest in the position, shared my resume, and asked my contact if she could connect me with someone over at Major Media. Although my contact doesn’t exactly work for Major Media, I was confident and hopeful that she’d still be able to connect me with someone that does. To my surprise, not only was she able to contact someone from Major Media about the position, but my resume landed with the hiring team of the position I was seeking.
I say this to say, whether you are searching for a new job opportunity or looking to get promoted in your current company, it’s so important to leverage your network. Networking can help you share and gain knowledge, access opportunities, make lasting connections, and increase your confidence. The more you network, the more chance you have to make an impact in your industry. Don’t be scared to shoot your shot and ask for help or get connected with someone who can help you. You miss every shot you don’t take and when it comes to advancing in your career or securing your dream position, every shot is worth it.