Build your professional network

Source: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/careers/how-to/build-your-professional-network/ Parent: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/careers/about/what-we-offer/

Find out about job roles and companies that you might not be aware of, plus get valuable insight into where they recruit and what they look for in candidates.

What is networking?

Networking is about making contacts who can help you with your job search. Talking to people about their work, what it involves, and how they got to where they are can make your own job hunting more successful.

Networking is important, as it will not only allow you to develop your knowledge around a particular area (aka. your commercial awareness), but you might also hear about any work opportunities that become available. It is worth remembering that many jobs are never formally advertised. Many work experience and temporary opportunities come through employers hiring those they already know through events or social media interactions, or who have sent speculative applications.

Ways to network

• Think about who you already know. This could be friends, family, and people you have previously worked / volunteered / studied with.
• Search for, and interact with, relevant people and organisations on social media.
• Attend career events run by Careers and Enterprise as well as across London. Research the speakers or companies beforehand, so that you can prepare questions to ask. Keep a note of particular speakers you are interested in, so you can contact them with follow up questions or a thank you note later.

Possible questions you could ask

• What advice would you give to somebody looking to enter the industry?
• What types of projects do you get involved with / what does an average day entail for you?
• What is the best way to look for work experience in this area?
• Are there any particular skills or qualifications that recruiters value?

Attend Events

Career Discovery

Search 'Networking' in the Career Discovery Feed to browse advice on how to effectively network

QM Careers Hub

Visit you QM Careers Hub and use the resources there to help build your network.

QMentoring

Expand your network and gain insight into an industry with QMentoring