There are huge advantages to be gained by building your own professional network early in life. However, most graduates are not fully aware of the benefits of making contact with a vast number of people working in their industry. Nor are they knowledgeable about how to go about creating a significant professional network. Regent Business School Academic, Ravin Baburam, explores the benefits of creating a professional network and determines an appropriate approach to creating such a network.
In an increasingly competitive job market, technical expertise and academic qualifications alone are no longer enough. Professional networking is an essential tool for career growth, yet many graduates underestimate its power or are unsure how to leverage it effectively. Business education provides a unique environment for individuals to cultivate a network that can unlock opportunities, broaden perspectives, and accelerate professional success.
Building Connections for Career Success
For mature students and HR professionals, networking is more than just exchanging business cards or connecting on LinkedIn. It is about nurturing meaningful relationships that provide long-term career benefits. A well-established network can lead to mentorship, strategic collaborations, career advancement, and business opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.
A professional network is a group of people with whom you have built a relationship, who work in the same field as you, or who have close alignment with your career field. Individuals who provide specialised auxiliary services such as human resources, information technology and legal services may also form a valuable part of such a network.
Starting early in building a professional network offers a significant advantage. Many professionals only realize the importance of networking when they are actively job hunting or looking for a promotion. However, the most effective networks are built over time, with relationships that develop organically and authentically.
A strong network serves multiple purposes:
- Diverse Perspectives and Problem-Solving: Engaging with professionals from various backgrounds inspires new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Learning from others’ experiences can help professionals navigate challenges more efficiently.
- Career Progression and Job Opportunities: Many employers prefer to hire candidates through referrals from trusted connections rather than through external recruitment processes. Being part of a network increases visibility and credibility within an industry.
- Collaboration and Innovation: Networks create avenues for collaborative projects, knowledge-sharing, and innovative ideas. Professionals who engage with peers from different industries often discover synergies that lead to groundbreaking initiatives.
- Professional Development: Through networking, individuals gain access to mentors, industry trends, and best practices that help them stay relevant in a constantly evolving job market.
Where and How to Build a Strong Network
For those looking to expand their professional circles, business schools provide fertile ground for networking. Whether through postgraduate degrees, MBAs, or short executive courses, these institutions bring together individuals with shared professional ambitions and diverse industry expertise. Below are some effective ways to cultivate a network in such environments and beyond:
- Academic and Professional Events
Business schools frequently host guest lectures, panel discussions, and networking sessions where students and professionals can connect with industry leaders. Attending such events creates a pathway to engagement with potential mentors, recruiters, and like-minded peers.
- Alumni Associations
Alumni networks provide a ready-made platform to reconnect with former classmates and meet professionals who have navigated similar career paths. Alumni events, mentorship programs, and online platforms offer valuable opportunities to expand professional relationships.
- Workshops and Industry Conferences
Participating in training workshops, business conferences, and industry trade shows provides exposure to new trends and influential professionals. These settings allow for direct interaction, knowledge exchange, and potential business collaborations.
- LinkedIn and Online Communities
In the digital era, professional networking extends beyond face-to-face interactions. LinkedIn remains a powerful tool for building and maintaining relationships with industry peers. This respected and fast-growing platform is now an essential business tool. Engaging in relevant discussions, joining professional groups, and sharing insights establish credibility and increase professional visibility.
- Mentorship and Referrals
There is something to be said for the old adage “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” when it comes to mentorship. Seeking mentorship from seasoned professionals can provide valuable guidance and career direction. Asking trusted contacts for referrals expands your network with credibility, as introductions through a mutual connection often hold more weight than cold outreach.
- Professional Associations and Memberships
Joining industry-specific professional bodies can result in access to exclusive networking events, publications, and industry insights. For instance, educators in South Africa often belong to the South African Council for Educators, which provides a platform for engagement and collaboration.
The Long-Term Value of Networking
The strength of a professional network is not measured by the number of connections but by the depth and quality of relationships. Networking is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort, authenticity, and mutual support. Individuals who invest in their networks early and strategically often find themselves better positioned for career progression, industry influence, and leadership roles.
For mature students, HR professionals, and those considering business education, networking is not just a supplementary benefit, it is an integral component of success. A well-nurtured professional network can open doors to opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom, making it a powerful asset in any professional’s career journey. The earlier that a professional starts creating such a network, the more likely that individual is to be more impactful, effective and successful in their career.
If you’re ready to seek success, explore Regent Business School’s Postgraduate and Undergraduate programmes for the 2025 intake on our website, call +27 31 304 4626 or send an email to [email protected]. Our programmes equip you to excel by surrounding you with success.
