How can Employee Resource Groups help you build your professional network?

1 What are the benefits of joining an ERG?

ERGs can offer you various benefits for your professional development, such as expanding your network across different departments and functions, gaining access to mentors and role models who can support your career growth, learning new skills from diverse and experienced peers, enhancing your visibility and reputation as a leader, participating in initiatives that align with your passions and interests, and finding a sense of belonging and community within your workplace.

2 How to choose an ERG that suits you?

When selecting an ERG within your organization, you should consider your personal and professional goals and how it can help you reach them, your identity and affinity, values and beliefs, availability and commitment, and curiosity and openness. An ERG should be able to express and celebrate your identity, advocate and influence your beliefs, accommodate and respect your commitment, and challenge and inspire your curiosity.

3 How to join an ERG and get involved?

If you have identified an ERG that interests you, it is important to take the necessary steps to join and get involved. This includes contacting the ERG leader or representative to express your interest and motivation, attending meetings and events, following communication channels to stay updated on activities and opportunities, volunteering for tasks and roles, and providing feedback and suggestions. Doing so will help demonstrate your skills and enthusiasm, as well as improve the group's effectiveness and impact.

4 How to network effectively within an ERG?

Networking within an ERG is about much more than simply exchanging contacts and information; it’s also about building trust and rapport. To do this effectively, you should be authentic, respectful, supportive, proactive, and consistent. Show interest in others as individuals and appreciate their diversity. Offer assistance and resources, initiate conversations and connections, and follow up with relationships. All of these actions will help you build strong relationships within the ERG.

5 How to network strategically beyond an ERG?

Networking beyond an ERG requires more than just expanding your circle and reach; it's also about creating value and influence. To do this strategically, you should be strategic and intentional in identifying your target contacts and goals, as well as curious and knowledgeable when researching backgrounds and interests. Additionally, you should be confident and articulate when communicating your value proposition and elevator pitch. Moreover, it's important to be respectful and professional when requesting and scheduling meetings or introductions, as well as grateful and courteous when thanking and acknowledging contacts.

6 How to leverage your ERG network for your career advancement?

Your ERG network can be a powerful asset for your career advancement, if you know how to leverage it. To maximize the potential of your ERG network, you should take a proactive and ambitious approach to seek out opportunities that match your aspirations and potential. Additionally, you should be vocal about your achievements and showcase them to your network and beyond. Furthermore, it is important to be flexible and adaptable to embrace change and innovation that can enhance your skills and competencies. Additionally, you should be collaborative and cooperative when working with your network and others. Finally, you should be receptive and responsive to solicit feedback and advice from your network and others.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?