How can you use your existing network to find job openings in Control Engineering?

1 Identify your network

Your network is not only composed of your friends, family, and colleagues, but also of anyone who knows you and your work. This can include your professors, mentors, alumni, clients, suppliers, recruiters, and professional associations. Make a list of all the people in your network who are related to control engineering or who might know someone who is. You can use tools like LinkedIn, email, or phone to find and update their contact information.

2 Reach out to your network

Once you have identified your network, you need to reach out to them and let them know that you are looking for job openings in control engineering. However, you should not just ask for a job directly. Instead, you should express your interest, enthusiasm, and value for the field, and ask for advice, referrals, or recommendations. For example, you can ask them about their current projects, challenges, or trends in control engineering, and how you can contribute or learn from them. You can also ask them if they know anyone who is hiring or looking for control engineers, and if they can introduce you or share your resume with them.

3 Follow up with your network

After you have reached out to your network, you should not just wait for them to reply or contact you. You should follow up with them regularly and politely, and show your appreciation and gratitude for their help. You should also keep them updated on your progress, achievements, or challenges in your job search, and ask for feedback or suggestions. You should also offer your help or support to them in return, and show that you are interested in their work and goals. By following up with your network, you can build trust, rapport, and goodwill, and increase your chances of getting referrals or opportunities.

4 Expand your network

While using your existing network is a powerful strategy, you should not limit yourself to it. You should also look for ways to expand your network and connect with new people who are relevant to control engineering. You can do this by attending events, workshops, webinars, or conferences related to control engineering, and introducing yourself to the speakers, organizers, or attendees. You can also join online groups, forums, or communities where control engineers share their insights, experiences, or questions. You can also create and share your own content, such as blog posts, articles, podcasts, or videos, that showcase your skills, knowledge, or projects in control engineering.

5 Maintain your network

Finally, you should not forget or neglect your network after you have found a job opening or landed a job in control engineering. You should maintain your network and keep in touch with them regularly, and not only when you need something from them. You should continue to share your updates, achievements, or challenges in your work, and congratulate, appreciate, or support them in theirs. You should also look for opportunities to collaborate, learn, or mentor with them, and to refer or recommend them to others. By maintaining your network, you can foster long-term and mutually beneficial relationships that can help you grow and advance in your career.