You’re feeling lost in your career. How can you build a network of peers to help you find your way?

As you navigate your career journey you have to think about what your foundation is. Ask yourself what is something I'm interested in and what skills am I good at. Think of areas for improvement. The foundation is about who you are as a person and what you want to achieve in your career. Once you have figured out what you want to do in your career come up with a plan. Write down questions and find people who share your interests.

Maybe. But is you are feeling lost in the career how do you know what you don’t know? It is easy to say identify what you need in a network. Much better to go back to basics and start with your Why. Simin Sinek offered a simple straightforward approach to help define this core starting point. I feel that only after you’ve understood that, can you start to flesh out the ‘how’ to achieve and then the people or resources you need to access through either building or doing a better job of curating the network you currently have. It’s normal to have some disquiet at some stage in a career journey, especially if the last few years have been ones of coasting or volatility. Take time to ask if you’re in the right space for what you want to give.

"Your network is your net worth." - Porter Gale Attend industry events: Engage with professionals at conferences, workshops, or seminars relevant to your field. Join professional groups: Become a member of industry-specific associations or online communities to connect with like-minded peers. Utilize social media: Network on platforms like LinkedIn, joining groups and participating in discussions to find peers in your industry. Seek mentorship: Approach experienced professionals for guidance and support in navigating your career path. Attend networking events: Participate in meetups or informational interviews to expand your circle and gain insights from peers.

As you navigate your career journey, spend time to build your network. A social media platform such as LinkedIn is a great way to connect with people who work in your industry. You want to build a digital presence. Join groups or online communities. Look for opportunities to network whether it is a workshop or conference. Find professionals who share what you are interested in. You never know what connection you may make.

In the vast ocean of careers, navigating alone can be daunting. To find your way, anchor yourself to a network of peers, like ships in a harbor. Engage with them through industry events, online forums, and collaborative projects. Just as ships rely on each other for guidance and support, your peers can provide valuable insights and encouragement to help you chart a course towards your career goals.

Take the time to engage with your connections. It takes time to build the relationship. When you engage with them ask them how they are doing. Show interest in what they are working on and offer to provide value to them. Keep them informed of what you are working on and share anything you learned with them. Relationships are about collaboration. It can be helpful to stay in touch and reach out every three months. Keep track of when you last interacted with them to follow up.

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller Join industry-specific groups: Participate in online forums or communities related to your field to connect with peers facing similar challenges. Attend networking events: Engage in meetups, workshops, or conferences where you can meet and learn from other professionals. Seek mentorship: Find peers who have achieved success in areas you aspire to and ask for guidance and advice. Collaborate on projects: Partner with peers on projects or initiatives to learn from each other's strengths and grow together. Support each other: Offer assistance, share resources, and provide encouragement to peers as you navigate your career journeys together.

Building a network takes time and commitment. You have to be patient in the process. Join networking groups and online communities specific to your industry. The connections you make are about collaborating and supporting each other. You can receive feedback and learn life lessons navigating your career journey. Continue to build your network as you never know what opportunities you might come across. As you learn to be successful in your career journey you have to take initiative.