You Should Always be Networking

Networking is one of those "things" you know you should be doing, but also don't feel a need to do unless prompted. If you're happy in your current position, you may not think you need to meet new people. You're comfortable, have a steady income, and show up 9-5 Monday through Friday to a job you love.

This is great, but one day, you'll regret that you weren't out constantly meeting new people. Networking isn't just essential for those seeking a career move, either. It truly catapults you into a whole new world of learning and opportunity, whether you're learning about a new job or hearing about skills that others use in their current roles that make them successful.

Networking does not have to be for job seekers only, and I can vouch from a recent example. I currently am an intern in a place I love but have been meeting new people every week to learn about what they do, skills they have, and ways to take advantage of the time I have as an intern. I have not been meeting people to find a job - I've truly been trying to learn as much as I can about the company I work for.

Recently, I introduced myself to someone after a meeting. I was in a brainstorming session and found myself truly immersed in the dialogue that was going around the room. When the meeting ended, I introduced myself to the woman in charge and asked her for 30 minutes to learn about what she does and how she got introduced to this project. We met a few weeks later and she opened up a whole new world for me. I had thought my career interests were in one area, but she also helped open my eyes to a segment of the company I never knew existed. She now invites me to different meetings and mentorship sessions because I raised my hand to learn about an opportunity. I'm consistently learning new things in different areas which will only help me be more well rounded in my current role and overall.

Networking is so, so important whether you love or hate your job. Take some time to meet someone new this week and see what it opens up for you.