Network Throughout Your Entire Career

There are many different reasons to network throughout the course of your career. Community leaders did not become that way over night, the dream job rarely falls in someone’s lap, social etiquette takes practice, and industry trends are changing rapidly. Of course everyone has their own agenda for networking and choosing how they prefer to network. Whether you network in group settings, one-on-one or through social media make sure you are networking and don’t stop. No matter your reason to network know that without it you might miss out on something big.

Early in your career you may decide to network to find a mentor, or a job, to establish professional contacts, look for ways to socialize with other young professionals, or simply learn how to connect with people in your industry.
Mid-career you may need additional educational opportunities, want to continue to build relationships, or be looking to get referrals or professional development opportunities. Maybe you are ready to step it up and speak at an event or facilitate a presentation.

Late in your career, once you are established and not spending as much focused time on getting clients or working as much, you may want to offer wisdom by becoming a mentor others, or by sharing your experiences and becoming a resource for the new generation. You may also realize that you need to keep current on technology trends in your industry or be looking to a new client base. There is even the possibility that you are wanting second career options.

Whatever stage of your career I recommend getting involved and staying connected through face-to-face networking opportunities as well as on social media. Remember you have to earn the right to ask others to help you so if you don’t get connected until you need them it is too late, plus you might just get something out of it along the way.

For a list of prospective networking organizations in the legal industry contact me at [email protected].