Recently I attended the Kogod Networking event in Gallery Place/Chinatown in DC. Because internet has been so intergrated with school, RSVPed for the event through the career website. In addition, I was able to do research on the other companies that will be represented at the event. I know that in the past networking would not be as high tech as it is now for me. Throughout the event I gathered some business cards and then later utilize the internet to send out follow up emails and resumes.
In the book "The Hidden Power of Social Networks" By Cross and Parker, it discussed the steps of initiating, development, and maintaining networks. The emphasis is on building trust among strangers. A tip that the book is to make someone more "human" by having a card with facts such as hobbies in networking events. I personally thing it would be a good idea for a conversation starter. However, I also see it as something that takes away the professional tone of a relationship if collegues turn into for example drinking buddies.
However, I think it's always better to be buddies than hostile collegues in the workforce. I intern at a local consulting firm which has a very intimate office. Every once in a while on Friday the whole office would go to happy hours. Even the CEO would come. I have personally not gone to any of these events because I am the youngest person at the office and others are much older than me. The book did not mention about age differences and how that affects a network. I wonder if there is a way to help with the large age barrier among the new graduates coming into the workforce and soon to be retire baby boomers?
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2 comments:
I think you bought up a few really good points!
The one which you probably dont even realize is the imortance of maintaining a good social relationship with co-workers. My office is known for its Friday evening parties. It's great just to let off steam and chill out after a long week of stressful work.
The other very important point was the one you made about the age gap in the workplace. It's so funny because my professor who graduated just a few years back currently works at the National Guard Bureau. He has reported numerous stories of three star generals beeing unable/unwilling to use new technology--sometimes the technology is as simple as inner-office messaging.
People do not realize how much age gaps affect a work place. It is very important to forge relationships through barriers like these in order to maintanin an office that actually gets jobs done.
Interesting point about the age differences in the workplace. I worked as a car salesman for a couple years and I was the youngest in the dealership by a minimum of 15-20 years. It is useful to gain understanding of the field and find out the drawbacks and advantages to working in that particular field and position. Additionally, these people who you work with will serve as good contacts when you graduate and look for a company/organization with which to enter the work force!
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