I don’t want to encourage anybody to slack off in learning, because it’s both what and who you know that counts in the end. What is networking and why do we call it an art? Networking is meeting people and learning what skills they have and what knowledge they posses, and making sure they know the same about you.
I was recently talking to one of my MBA students who told me he was hired by one insurance company simply because he had a solid network of potential clients. Knowing the right people is so important for hiring companies that they evaluate their future employees on how well they are able to network with clients. Networking happens all the time, in the classroom, at parties, at conferences, even while shopping. Talking to people and sharing ourselves with them builds a net of friendships that in time grows and brings beneficial results.
MBA students are career-driven, that is why their ability to change duties and progress inside a company depends on the willingness of others to help them. Getting that help depends on how well others know them. An MBA student might receive the following advice on how to best network:
1. Make an effort to become personal. Insightful questions about a firm might make an impression, however what is also important is to make a personal connection, something which can help you get a foot in the door.
2. Sell yourself well. Knowing when to smoothly add detailed information about your background and credentials during a conversation can be a challenge.
