Making Networking Feel Natural and Meaningful
The Importance of Professional Connections “Networking” isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about building real, human connections. In a world that often prioritizes hustle culture and individualism, it’s easy to forget that no one builds a successful career alone. Coming from a big family, I know firsthand that it truly does take a village. Networking isn’t about schmoozing or collecting LinkedIn connections like Pokémon cards—it’s about meeting people, learning from different perspectives, and finding ways to genuinely support one another. We’re all guiding each other in some way, even if we don’t realize it at the time. How to Approach Networking with Ease Be Authentic: You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room or have a rehearsed elevator pitch. Just be curious. Ask questions. Listen more than you speak. People appreciate sincerity over polish. Add Value: No one likes feeling like they’re part of a transactional exchange. Find ways to contribute—whether it’s offer...