CHAPTER 12

Networking

  • Networking is when you exchange ideas and information with other people and start to develop positive relationships that benefit both of you.

    Networking can be informal, for example chatting to a friend about a business idea, or formal, for example attending an online networking event about business development.

  • “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” This is a very common phrase in the UK, and it means that the more people you know the more likely you are to find opportunities to grow your career.

    Some research has shown that having a strong network is the most important factor in making progress towards getting a new job.

    The benefits of networking include:

    • Inspiring others and being inspired

    • Getting fresh ideas

    • Helping you stand out in the community

    • Providing routes for new opportunities

    • Making new friends and long-lasting relationships

    • It can provide additional support

    • Developing self-confidence

    • Accessing knowledge and expertise

  • There are many ways to build your network.

    • Attend industry events or conferences (find opportunities on Eventbrite and Meetup)

    • Get a professional association membership for the industry you are interested in, although this may cost some money

    • If you are studying, talk to fellow students

    • Try volunteering

    • Join community organisations

    • Join local hobby or interest groups

    • Set up a social media account on networking sites such as LinkedIn

  • A mentor is someone who can use their knowledge and experience to guide you. Mentors can help you to set and achieve personal and professional goals.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Abdullah’s story

Read about how a STEP participant called Abdullah found his ideal job with help from the mentor provided by the Career Conversations programme.

Abdullah arrived in the UK in 2017. With a degree from Damascus University in Electrical Engineering and a long career working for global electronics company, he hoped to gain work in his chosen profession.

  • After Abdullah joined STEP in Leeds, we helped him secure his first paid position in the UK, a short-term contract working in the print room of a nearby university. But with the pandemic came the closure of the university and the end of that work opportunity.

    During lockdown, Abdullah signed up for the STEP mentoring programme, where he met weekly with his mentor, John, via Zoom and used the sessions to work on his CV, interview skills, and conversational English.

    Abdullah says, “John has given me a lot of valuable ideas. He helps me practise my English, and I enjoy talking to him about work and about my experiences in Syria and Jordan. I used to work in a very famous electronic company, and John has encouraged me to look for work in the company’s branch here.”

    When he heard that Abdullah worked for Ricoh in Syria, John mentioned that there was a Ricoh factory down the road from where he worked in Coventry. Abdullah and his STEP adviser, Shaimaa, started looking at opportunities at Ricoh. Shaimaa then helped him successfully apply for a technician role. He is now a self-employed contractor for Ricoh, and he travels around fixing their photocopiers. Abdullah is very happy as this is what he did in Syria and doing this in the UK was his ultimate employment goal.

Additional resources

Glossary

Mentor
someone who gives a less experienced person help and advice over a period of time, usually with their career or business

Network
a group of people who share information and contacts to progress in a profession or career

More information

eventbrite.co.uk

meetup.com

linkedin.com

Find out more