“It’s not what you know, but who you know.”
Everyone has heard this term about why you need to create a network of people who can push you ahead. Although understanding the industry and having the foundation to perform well at your job are important, knowing the right people will help get you there. At the WSB, there is a vast network of both graduate and undergraduate business badger alumni that want to lead you to success.
There are a few reasons why you should build a network with individuals who want to see you succeed.
Job search – The primary and perhaps most useful reason for networking is to find a job. Being able to reach out to UW alumni when looking for your next step makes the process less stressful and can give you great insights on what companies are looking for in their employees. Additionally, keeping up connections with professionals in positions you like or at companies you are interested in could potentially make you the first applicant for a new opening or at least, to apply with a recommendation. As the Wisconsin network has a variety of members in different industries, roles, and with various backgrounds, you will always have someone you could reach out to.
Career Switching – Although you may not want to be in an alumni’s position or at their company, being a part of the UW network can make it easier to understand what you want to do. As a career switcher myself, I relied heavily on my network, both from my undergraduate connections as well as WSB students and alums. By hearing their experiences, you will find what parts of a job you want, and then search what makes you happy.
Future Event Planning – Ranking third on my list, having connections to reach out to for future events is highly important. Keynote speakers, judges, or simply advisors all play a big role in event or course planning. By maintaining a network of extraordinary individuals, you will have a list of people with diverse backgrounds and stories that you believe others need to hear.
Now that you know why creating a network is important, the next step is figuring out how to make connections.
School, School, School
With Wisconsin for my MBA, I have a vast potential of connections to make and an easy way to find them. A lot of people do not understand the benefit of having the Wisconsin degree, but it opens doors and creates easy talking points to build relationships with other WSB members. Blooming with Badger Pride, every alumnus from this school is willing to help other Wisconsin students in any of the categories I listed above.
Add Everyone You Meet
One of the hardest things for a lot of people to do is to extend LinkedIn connections to almost anyone you meet because they are not sure if they made a personal connection. Through case competitions, team projects, or even seminars, you can add those connections and increase the opportunities for your future. For example, recently participating in the Big 10 Case Competition, I was able to expand my network to other MBA students at the other participating Big 10 schools as well as the company representatives judging the case. Although I did not have the opportunity to talk with many of them one on one, I added them on LinkedIn and plan to continue our connection.
With your network of badgers, the next time you hear “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” you’ll know you know who you need to know.
Build your badger connections, connect with Connie on LinkedIn.
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