The Importance of Growing Professional Connections

Building professional connections is one of the most beneficial skills to possess for your career. A well-built network can put career opportunities and support at your fingertips.  

Whether it is collaborating with classmates or attending professional events in your field, forming professional or personal bonds with another person can benefit both you and them. These mutual relationships allow you to be more effective and helpful in professional environments.  

As a student studying audio production, one way I’ve been able to network with others is by being active in my industry. I have worked with a few different companies in doing stage work for concerts and other live events where I get to see firsthand how what I am studying is applied in real time. This also gave me the opportunity to meet several people who have taught me new things and provided me with more opportunities to connect with others.  

Remember that connections won't just come to you, you have to find them.

Through experience, I’ve learned that you must reach out and be the one to find others to create a strong network.  

Another aspect of reaching out is having the ability to maintain these connections. Keeping in contact with your most important connections will strengthen that bond and keep yourself at the front of your contact's mind. Checking in with them can be as simple as an email every once in a while, catching up with them or asking about opportunities that they might have to offer.  

A strong network will help you throughout your career, even when you don’t expect it. Having these connections can lead to career advancements, people you can reach out to for support, and people who can provide knowledge in your field.