Building a Professional Network.
ANSWER
Both A and B provide valuable insights into building a professional network. Let’s discuss and expand upon these strategies:
A) Building an authentic and dependable professional network is crucial. It’s great that you emphasize honesty about your education and experience. Here are some additional ideas to enhance your network-building approach:
- Online Presence: In today’s digital age, having a professional online presence is essential. Create or update your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills, experience, and education. Connect with professionals in your field and join relevant groups to engage in discussions.
- Networking Events: Apart from local professional organizations, consider attending conferences, workshops, and seminars related to your field. These events often provide excellent networking opportunities with like-minded individuals.
- Mentorship: Seek out a mentor who has experience in working with the geriatric population. A mentor can provide guidance, introduce you to their network, and offer valuable insights into your career path.
- Volunteer Work: Look for volunteer opportunities or internships in organizations that serve the geriatric population. This not only allows you to gain more experience but also connects you with professionals in the field.
- Online Networking: Engage in online forums or discussion groups related to geriatric care. Share your knowledge, ask questions, and connect with professionals from different parts of the world.
- Continued Education: Consider taking courses or certifications related to geriatric care. This not only enhances your knowledge but also connects you with instructors and fellow students who share your interests.
B) Woodside’s approach to professional networking is also valuable. Being intentional, authentic, and dependable are qualities that can help you build lasting connections. Here are some additional points to consider:
- Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in your field for informational interviews. This is an excellent way to learn more about their career paths, gain insights, and potentially expand your network.
- Business Cards: While handing out business cards is essential, ensure that they have all your contact information and a brief description of your expertise. It’s a tangible reminder for the people you meet.
- Networking Plan: Create a networking plan outlining your goals, strategies, and target connections. Set specific milestones to measure your progress.
- Reciprocity: Networking is a two-way street. Offer your help or expertise to others when you can. This reciprocity builds trust and strengthens your network.
- Online Networking Tools: Explore professional networking tools and platforms beyond LinkedIn. Some industries have niche networks or online communities where you can connect with experts.
- Follow-Up: Consistently follow up with your contacts. Send them articles or information that might be relevant to their interests. This keeps your network engaged and active.
- Diverse Network: Don’t limit your network to only those directly in your field. Diverse connections can provide fresh perspectives and unexpected opportunities.
In summary, building a professional network requires a multi-faceted approach, combining both personal and professional strategies. Being authentic, dependable, and proactive in your networking efforts will help you establish meaningful connections and advance your career.
QUESTION
Description
Respond by adding value and advancing the discussion
A.) Strategies that I would use to build my professional network would be to be authentic by being honest about education and experience in the field. I would ensure that I am dependable by completing tasks that I have promised I would complete. I would try to locate professional organizations in my area and see if they have any events that I can attend. I would attend the events and listen and interact with others and hand out business cards. I would follow up with individuals I had met and thank them for their time.
I have experience working with the geriatric population currently and would love to continue working with this population. In my area the Dekalb County health department actually has a nursing home facility. I would attempt to reach out to them through phone, in person, and email. I would explain my experience working with this population. I would then discuss possible ways that I can help or make a difference with that population.
B.) To build a professional network, you have to use professional and personal approaches (Woodside, n.d.). Personal approaches include being intentional, authentic, and dependable (Woodside, n.d.). You have to be honest and trustworthy because that is the base of a solid relationship. Professional approaches include attending local organizations that correlate with job interests, meeting people there, taking notes, listening, and learning things (Woodside, n.d.). Using professional approaches would get your foot into the door and let people see who you are and know the things you are interested in.
The Department of Social Services would be beneficial to me and my network. They offer child care, health care, food assistance, and temporary assistance (Department, n.d.). That covers a lot of issues that could be wrong with a client. When I found out I was pregnant, I went to their office to get insurance for pregnant women, I didn’t think much of it. Then taking this class, I went again and have talked with one of the workers a ton. This class helped me to learn more about the resources they offer and different ways they help people.
Missouri Department of Social Services (n.d.). Retrieved from https://dss.mo.gov/fsd/
Woodside, M. R. Generalist Case Management: A Method of Human Service Delivery. [Columbia College]. Retrieved from https://ccis.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780357231661/
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