What is networking and what is it used for?

To understand What is networking and what is it used for? It goes far beyond exchanging business cards or adding people on LinkedIn.

Networking is essential in building professional relationships and plays a very important role in the search for new job opportunities.

Cultivating a network of contacts not only expands your connections, but also provides valuable learning opportunities through the exchange of experiences.

These interactions can result in direct job referrals and offer insights into the market and trends in your field.

Many job opportunities are not publicly advertised, and you often find out about them through contacts.

To better understand what networking means and how to do it, keep reading!

What is networking?

Networking is the practice of building and maintaining a network. professional networking based on relationships, exchange of experiences, and trust.

In practice, this means connecting with people in your field—colleagues, professors, leaders, partners, and even alumni—with the goal of learning, sharing experiences, and creating opportunities over time.

What is the purpose of networking?

When we talk about What is networking and what is it used for?, The answer is simple: it serves to bring people closer, generate professional visibility, and open doors that would hardly open simply by sending resumes.

In today's market, those who are remembered have a better chance. And networking helps precisely with that: being remembered.

Therefore, networking serves to expand professional opportunities, facilitate access to the job market, and promote career growth.

Through this network of contacts, it's possible to receive referrals and learn about job openings that aren't publicly advertised, and often it's through contacts that you discover them. That's networking in practice.

Read also: What characteristics of the job market are most valued?

Professional networking: why does it make such a difference?

O professional networking Internal referrals are a key differentiator for those entering the job market or seeking career growth. Many companies value internal referrals because they reduce risks and streamline hiring processes.

Furthermore, maintaining an active network of contacts allows you to:

• Keep up with market trends;
• To better understand how companies operate from the inside;
• Receive genuine feedback about your field;
• Discover job openings that aren't publicly advertised.

How to create a good network of contacts?

Creating a good network of contacts doesn't mean talking to everyone, but rather... building genuine relationships. Some attitudes make all the difference:

• Participate in events, lectures, and academic activities;
• Keep in touch with teachers and classmates;
• Use LinkedIn strategically (interact, comment, share);
• Show genuine interest in people;
• Offer help whenever you can.

Networking is a two-way street. When you offer support, share knowledge, and make yourself available, your network tends to do the same for you.

5 examples of networking in practice.

To make it even clearer, here they are. 5 examples of networking that happen in everyday life:

• Job referral Made by a colleague or teacher;
• Conversation following a lecture which becomes a professional opportunity;
• Study group or academic projects that generate future connections;
• Interactions on LinkedIn, such as professional comments and messages;
• Internships and college events, that bring students and companies closer together.

All these examples show that networking is not something forced, but rather something built over time.

Read also: Tips on how to make your LinkedIn profile attractive to companies?

What is networking and what is it used for?

Networking is about relationships, exchange, and building. With dedication, this network can become a valuable source of support, learning, and growth throughout your career.

A ESEG College, part of the Etapa Group, He recognizes the importance of networking and therefore holds many lectures and events to connect students and companies.

This environment fosters not only the exchange of experiences, but also the development of new ideas, real opportunities for collaboration, and increased employability for our students.

Do you want to study at a college that values real-world connections with the job market?

At ESEG College, you'll find an up-to-date curriculum, professors actively working in the field, and a high employability rate.

Discover our undergraduate courses., Talk to our team and take the next step in your career!