20230627_Networking Tips to Help Build Your Career

Exercise 1: Warm-up
1. What was your first job? Did you learn much in this role?
I started my career journey as an IT Project Support Staff at a company called
Kangaroo, and this role brought about a profound transformation in my perception of
my future career. One of my primary responsibilities was to ensure the smooth
operation of the company's DMS system and promptly address support requests from
users. This role required not only technical competence but also the ability to
communicate patiently and empathetically with clients. I had to learn how to engage
with patience, understanding what to say and how to navigate client technical issues.
With time, I became more adept at problem-solving, and the number of challenges I
couldn't resolve diminished. I have turned into a more confident, friendly, kind, and
empathetic person that understands and fulfilling the wants and needs of our clients.
To wrap things up, by reflecting on my first job at Kangaroo, I realize that it was a
pivotal experience that shaped both my professional and personal development. It
taught me the importance of resilience, effective communication, and collaborative
teamwork. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have learned these valuable
lessons, as they continue to serve as the bedrock for my ongoing career journey.

2. Do you find it easy or difficult to introduce yourself to strangers?

Personally, I have discovered that introducing myself to strangers comes naturally to
me. Because of my job, I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of
individuals, which has greatly contributed to my comfort in initiating conversations
with new people. In fact, my professional journey has often demanded that I step out
of my comfort zone and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This
constant exposure to new faces and personalities has gradually helped me become
more at ease with introducing myself to strangers. One key strategy that has worked
well for me is to approach these encounters with a relaxed body and mind. By
consciously keeping myself calm and open, I have found it easier to establish a
connection and create a positive first impression. Additionally, I have found that
taking the initiative to show genuine interest in the other person by asking about their
interests or experiences helps to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Overall,
I am confident in my ability to break the ice and introduce myself to new people.

Exercise 4: Mock Discussion

1. What industries do you think you'd enjoy working in?
I've always been a tech geek, so the IT industry definitely tops the list of industries I'd
enjoy working in. My fascination with technology and passion for problem-solving
has led me to develop a strong affinity for this industry. I get a total kick out of
staying up-to-date with the latest tech trends and using my skills to come up with
innovative solutions for real-life problems. The fast-paced nature of the IT world
excites me and keeps me on my toes. But you know what? There's another side of me
that's equally passionate – the pastry lover in me! Baking has always been my creative
outlet, and I find pure joy in experimenting with flavors, textures, and making
mouthwatering pastries. The best feeling is when my family dives into my delicious
creations and their faces light up with happiness. It's a satisfaction like no other. In
closing, the IT industry and the Pastry Industry are my top choices. And that's the end.

2. Are there any jobs you could never see yourself doing?
While I have a wide range of interests and capabilities, there are a few specific types
of jobs that I don’t see aligning with my long-term career goals and personal
preferences. One such job is teaching. While I respect the work of teachers, I have
come to realize that being a teacher is not a job I could see myself doing. I
acknowledge that my temperament and lack of patience with children when they
misbehave would not make me an effective educator. Additionally, I prefer roles that
offer a balance between structure and creativity. Jobs that are purely repetitive without
any room for creativity might not be the best fit for me, such as assembly line worker,
data entry clerk, etc. I find motivation in problem-solving, innovation, and the
opportunity to contribute fresh ideas to the workplace. To sum it up, while I have
explored various career options and assessed my personal preferences, there are
specific job types, such as teaching and purely repetitive roles, that I do not envision
aligning with my long-term aspirations and desired work environment.

3. What did you find most challenging when you first started your current job?
When I first started my current job as a Business Analyst, I encountered some unique
challenges due to transitioning from a role that was unrelated to this field. While my previous
job provided valuable skills in operating some software, I had little to no direct experience as
a Business Analyst. However, I saw this as an opportunity for growth and a chance to learn
something entirely new. The most significant challenge I faced initially was getting up to
speed with the specific responsibilities and technical aspects of the Business Analyst role.
Understanding the industry terminologies, analytical tools, and methodologies was daunting
at first, but I was determined to excel in my new position. To address this challenge, I had to
take a proactive approach to learning by the way not only taking online courses, and
studying relevant materials but also seeking guidance from experienced colleagues to
expand my expertise. And that is all about the story of my journey and the challenges I faced
when I first started my current job as a Business Analyst. Thanks for listening.

Exercise 5: Discussion
1. Which of the tips in the article did you find useful or interesting?
There are two tips in the article that I found particularly useful and interesting. The
first tip is "being yourself". In my opinion, I believe that the more authentic and
genuine you are, the more confident you become in connecting with others and
building meaningful relationships. Another tip I would mention is "ask questions and
listen". By asking thoughtful questions and genuinely listening to the responses, we
can demonstrate our interest in others, gain valuable insights, and forge deeper
connections. This tip reminds me that networking is not just about self-promotion but
also about building meaningful relationships through genuine curiosity and
understanding. In summary, "being yourself" and "ask questions and listen" are
valuable tips that help me to be successful at networking and make a good first
impression.

2. How easy or difficult do you find meeting new people and networking?
I consider myself a naturally outgoing and social person, so meeting new people and
networking comes quite easily to me. I find it enjoyable to interact with individuals
from different backgrounds and industries, and I see networking as an opportunity to
learn from others and expand my professional circle. Breaking the ice with new
people is something I feel comfortable doing. By actively listening and asking
thoughtful questions, I can establish rapport quickly and create a comfortable
environment for open discussions. Furthermore, I recognize that networking is not just
about meeting people for personal gain. It’s also about building mutually beneficial
relationships. I am always eager to offer support and assistance to others when
possible, as I believe that collaboration and helping one another to stronger
professional networks. Overall, I see networking as an essential aspect of personal and
professional growth.

3. How often do you get a chance to meet with people in your industry?
I have the opportunity to connect with people in my industry on a regular basis.
Within my current job, I frequently interact with colleagues through various means
such as chatting, occasional calls, and in-person meetings. We also make it a point to
socialize and spend time together outside of work, which allows us to strengthen our
professional relationships and exchange industry insights. Overall, I consider myself
fortunate to have regular and meaningful interactions with individuals in my industry
and enable continuous learning and growth.

4. How long have you been at your current job? How did you find it?
I have been at my current job for approximately 3 months now. I came across this
opportunity while actively browsing the internet and exploring various job listings.
The job description and the company's values immediately caught my attention,
aligning perfectly with my skills, experience, and career aspirations. Therefore, I
applied for this position.

5. What advice would you give someone about to enter the workforce for the
first time?
My advice to someone entering the workforce for the first time would be to focus on
three key aspects. Firstly, take the time to understand your role and responsibilities
within the organization to perform effectively. Secondly, maintain an open mindset
and embrace continuous learning to adapt to industry changes. Lastly, prioritize
building and nurturing relationships with colleagues and mentors to create a
supportive work environment. By keeping these principles in mind, you'll be well-
prepared to navigate the challenges and excel in your professional journey.