Networking  is key to career development

1 August 2011

Professional and social networking has been earmarked as a key factor in career development, in a discussion on IOSH’s rapidly growing LinkedIn group.

Many professionals in the group, which has now more than 400 members, agreed that the vast majority of personal and career development takes place practically through on-the-job experience, or during courses and training days. But during the LinkedIn discussion on the official IOSH group, professional and social networking was also revealed as a great way for health and safety practitioners to develop and improve performance.

IOSH ecommunications assistant Annalisa Marzotti said: “Whether at events, meetings, workshops, or online, there is evidence that networking is becoming increasingly used by people as a way to get ahead in their career.
Event organisers are now more likely to allocate slots exclusively for networking opportunities, both during and at the end of their events. But networking itself is not a skill that comes naturally and often approaching people and engaging in small talk can be a daunting experience.”

IOSH Commercial Development Manager Tracey Wright, who gave some networking advice during her marketing session at a well attended roadshow, reinforces this message and advises: “Networking isn’t about selling – it’s about building relationships. You’ll do a lot better if people can see that you’re interested in helping them rather than selling to them”. 

Via the LinkedIn group, participants were asked to post comments, suggestions and advice on how delegates can make the most of networking at events, which attracted good debate and professional support.

The discussion transcript, with prior agreement and names removed for data protection purposes, has now been made available to Connect readers and can be downloaded. The main thread is also still available on the LinkedIn group pages for viewing and contributions.

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