It is often seen that the term “networking” is associated with a job search or professional field. People often assume that the need for networking arises when one has to commence their professional journey. Unfortunately, networking and job hunting will not be particularly fruitful if you just network when you need a new job.

Networking is the process of establishing and sustaining a network of contacts and relations, and it must be done on a regular basis to be effective. It should happen on a regular basis, in your casual interactions with individuals via email, phone, and face-to-face as you go about your daily life. Interacting with people of various professions, nations, and cultures broadens your horizons. When you interact with people of all backgrounds, ages, and perspectives, your open-mindedness grows. Another benefit of networking is that it teaches you how to be a better team member through open-mindedness and understanding.

As we have established that networking is not just an opportunistic term, it is a skill in itself that has benefits manyfold. Because of this, it becomes imperative to teach this skill in our everyday classroom interactions with students. It has been observed that kids with a shy nature face difficulties growing up in forming connections or indulging in conversations that might prove beneficial for their personal and professional goals. The key is to start simple, small steps can be shared with students to start practicing networking skills in everyday interactions like congratulating classmates on their achievements, indulging in one-to-one conversations, participating in volunteer work as per your interest area, and many more.

Building interpersonal connections are something that always works positively so, students can be asked to initiate interactions on the basis of past conversations, about a group project or homework, offering help to your classmates in case we see them struggling can be all great ways to learn and practice networking skills. It helps in building a safe classroom environment.

About the author