More Than Half of Working Adults & Job Seekers Avoid Networking Despite Professional Benefits, According to University of Pho...
September 17 2015 - 7:17AM
Business Wire
Career expert offers tips to effectively
enhance your career through networking
Many of us know that networking matters when seeking a new job
opportunity or looking to advance in the workplace, but despite the
professional benefits, a recent University of Phoenix® School of
Business survey conducted online by Harris Poll in April among over
2,000 U.S. adults 18+ found that working adults and job seekers are
either hesitant to network, or are avoiding it altogether. The
survey found that 53 percent do very little or no networking, even
though 89 percent of working adults and job seekers believe
networking is beneficial. Additionally, more than a quarter (27
percent) of those who think they don’t do enough networking lost
out on a job opportunity as a result.
“Most people agree networking is an effective way to find their
next career, gain a new client or collaborate on a work project;
yet many may fear the process, simply don’t know how to approach it
or where to begin,” said Rhonda Capron, academic dean for
University of Phoenix School of Business. “Networking is a powerful
tool that can make a difference in a person’s career. Investing
time and effort into learning how to develop these professional
relationships and seize opportunities to engage with other
professionals might be a little scary, but it is crucial for career
advancement.”
Why the hesitation to network?
Working adults and job seekers say they do not network more
because the opportunities simply aren’t there (27 percent), and
many don’t know the best way to go about it (25 percent).
Additionally, 23 percent say they are at a good place career-wise,
while 16 percent say they can’t coordinate networking into their
schedule. Other concerns cited by working adults and job seekers
included: networking takes too much time (16 percent), not enough
experience to make networking worthwhile (15 percent) and that
there is little to no return on the investment (11 percent).
Despite reluctance, employees admit networking makes a
difference
While many working adults and job seekers express hesitation and
reluctance about networking, those who participate in the practice
have seen results. Working adults and job seekers who actively
network say it has benefited them, or their career, by creating a
new job opportunity (32 percent) or earning support from a person
higher in the company (23 percent). Additionally, 18 percent say
they gained a new customer, 14 percent received a raise and 11
percent were given a promotion.
Social Trumping In-Person Networking
In terms of how people network, half (50 percent) of working
adults and job seekers say they have networked on social media,
with 17 percent saying they have utilized a career-focused website.
Not surprisingly, the workplace is another avenue for networking,
with one-third (33 percent) who say they have networked during a
work training and nearly one-quarter (23 percent) who have
networked at a work luncheon.
Face-to-face networking outside of the workplace is still an
option for many. Community events (20 percent), conventions or
trade shows (19 percent), local industry networking events (18
percent), or business or industry happy hours (17 percent) are
popular venues for networking.
“It’s helpful to learn how to organically make connections both
in and outside of the workplace,” said Capron. “At University of
Phoenix, for example, our students learn how to build networks that
will advance and improve their careers. We encourage networking not
only among our students, but with our extensive alumni community
and practitioner faculty, who have decades of real-world business
experience and connections. Whether you are transitioning to a new
job, seeking a promotion or re-careering, in today’s competitive
job market, who you know and the relationships you keep make all
the difference.”
Tips for Working Adults to Engage in Successful
Networking
While the initial process of networking can be daunting, it’s
not impossible. Capron offers some tips for working adults who want
to succeed at professional networking.
- Be generous. When forming a new
relationship, think about what you can offer that person as part of
this networking relationship. Instead of scanning the room and
thinking, “What can these people do for me,” approach each new
relationship with generosity.
- Be authentic. Approach
networking with openness and authenticity. Get to know people on a
personal level, understand the role they play and be genuinely
interested in who they are. From this perspective, networking can
be a much less daunting, more rewarding process.
- Honor your commitments. If you
tell someone you have a great article for them to read, or that
you’ll send them a follow-up email, keep your commitment. Honoring
your word speaks volumes about integrity, and who you will be as a
potential colleague or resource.
- Don’t forget about external
networking. Professional organizations (e.g. SHRM, Chamber of
Commerce, etc.) are an incredible resource for ongoing networking
opportunities with people who have similar professional interests.
Affiliations with these groups allow you to gain a more
comprehensive perspective of your field.
- Keep social media accounts
current. Before attending a networking event, look closely at
your social media platforms to make sure they contain the latest
contact information and job history.
- Practice your elevator
speech. If you were trapped in an elevator for 30 seconds and
had to introduce yourself, what would you say? What are your
strengths and weaknesses, background and accomplishments? What do
you bring to the table that is unique? Jot notes down on an index
card and practice prior to attending an event.
- Dress for networking success.
Understand the required attire and prepare appropriately. It is
better to be overdressed than underdressed for a business
event.
- Use time spent in line wisely.
Take advantage of time spent in the cocktail line to introduce
yourself to people nearby and learn more about them and their
businesses.
For more information about the School of Business at University
of Phoenix, visit phoenix.edu/business.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by
Harris Poll on behalf of University of Phoenix from April 3-7, 2015
among 2,032 U.S. adults, ages 18 and older, 1,084 who identified as
either currently employed or looking for work. For complete survey
methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Heather
McLaughlin at heather.mclaughlin@apollo.edu.
About University of Phoenix School of Business
University of Phoenix® School of Business offers associate,
bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that prepare students to be
creative problem solvers for the new economy. The School of
Business also offers non-degree programs, including certificates,
individual courses and non-credit professional development. Many of
these offerings also ladder to University of Phoenix degree
programs. Doctoral programs are available through the School for
Advanced Studies. To learn more about University of Phoenix School
of Business programs, visit www.phoenix.edu/business.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working
adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly
changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses,
and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue
career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives.
As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL),
University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering
associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from
campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online
throughout the world. For more information, visit
www.phoenix.edu.
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version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150917005061/en/
University of PhoenixHeather McLaughlin,
714-338-6429heather.mclaughlin@apollo.edu
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