{"id":3913,"date":"2014-09-26T22:24:03","date_gmt":"2014-09-26T22:24:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.pugetsound.edu\/cesblogs\/?p=3913"},"modified":"2015-08-11T21:02:34","modified_gmt":"2015-08-11T21:02:34","slug":"reframing-networking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.pugetsound.edu\/cesblogs\/2014\/09\/26\/reframing-networking\/","title":{"rendered":"Seeing Networking in a Whole New Way…"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Jennifer Allen-Ayres, CES Career Advisor<\/em><\/p>\n

Networking. Above all other career-related words, this one seems the most anxiety inducing for students. Never fear! We are happy to demystify the process of networking and offer you a great opportunity for hobnobbing with a warm, receptive audience. First, let’s reframe how\u00a0 you view networking\u2026<\/p>\n

How an Encounter on the Trail Provided a New Perspective\"Hiking<\/strong><\/p>\n

Recently I was trekking up a mountain trail with fellow CES staff member, Elizabeth Wormsbecker<\/a>, when we encountered two hikers along a rocky fork in the path. We exchanged smiles and friendly hellos before launching into a quick chat about what they could expect to encounter ahead.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes this trail take us up to Grand Ridge?\u201d they asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely,\u201d Elizabeth replied. \u201cIt\u2019s about another three miles.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich trail would you recommend on the Badger Valley loop?\u201d a young dark-haired hiker eagerly inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this particular trail is shorter with several steep switchbacks, but it has sweeping views from the peaks of the Olympic mountains. If you take Grand Valley, it\u2019s a longer hike but spreads out the elevation. It also runs alongside and across creeks, through a forested area, and up to Obstruction Point. Just depends on what you\u2019re looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n

The conversation continued until we said our goodbyes and parted ways. Along the hike that day we must have had a dozen conversations with fellow hikers\u2014some seasoned with years of experience, others new to the trail, all interested in conversing about gear, weather, challenges, and interesting scenic points.<\/p>\n

At the end of the hike Elizabeth turned to me and said, “You know…<\/p>\n

\u201c…passing strangers on a mountain trail is really just like networking. We’re mostly strangers, but we all share common goals and interests. Pausing to share advice, ask questions, or chat about what challenges lie ahead is such a pleasant part of the experience. I love talking to people about their favorite gear or scenic points, and sharing my own as well.\u201d <\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I’d never thought about networking in such friendly terms before! The next time you reach out for a nervous handshake, think of the person across from you as a friendly hiker traveling along a similar career trail. What might you learn from her? What might be some shared interests? Ask about what got her to this point in her career, what she would recommend to someone just starting out. You might be amazed at how easily the conversation evolves.<\/p>\n

A Few DOs and DON\u2019Ts for Networking Events, (Like ASK Night<\/a>):<\/strong><\/p>\n