The Power Of Networking And Questrom Alumni Networks

Research suggests that over 60% of jobs are filled through networking [i]. But what exactly is networking? Why is it valuable? And how does the Feld Center harness the power of networking to support Terrier’s career success both during their time in college and beyond?

At its core, networking is about cultivating and nurturing relationships that provide mutually beneficial insights and opportunities. It goes beyond mere schmoozing or making demands, although these elements might come into play. Rather, it’s a reciprocal process that fosters growth, learning, and professional development.

The benefits of networking are manifold: it connects parties to new knowledge, facilitates feedback for growth, boosts visibility (six degrees of separation is real!), and helps build a supportive network for potentially lifelong learning. And like any skill, networking improves with practice, honing essential communication and listening abilities over time.

The significance of networking cannot be overstated. It directly impacts one’s access to opportunities, the ability to recognize and seize those opportunities, and the capacity to leverage them effectively. Networking, therefore, plays a pivotal role in shaping individual career trajectories and professional success.

Opportunity availability, recognition, and capitalization all hinge on networking. Here’s why:

• Opportunity availability: By forging new connections, others may recognize your unique skills and create opportunities to leverage them.
• Opportunity recognition: Networking can reveal valuable opportunities you might not have otherwise known about.
• Opportunity capitalization: Through networking, you can receive feedback on how to strategically seize opportunities that yield instant benefits for mutual gain.

Recognizing that one’s network is indeed their net worth, the Feld Center ensures equitable access to networking opportunities that deliver significant value for both Questrom students and alumni alike. A majority of these opportunities are made possible through the commitment of our dedicated alumni, who generously share their time and talent to pay it forward.

Networking Events: The Feld Center hosts Bites & Insights events, a recurring event series where alumni and students come together for enriching conversations, helping them gain insights over scrumptious bites. Alumni can participate in future events by emailing questromalumni@bu.edu, indicating their interest in participating.

Coaching Services: Students and alumni in career transition have access to Feld Center’s qualified coaches, who offer guidance on how to approach others, what to say, how to make a positive impression, and utilize online networks to build and deepen lasting connections. To access coaching services, visit here.

BUConnects and LinkedIn Networks: Community engagement platforms like the BU-exclusive BUConnects and Questrom’s LinkedIn group page serve as invaluable tools for students and alumni alike, facilitating connections and providing access to a broader network of professional Terriers. Interested alumni can use these platforms to share advice, jobs, and information on events and other opportunities.

Experiential Opportunities: When Questrom alumni offer guest lectures, create live case studies, host company visits, and support student clubs, our students gain invaluable insights. They have a chance to get insider perspectives on careers and industries, ask questions, forge new connections, and access exciting opportunities.

Questrom Alumni: Your support goes a long way in helping our students expand their knowledge, learn effective communication skills, speak confidently about their strengths, build visibility, and find champions who will advocate on their behalf.

For more information on how to participate in initiatives aimed at fostering networking and community engagement, feel free to email me. I am here to connect and discuss further!

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[i] https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-the-hidden-job-market-2062004

Written by Dee Kayalar Polat, Director of Alumni Engagement