Ask Doctoral Advising

The state of the economy has many people feeling uneasy, either because their current position feels a bit insecure or because they’re conducting a job search in this highly competitive market.  As a career counselor in the Capella Career Center, I find myself recommending one strategy above all others: networking.  You’ve probably heard this advice before, and you may think of it in the same category as “exercise and eat your vegetables”.  Like exercising, networking is not a quick fix and it can take some time to see the results of your efforts.  For the introverts among us, it can also be as painful as exercising!  Networking is nonetheless a highly effective strategy for those in a current job search, as well as for those who want to proactively position themselves for any future job changes. 

Why should you put effort into networking?  For one thing, most open positions are never advertised, but are filled through personal and professional referrals.  These unadvertised positions are often referred to collectively as the “hidden job market” and the best way to tap into this market is through networking.  According to Richard Bolles, author of What Color is Your Parachute, responding to newspapers and internet postings results in a 1-24% success rate, while networking yields a much higher success rate of 33-86%.  Employers prefer to hire people who are recommended by respected colleagues, and in this tight job market, it’s well worth your time and effort to develop and nurture your network of supporters.

There are some common misperceptions about networking.  Networking is NOT about taking advantage of someone, nor is it about preferential hiring into a position for which you are not qualified.  Networking is a reciprocal relationship that IS about gathering information about a profession or field, and also offering assistance to others in their job search.  Networking can occur in informal or formal settings, in groups, online, or in a one-to-one informational interview.  Professional associations can provide wonderful opportunities to learn more about a career field, demonstrate your leadership or presentation skills, and start to build relationships with future colleagues.  Even if you have just started your degree program, it’s never too early to join relevant professional associations (and benefit from the student membership rates, which are generally very reasonable!)  Don’t wait until you’re almost finished with your degree, because career development is a lifelong, dynamic process and professional relationships can take time to establish and develop.  An extensive list of Professional Associations listed by industry is available in the Career Center (see the Exploration and Planning section). 

The Career Center recently produced a short video of networking scenarios, which demonstrate effective – and not so effective! – networking strategies.  It would be well worth your time to view this video and read the information on Networking located in the Connecting With Others section of the Career Center.  You’ll find a number of helpful tips and I think you’ll be convinced of the importance of developing and nurturing your professional network. 

Sharon Balke, MA
Career Counselor
Capella Career Center