The importance of networking skills for the success of a current or aspiring MBA student cannot be overemphasized because it is the fuel that accelerates success. Networking skills is one of the most valuable assets an MBA student can have in order to be successful and boost their career goals and objectives. Networking is the process of creating or forging links between people for a specific purpose, whether finding a job, a potential business collaborator or getting information and sharing knowledge. Hence, networking should be a mutually beneficial relationship between two or more parties, with all parties bringing equal assets to the table Pursuing an MBA program is a once in a life time opportunity to build up a long lasting network because you have access to school alumni networks, professors who will teach you that are experts in their various fields of study, and also your fellow classmates and students with vast experience to share with everybody. One fun fact about pursuing an MBA is that a majority of current or aspiring students pursue an MBA in order to build professional network. This shows how important an MBA degree is.
According to Kendrick Harper, some effective networking skills MBA students should develop are:
MBA students can improve their networking skills by incorporating networking to their everyday activities by attending lots of different virtual networking events. There is high probability of meeting many interesting and skilled people, some of which will become friends or colleagues.
Be nice to everyone you meet because you never can tell who will help you up the ladder. Always have at the back of your mind you want to leave a positive lasting impression about yourself and what you want to be remembered for after you leave.
Be willing to give your time and maintain an effective communication with your database. You can maintain a personal approach through face to face contact and in cases where this is not convenient with respect to what we have going on presently, a phone call or a text message will do just fine.
It is very important to set a clear goal of what you aim to achieve with your networking. Your goals can be short, medium or long term but make sure you know your outlook for the future.
Explore all available resources at your disposal. There are so many resources available to support you in whatever you wish to do. Build a strong support team which includes family, friends, mentors, and colleagues. Read books and inspiring literature on networking and join networking groups in your local area.
Be an active listener with a positive attitude.
Seek a volunteer position. This is an opportunity to work with different people on team projects and connect with people in order to learn important skills.
Effective use of different social media tools to build your networking such as LinkedIn, twitter and maybe Instagram. You can follow your target firms on LinkedIn and twitter in order to get firsthand information, latest news and trends which may be helpful in your future applications and or interviews.
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Tennessee State University MBA
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