Networking – Your Next Opportunity Might Be One Conversation Away
The next big step in your career might not come from a job board or your CV, it might come from a single conversation with the right person, in the right room.
Never underestimate the power of networking, even if you already have a job. You never know who you’ll meet, what you’ll learn, or how it could shape your future.
I’m not naturally outgoing. In fact, people who know me are often surprised I now share my journey openly online. But if you want to achieve your goals, you have to step out of your comfort zone.
If you’re job hunting, networking is a game-changer. Cold emails are fine, but imagine a room full of potential employers and industry leaders, people you could walk up to, shake hands with, and sell yourself to. Many of my best opportunities have come from events like this.
A lot of people actually want to attend these events but have no idea when or where they’re happening. I remember back when I was a masters student at the University of Strathclyde, I told a few friends about a Morgan Stanley event I’d heard of, and we all headed there together. Since then, we went to a couple more, each one helping us meet new people and get closer to the industry. That’s part of why I created the Discover Networking Events in Scotland section of the blog: to make it easier for you to discover events, show up, and network.
At that Morgan Stanley event, an interactive Codebar workshop in their Glasgow office, I got lucky. I was paired with someone who immediately introduced himself as a Morgan Stanley staff member. We chatted about projects, I mentioned I was job hunting, and he offered to be a reference. I didn’t get the job, but it proved how quickly doors can open when you put yourself out there.
That day ended with free pizza (yes, really) and a photo of the whole crew, bonus points if you can spot the 6’3" engineer and creator of this blog in the shot.
Speaking to strangers might feel awkward, but if you want to be seen and known, you have to start. Share what you’re working on. Tell your story. Learn from industry leaders. One conversation could change everything.
