Networking is really important in the society that we live in. Many times as young people, we tend to forget about our futures when it comes to connecting with people. 

According to Investopedia.com, “Networking is the exchange of information and ideas among people with a common profession or special interest, usually in an informal social setting.” Networking usually starts by finding a common ground/denominator between yourself and the other individual. 

As a young person, it is important to network with people as it can increase and help you with your future career. It’s an easy way to look for opportunities  and get when you are much older and also help you find others who are in the same stage of their working life too. It helps you find a community where you can grow and learn more things about your career choice. Networking will really help you to develop the amount of skills and endorsements that you have. It will also help you to stay on top of the new opportunities that are available in your chosen industry. The more you network the more chance you have to grow and also make good and long lasting connections. 

In the world that we live in meritocracy still exists and unfortunately this can have and take a big toll on our futures. Meritocracy, is that idea that you can get very far in life through education and personal accomplishments rather than your parents social class. Meritocracy can favour those who are wealthy and find themselves in the upper class category even if everyone plays by the rules. 

Networking can make life easier, especially for those who may not be as wealthy as their counterparts or find themselves on the higher aspect of the social class ladder. When it comes to your future, it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know! So networking can help you with the “who” side of things. 

There are many ways in which a young person can build their network. One way in which you can build your network, is by creating an account on LinkedIn! This website can help you by catering to your interests, helping you with job searches, following inspirational people who are up in your particular industry you’d like to go into etc. Another way in which you can network is going to talks and conferences that are related to your field and also taking individuals number and email and keep in touch with them to find work opportunities etc. And finally, building connections with friends of friends who may be working in the future field you’d like to go in. This is another easy way in building a network and it’s much easier as there are ways to communicate!