Networking is a skill of building connections. In architecture school, you build a network of peers, tutors, students from other subjects and that is never really deemed as networking in a first glance. But it is. You see the idea of networking is building connections with others regardless of if they can help you or vice versa. And now more than ever it has become an essential part of collaboration whether off or online.
Building connections often seem more anxiety-inducing when you aren’t a student who likes to talk about themselves especially to those who you have yet to know. Before the crisis, it was assumed that networking was a thing you do at extracurricular activities - if you have the confidence to speak out or to the person you want to know more about. It was in a physical space during talks or events when one to one interaction was more possible. But now that has changed, for everyone it can seem like a challenge to do. Over the past few months, it has been more possible to do this and in this weeks article, I’d like to talk about ways you can build a network all while staying at home.
Attend events online and participate
Now more than ever for the safety of everybody events that were once in large halls are now being held over on platforms like Zoom or Instagram Live's just to name a few places. The fact that you are probably on your computer for the majority of your time it seems convenient to just be able to attend without ever leaving your house. If commuting or the logistics of attending an event was the reason you didn't attend any before now you've got nothing to lose. However, simply attending won't cut it, just like events in person you need to be actively participating by engaging using the chat functions, or microphone or video chat abilities if that is something your comfortable doing. But how do I find events that you'll actually want to attend? Eventbrite is a great place to start, often companies and organisations that you probably already know about all hold their events, and most of the time they are free to attend. The first few times you do this may seem daunting but once you really work up the confidence to engage in conversations and ask questions you'll be able to connect with individuals whether part of the organisation or individuals who've attended from across the globe. Online events allow you to access discussions and a wealth of knowledge from others in the industry, not only will you build connections but you'll learn so much from those who have similar interests to yourself and make some friends along the way.
Talk to those who you follow on social media platforms.
A few years back if you'd told me that simply an email or direct message would allow me to build a network of like minded and inspiring individuals I'd tell you no way was that possible. More often than not most individuals whether they are students like yourself, architecture firms or organisations respond to their messages. Now hold on, don't go and randomly spam someone with no intention to build a long lasting connection. Behind every instagram account there is a human, and like all humans we must support one another especially when we enjoy the work that someone has taken the time to produce and share with everyone. So if you throughly enjoy someone's work let them know you do. Supporting the work they do and reaching out in a manner that comes from a n honest place becomes fruitful. Don't look to connect with others in order to receive a favour like exchange. The most valuable connections are made when they are honest without an intent to recieve or give something away, we are human being after all and connections like this are easier to make when you have the right intentions.
Create content of your own
This isn't for everyone but it sure is possible for anyone who wants to. You see having a space whether its a blog, an instagram, Youtube or LinkedIn is an opportunity for discussion. By opening a space of your own you are facilitating discussion that you can only learn from. Whether it is sharing your work, process or final or the work of others it is a great place to build a community and with that comes the opportunity to talk with others that have the same interests as yourself. You are a person after all, and sometimes what you have to say can really resonate and help someone on their struggle on a particular topic or task. It is a conversation starter to have created a presence of your own, and make friends along the way as you are building yourself, even if it isn't architecture just yet. And there is nothing wrong with that at all, especially when you are first starting out on your course. It is when you've put yourself out there in sharing what you learn that you'll find the confidence to do it more often around others and build the confidence to do it in a way that is yours alone.
Networking is an underrated tool that we as students over simply and over complicated simultaneously but we don't have to. You just have to be willing to connect with what you enjoy and are passionate about as a person before anything else. And you'll see that hopefully you'll build a great network of future co-workers, collaborators and friends in the comfort of your home. There is no right time to do it, just simply starting now is enough.