She Strengthens

The Art of Networking: A Cautionary Tale

When it comes to networking, there’s a fine line between making meaningful connections and committing career faux pas. A recent encounter with an MBA student serves as a prime example of what not to do when trying to build professional relationships.

A Missed Opportunity

The student in question was referred to me by a career counselor to discuss my experience as a consultant and potential job opportunities at my company. I was more than happy to share my insights and offered to conduct an informational interview. However, the student’s response was telling.

Red Flags

A week after our initial exchange, the student replied, apologizing for the delay and explaining that they had been waiting to hear back about another job opportunity. This response raised several concerns:

• Lack of genuine interest: It became clear that working at my company was not the student’s top priority.
• Misconceptions about networking: The student seemed to believe that networking was solely about what others could do for them, rather than building mutually beneficial relationships.
• Limited understanding of networking’s value: The student appeared to think that networking was only necessary when actively job searching, rather than recognizing its importance in expanding one’s professional network and opening doors to future opportunities.

A Surprising Follow-up

Just a few days later, the student reached out again, this time informing me that the other job opportunity had fallen through and expressing renewed interest in discussing positions at my company. While I appreciated the student’s enthusiasm, their approach left much to be desired.

Lessons Learned

This experience serves as a reminder that effective networking requires a genuine interest in building relationships, a willingness to help others, and a long-term perspective. By focusing on these aspects, professionals can create a strong foundation for their careers and unlock new opportunities.