5 Ways to Build Your Career Network

When you're building a network, you don't have to go to any social events to take the first step. Set up your profile on LinkedIn or other job networking sites and make connections with related people and companies. Fill out your profile completely to attract recruiters and for a better chance of contacts accepting you into their network. Sharing relevant articles or thoughts on your industry keeps your profile active.

Another way to network online or in person is to join your university's alumni group. This may be a Facebook group, an email list or organised alumni events or reunions. Alumni who are further along in their careers can offer recommendations or advice. You can also offer to mentor recent graduates who are starting in a similar career.

A traditional way to network is attending professional or trade events or even informal networking meet-ups for young professionals. By attending conferences or trade shows, you'll also learn more about your profession and show your eagerness to grow, in addition to making valuable connections. Informal events may be less relevant, but you may still be grateful for your new contacts in the future.

Volunteering in your community is a way to give back to society and also to meet people you might not otherwise come across. If you volunteer for a cause you're passionate about, you'll meet others with that same passion. Even if it's not related to your current job, you never know what opportunities might open up in the future.

Finally, it's important to maintain the relationships that you're building throughout your career. Keep in touch with classmates, former employers, former clients. Ask for help and recommendations when you need it, and be available to offer that to others as well.