The Power of Networking

One is often left wondering about the true benefits in the long term of doing a post graduate program in management study.  There is one school of thought which strongly advocates the importance and the crucial role job placements play.  While this is undoubtedly a very important factor. I would like to highlight another aspect of a good business school in terms of an attribute.

To some of us who have spent time in the corporate world and now are in academia the important role Networking plays cannot be over emphasized. Networking refers to “a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest”.  This is one of the definitions and there are many others on similar lines.  The common thread across various similar definitions for “networking” is that it is an activity which has benefits for almost all parties involved.  Also, it provides a platform for people with like minded interests to gain and leverage from each other’s strengths and builds a collaborative atmosphere.

Joining a business school which has a history of alumni and who are willing to participate in networking opportunities is greatly beneficial to present as well as future batches as they join the growing list of alumni.  One of the important points which one should try keeping in mind is that for most professionals, after a certain number of years of passing out of your post graduate studies it is almost assumed the level of domain understanding, and the key differentiator will be who you know.   Hence the adage “people want to know not necessarily what you know, but who you know “…given all other factors are similar….

It has been often observed that after a few years of working life behind you if for any position there are multiple candidates who may be equally qualified and eligible to be hired for that role, often it is one’s ability to network which differentiates who gets the job finally.

To conclude when one is left with a choice of selecting a business school / college, the importance of networking abilities with alumni needs to be paid careful attention as often in one’s life the alumni can help you in areas like career progression, client acquisition, business development as well as lending a supporting hand when one most needs it.