Networking in your 20s, 30s, and 40s

by Sarah Hilton, UNT Student

Searching for a job can be exhausting, especially in today’s competitive world. Skills and education no longer set a person apart from others. In the end, who you know gives you a competitive edge. Networking allows doors to open for people who know someone in the field. Networking comes in different styles for people in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.

If you are fresh out of college, the business world is daunting. Your priority is finding the perfect job, well any job that will pay the bills. Networking helps ease some of the stress. Knowing people in the field helps you get your foot in the door. Once in a job, making connections is a must. These mentors can help with almost any situation you encounter. They have the experience and would love to give the new generation some advice. Often if you are in a bind, they will step up for you. Networking opens channels you may not know existed. Special projects, group meetings, and new friends in a new world are just some of the benefits of networking in your 20’s.

After you have been in the job for a while and have made connections and acquired mentors, networking takes on a new role. In your 30’s, you will find networking helps to enhance your career. After proving yourself in the workforce, people will notice, and job opportunities will arise. Mentors who have worked with you will mention you when a position opens. Your ideal job, more than likely, requires experience in the field. Now that you have that experience, you can use networking to position yourself for a job better than your current one. Networking brings you clients. When you have new clients who are being sent by a reliable source, and they want services immediately, it helps you focus on making your product better.

Now that you are in the job you envisioned for yourself, it is time for you to return the favor. When you are 40+, you become the mentor. You help a new employee feel at home and make friends. You are the connection-maker. As your retirement nears, networking will come in handy once again. Retirement today does not mean going home and knitting. People leave their jobs and begin consulting. Networking, just as in the past, can help you to find these consulting jobs, or people who would love to use your services every once in a while. Networking will forever help put people in jobs that they desire. Networking should become second nature to anyone who wishes to get ahead in the field.