Business & Professional Events

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, recently graduated or find yourself new to an area, networking makes or breaks your career. As the adage goes, “It’s not what you know — it’s who you know.” 

Here, we’ll explore the nuances of networking throughout different stages of your career and share a list of Utah’s can’t-miss networking events.

The importance of networking throughout all stages of your career

While some might assume that networking is only critical when starting a career, the truth is that it plays a crucial role in fostering growth and advancement throughout every stage.

In the early stages, networking is instrumental in building a strong foundation of professional relationships that can provide guidance, mentorship and opportunities for skill development. As your career progresses, networking becomes essential for expanding your sphere of influence, accessing new opportunities and staying ahead of industry trends. 

Mid-career networking is vital for exploring new paths, whether transitioning to a new role or industry or starting your own venture. Toward the end of your career journey, networking remains invaluable for maintaining connections, sharing wisdom and leaving a lasting legacy.

What’s most important is learning how to engage in career-long networking while avoiding burnout.

“When it comes to networking, I believe it should be something that re-energizes you and perhaps rekindles your faith in humanity a bit,” says Br33 Jon3s, founder and CEO of Gam3r Studios. “Going to every type of networking event will lead to burnout, so being very intentional about where and who you spend your time with is important.” 

Ultimately, networking at all stages of your career opens doors to professional opportunities and enriches your journey with diverse perspectives, support networks and lifelong learning opportunities.

How can you get started?

“Show up to meet someone new,” says Dr. Krista Andersen, founder and CEO of Fiksal. “Be bold and sit by a stranger. Introduce yourself and offer a genuine compliment. Networking can be transactional or connective. By choosing [to make it] connective, you will find opportunities for friendship, support, collaboration and new perspectives.”

Lynn faculty members Ted Curtis and Sherry Andre, associate professors in the College of Business and Management, took 11 students from the program to attend the National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana—allowing them to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of sports management.

The NFL Scouting Combine is a critical component in turning amateur athletes into NFL professionals. During the event, hundreds of college football players with dreams of being drafted into the NFL are evaluated in a week-long extensive workout involving physical and mental tests that can impact their draft positions—the conference also focuses on the business of professional football. Hearing from team executives, coaches, agents and more at panel events helps prepare students for potential careers after graduation. Throughout the experience, Lynn’s students met exclusively with agents and executives, attended a conference on NFL business, and visited the NCAA Hall of Champions. 

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