Networking is defined as the process or action of interacting with others in order to exchange personal and business related information. The connections you make through networking is extremely beneficial because they can provide you with valuable advice and job opportunities. Building a professional network can play a key role in advancing your career. Knowing the right people can lead to referrals, mentorship, and access to resources and insider information.
Networking has dramatically changed over time due to advancements in technology. Social media apps (Facebook, Twitter), professional networking sites (LinkedIn), and business networking sites (Slack, Zoom) have made it easier for people to connect from all over the world no matter the geographical distance. Along with this, the widespread use of smartphones make networking easier and more accessible. Applications like Zoom allow networking conferences to be remote or hybrid, allowing a wider range of people to join and participate.
Networking platforms also often incorporate data analytics tools, which can be used to find insights about connections, trends, and engagement metrics. The algorithms in tools such as LinkedIn make it easier to find people you know and recommend them to you. The design of the application allows you to put down more information than you could have on a piece of paper. Emails and phone calls play a key role in modern networking, and now so does instant messaging, video chats, and other real-time communication tools.
Although technology has positively impacted networking, concerns about privacy and data security exist. Through the Internet, it is more likely to be approached by fake companies and fraud emails from people who are trying to access your personal information. As a result, it is important to be mindful of the information you share and to verify if the people who meet online have good intentions.
Overall, networking is necessary for a successful career path and advancements in technology over time has revolutionized the way we network today. Technology has made networking more efficient, global, and accessible, while also introducing new challenges related to privacy and authenticity.
Divya Sarkar
Email: divyasarkar123@gmail.com
Purdue University: sarkar42@purdue.edu
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