What role has networking or community played in your professional growth?

I’m looking to expand my network and a mentor. But it is so much work, I’m trying to determine if it’s worth the time.

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I never made a conscious decision to build a network, but I created one just by staying in touch with people I worked with or I met through some professional connection. I've gotten tips about jobs and freelance projects, and I've tipped other people off about things as well. That's what it comes down to really, just staying in touch with people over time. And if you do it that way it's really no work, it's more like socializing with a work focus.

I like your perspective—it doesn’t have to be this big, structured project. Just staying in touch with people you’ve already crossed paths with can build a solid network without feeling like “work.”

I find networking to not be super helpful or productive for me. I'm sure some people find some value in it, but every time I've reached out to former coworkers, colleagues, and classmates for referrals or networking, it never really goes anywhere.

That’s such an honest take. Networking isn’t always a magic bullet, and sometimes it feels like you put in the effort without seeing much payoff. I think that’s why it helps to focus on quality of relationships over quantity.

Networking is the reason I have my current job! Without it I wouldn’t have met the people I met which helped me land this job. I always think networking, connecting on LI, making connections anywhere you go is so important

That’s awesome—and a great reminder that sometimes the right connection is what gets you in the door. I agree that LinkedIn and small touchpoints go a long way, even when you don’t realize it at the time.

I’ve found networking to be worth it, but only when I approached it in a way that felt natural. For me, it’s less about forced “coffee chats” and more about keeping in touch with people I genuinely respect. Mentorship and community can take effort, but even a few authentic connections can make a big difference over time.

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