Networking in a Major Corporation

Whilst working in a big corporation “Networking” is a buzzword that a lot of people throw around, some almost swearing that it is the only way to progress whereas other people feeling that it is overused and unnatural. In this piece, I intend to show how best to use Networking, authentically and create the best Network possible to enhance your career. Please note of course that there are different cultures in different workplaces, and such, whilst these points may work for some workplaces, they may not work for all. Therefore, use these as more of a guide than a definitive list to build that network and achieve whatever career-related goal you intend to achieve. 

1) Requesting an “Overview” in a business area that you are interested in

The best way to start to build networks is to reach out to people in different business areas and attempt to understand exactly what they do, speaking to the key players there and getting face time. Do not be disingenuous however with this. People can tell when you are doing something just to get something. Therefore only do this if it interests you and be honest about your intention towards that business unit. Perhaps find ways to create new partnerships with your current role if it isn’t something that you are as interested in as first believed.

2) Getting a Mentor, or several Mentors, in places where you aspire to be

This is more of a longer-term aspect of Networking. If you see yourself in several years going into a certain line of business, reach out to a senior leader there. Talk about your desires and aspirations. Understand if there is anything you can do right now to align with the requirements of the role. Potentially see if there is a way to work together with that senior leader, allowing you to prove yourself as a competent worker and allowing the leader to have you in their mind should there be any open roles. However, do not just go to any high-level leader just simply because they are the most senior you can think of. Being known as a time-waster is worse than not being known at all. Do not let this stop you from approaching those leaders if you have genuine questions and interests in their role, however. They will be able to tell sincerity in this.

3) Ensure that when you do have a network, you are regularly engaging with them

When you have started to find people in places you are interested in, that is not the end of the battle. You need to continuously engage, ensuring for instance that you have a coffee with them every few months or so. Allow them to see your progress and understand if there are any further common goals you can work towards. A Network is not a Network if you just lean on them when you need something from them. See if you can give them something as well. Make it a mutually beneficial arrangement and you will be more likely to retain them as people in your network, and the network as a whole will become stronger. Do not forget to connect other parts of your network also – let them know you as a resource to find the right person. Therefore they will always come to you first to see if something is possible which may cement your capability in their mind.

4) Join any company programmes/networks, especially if they have a “High Performers” Programme.

If your company provides networks for people with similar interests or high performers programmes, apply for them, get involved, go to their events and socials. It is always easier to get to know people outside of the work environment (although again, you are still with work colleagues, so be sure to limit your intake of alcohol and ensure your conversation is appropriate). If your company has a  “High Performers” programme, apply for it. The likelihood is that the company will invest greater in colleagues who go for programmes such as these and they should be able to give you a broader overview and understanding of the company, as well as give you access to people in business units you may not have previously had access to.

As such, there are several techniques for Networking. The biggest piece of advice to give however is to be genuine; doing any of these things without a genuine desire to either get to know people or advance yourself in a mutually beneficial way is going to be seen as disingenuous and people will remember that.  Network because you want to, not because you feel you have to.