Networking Reflection

"One key takeaway from this experience is realizing the generosity of strangers and the extent to which they will go to help someone." In August, I participated in an informational session organized by Goldman Sachs. As the session progressed, I discovered that I already knew one of the panelists, Julia Szepieniec, an MSM graduate from the class of 2021. I had connected with Julia on LinkedIn before enrolling in the MSM program to gather insights about the program.

After the informational session concluded, I reached out to Julia again on LinkedIn because I was interested in working for Goldman Sachs. Julia responded within a few days, expressing her excitement about me joining the course. She graciously agreed to a Zoom call and, before the call, requested that I send my resume in advance for analysis.

During the call, she conveyed her appreciation for my skillset and strongly recommended that I apply for a position at Goldman Sachs. Not only did she suggest applying for the specific role we discussed, but she also encouraged me to explore other marketing positions. Julia provided valuable tips on interview preparation and explained the selection process at Goldman Sachs. While she couldn't officially refer me, she expressed her willingness to advocate for me within the team.

I would rate this experience an eight out of ten; it has been the best networking encounter to date. I still vividly recall Julia's enthusiasm upon reviewing my resume. One key takeaway from this experience is realizing the generosity of strangers and the extent to which they will go to help someone. Personally, I gained insight into my email writing skills and the strength of my resume, thanks to Julia's repeated commendations during our call.

Three actions that I would take to improve the ability of my social network to influence my own success and/or the success of my overall network are:

1. Attend Networking Events:

• Action: I aim to participate actively in Alumni events, industry-specific conferences, and local club meetings to consistently expand my network and stay in touch with ongoing trends.

• Evidence: Research supports the notion that in-person interactions play a crucial role in building relationships compared to online interactions. They also provide opportunities for in-depth conversations and the formation of deeper connections.

• Tradeoff: The tradeoff involves the time and resources required to attend the events. It is crucial to choose events that align with one's interests.

2. Enhance Network Diversity:

• Action: I want to enhance the diversity of my network by connecting with people from various cultural backgrounds, diverse educational experiences, and different walks of life.

• Evidence: A study published in the Harvard Business Review indicates that individuals with more diverse personal networks report higher levels of job satisfaction and career success.

• Tradeoff: Achieving this goal involves maintaining and managing meaningful relationships with individuals from different backgrounds. Striking a balance is crucial.

3. Regularly Assess and Nurture Relationships:

• Action: I want to regularly assess my professional relationships, identifying key connections and proactively nurturing them through personal interactions.

• Evidence: Social Network Theory emphasizes that regularly assessing and strengthening connections can lead to a more resilient and supportive network

• Tradeoff: Maintaining these relationships requires time and emotional energy. It is crucial not to overdo this process and to avoid experiencing burnout.