On Oct. 8, Gary McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA, presented to the PRSA Volunteer Chapter how essential connections are within the public relations field and for personal career growth. His presentation, ‘Connections are Career Insurance’, detailed not only how important connections are for people to get jobs, but also the best practices for networking professionals.
Gary spent 17 years in government affairs before a life move forced him to rely on his network to find a new career path in Tennessee. Sharing personal anecdotes of how networking had helped him get positions throughout his career, he emphasized that on average people will work between 10-12 jobs in their life suggesting, “Why wait for change when you can prepare yourself for it through connections”.
Gary explained to attendees that networking requires a game plan. First, you must create a compelling elevator pitch for yourself which can provide a snapshot of your story. Then, make sure to share your journey, how did you get where you are, what have you been exposed to, and who do you know? Finally, it’s vital to share your dreams and aspirations, reflecting your ambitions and desired pathways you wish to pursue.
Gary stressed that networking isn’t just about what an individual can do for you, but what in return you can do for them. Building equity in relationships is one of the most overlooked aspects of networking, but one of the most valuable.
Gary’s final point was that one of the best ways to network within your community is by volunteering with local charity boards. “You may ask why... those boards are made up of the movers and shakers in your community, or they work for organizations and companies you may want access to,” he said. By volunteering, you can demonstrate commitment, contribute ideas, showcase your skills, and build relationships with fellow board members.
The process of creating career connections comes from shared experiences you have with individuals. These shared experiences enhance the relationship and are how you can build strong career connections.