INF 305 Professional Learning and Networking
Forming professional networks is an integral part of your working life and is essential for your career development. It can also assist in gaining access to promotion and further employment opportunities, both within your current organisation and external organisations (Page Group, 2022). Active networking establishes your professional identity within the industry and as Raj et al., (2017) point out the notion of identity can play a role in your motivation to prioritise professional networks (p. 780). Networking allows you to exchange and share information with colleagues in your sector which can ultimately lead to better solutions and outcomes for professional practices within the sector. It is also important to connect with your professional colleagues from time to time in a face to face setting. Conferences and workshops present opportunities for professional networking and are a great way to meet experienced professionals in your field whose expertise can be shared to improve your personal work performance. Conferences also provide a wide variety of learning experiences relating to current trends and challenges in a rapidly evolving and competitive industry that requires information professionals to develop skill sets that characterise our current and connected community.
From my personal experience I have found professional networking a positive practice in collaborating with colleagues from my own organisation, and I believe that colleagues who are connected improve organisational culture and performance. Overall, professional networking is a vital component of life- long learning and building relationships within your own community of practice whilst facilitating professional development.
References
Page Group. (2022). Top 12 benefits of networking: Why networking is important.
https://www.michaelpage.com.au/advice/career-advice/career-progression/top-12-benefits-networking-why-networking-important
Raj, M., Fast, N. J., & Fisher, O. (2017). Identity and professional networking. Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin, 43(6), 772–784. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167217697299