The power of networking in early careers

Whatever role you are in and at whatever level you are at, or aspiring to be at, having a professional network can make all the difference in your career. My role at Willmott Dixon is in the frameworks team, which involves researching new customer and project opportunities. To do this I have attended many networking events, from those that are more formal and focused such as roundtables where thoughts are discussed and learnings are shared, through to those that are more socially focused and aimed at building relationships and getting to know people.

Having previously worked for a local authority I hadn’t networked like this before, so I was relieved (and surprised) to turn up to my first one and be greeted by a host of consultants I had known and worked with in my previous role! But, regardless of whether I knew people before or not, everyone was friendly and wanted to talk and find out more about what I was working on and how I was finding my role.

It got me thinking, why hadn’t I done this before? And - where are other trainees and people starting out in their careers?

Reflecting on the last four years, which I’ve spent at college and university on construction management courses, it’s a shame that the importance of building a network isn’t touched upon in more detail. There isn’t always a tangible output, and some events and conversations are more useful than others, but in the post-Covid, hybrid working era, there is real value in getting to know customers, partners and others in the industry in person. After all, the most powerful business relationships are developed over time.

Networking can initially be daunting and as professionals we’re always “busy” but taking time to connect with people in person can make work so much more meaningful and enjoyable in the long term.

So how can you start building your network? Here are my three top tips for building your professional network

1. Make an effort to connect

Networking doesn't happen by itself; you have to actively try to connect with other people. Be proactive about reaching out to people in similar roles. Connect with them on LinkedIn, attend events where they'll be speaking, or even just send them a message to introduce yourself.

2. Attend industry events

One of the best ways to meet other professionals in your industry is to attend industry events like conferences and networking events. These events can be excellent opportunities to meet new people and learn about new developments in the industry. There are lots of regular drop-in style networking events that offer a more informal way to start building your network – this more relaxed atmosphere can be a great place to spread your networking wings for the first time.

3. Join professional organisations

There are a whole host of professional organisations in the industry that offer networking opportunities, as well as training and professional development programmes.

But what if I don’t know what to say?

There’s no hiding the fact that, for some people, networking is terrifying, and for others it’s a perfectly comfortable situation. Everyone has to start somewhere. Once you’ve done it a few times it gets much easier and won’t feel quite so daunting. Remember, the people you’re meeting are people too and could be feeling exactly how you are.

That said, trying to keep a conversation going can sometimes be hard work, but networking doesn’t just have to be about business, it is more a case of getting to know people. This is particularly important if you are looking to form real connections and develop meaningful business relationships. Not every conversation needs to be about work – and really it shouldn’t be. If you’re feeling stuck for topics to talk about, remember FORM: Family, Occupation, Recreation, Motivation.

To summarise, these are the three reasons why I think networking is so important in construction – particularly for early career professionals:

1. To build relationships

Having a strong network of contacts within the industry can help you build relationships. These can lead to new opportunities and partnerships down the road – after all, people buy from people. You never know when you might need or want to collaborate with someone on a project or refer them to a colleague, so it's important to have a wide network of contacts.

2. To stay abreast of industry changes and customer needs

The pace of change in our industry has never been faster, so it's important to stay current. Networking can be an easy way to stay up to date on industry trends and developments. By attending conferences and thought leadership events, you can learn about new innovations and share best practice.

3. For support and inspiration

Projects can be complex, deadlines can be tight, and there are always unexpected challenges that arise. Having a network that understands what you’re going through can be a valuable source of support and inspiration. Connecting with other people who share your passion for construction can be a valuable source of motivation and encouragement, especially during tough times or when facing difficult challenges on a project and, at the very least, it’s always good to have a chat with likeminded people!

Networking is powerful, especially for those starting out their careers or joining a new industry. By building relationships, staying up-to-date, and finding support and inspiration, you can take your career to the next level. Start building your network today – you never know where it might take you!

I’ve done just that through People In Property (PIP)!

What’s PIP?

PIP is a growing networking community established in cities around the Midlands, aimed at bringing together professionals from across the industry in an informal setting to enjoy an early evening of networking. PIP events are relaxed networking events for property and construction professionals, which take place in Derby, Lincoln, Nottingham and Birmingham. They’re open to all in the property and construction sector and there’s no need to RSVP – just turn up!

• Birmingham – first Thursday of every month 4:30pm until 6:30pm at Primitivo Bar & Eatery, B3 2NT
• Lincoln – second Thursday of every month 4:30pm until 6:30pm at The Strait and Narrow, LN2 1JD
• Nottingham – fourth Thursday of every month 4:30pm until 6:30pm at The Angel, NG1 1LG
• Derby – first Wednesday of every month 5:30pm until 7:30pm at Baytree Cars, DE21 6AW

If you have any questions about networking or being a management trainee at Willmott Dixon please get in touch with me.

Alternatively, take a look at our careers pages on our website.