The
importance of networking in the Creative industry cannot be over-emphasised. Networking
involves interacting with others within the industry/profession to exchange
information and develop professional contacts. Without networking,
professionals in the industry will be isolated and may die professionally.
Moreover, if
something is important, it also means that it is beneficial. So, what are the
benefits of networking in the Creative industry?
1. You are
connected. As noted in the opening chapter of this write-up, without
networking, the professionally is isolated. So, networking affords the
professional/student to connect with other professionals in the industry which
invariably means the pipeline for interaction is open.
2. Job and
career opportunities. With networking comes the opportunity to meet the right
person in the industry either as a potential employee or employer. It also
leads to more jobs for self-employed or contract professionals.
3. Access to
information. The Creative industry is a fast pace industry with constant
reviews, changes and updates to software and hardware even legal matters. A
connected professional will most likely have access to the information than
someone who is not connected.
4. Training
and development. Networking affords the professional to have access to training
and development opportunities. In fact, some professionals in the industry have
had access to free training because they belong to a network group with
membership benefit.
5. Peer
reviews. One of the very important aspects of professionalism is to have a
review of your work by those already in the industry. I had that opportunity of
recent with Gordon Brown, an industry professional who came to the University
of West of Scotland to give a talk. The connection was over LinkedIn site.
In
conclusion, we can see that networking is very important and the
professional/student have many platforms presenting opportunities for
networking like events, conferences and social connections. However, the individual
should be focussed and know what he/she wants from each network so as not to
lose productivity.
Samuel Oludare Yerokun
Comments
Post a Comment