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Importance of Networking

• Categories: Social Networking

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Published: Jun 13, 2024

Words: 745 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

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Understanding networking, benefits of networking, strategies for effective networking, 1. career opportunities, 2. knowledge and skill enhancement, 3. business growth and collaboration, 4. personal development, 1. be genuine and authentic, 2. attend networking events, 3. leverage digital platforms, 4. follow up and stay connected, 5. offer value.

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📚 Step 3: Chevening Scholarship Networking Essay

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Our journey towards securing the prestigious Chevening Scholarship continues, and we're now on Step 3 of our six-part series in the Chevening Scholarship Essay Writing Guide.

Part 1: Crafting an Award-Winning Networking Essay

The Networking essay is your opportunity to showcase your ability to connect, collaborate, and engage with a diverse network of individuals. Here are some tips and an outline to help you write an award-winning Networking essay:

Tips for Writing a Networking Essay:

Outline: You should follow the standard rule of writing an essay.

Introduction

Start with a Captivating Anecdote: Begin your essay with an introduction paragraph that introduces the whole point of the paragraph, whether it is about leadership, networking, etc.

Provide examples in the Body : Add a real-life example that illustrates your networking prowess. Showcase a memorable interaction or collaboration that highlights your effective networking skills that have brought a change or something positive.

Highlight Diversity: Emphasize the diversity of your network. Discuss connections with people from various backgrounds, cultures, and professions. Diversity shows your ability to bridge gaps and work effectively with a wide range of individuals. It is good to show that your networks involve, professionals, experts, and politicians (if possible), Academics (such as professors, writers, researchers, alumni, or students), and volunteers (such as community, social, etc.).

Impactful Connections: Share stories of how your network has helped you achieve your goals or make a positive impact in your community or field of study. It is better to use the STAR method to write your examples. Provide concrete examples of how your connections have opened doors or provided valuable insights. To learn more about the STAR method click here .

Demonstrate Reciprocity: Networking is a two-way street. Describe how you've contributed to your network by providing support, mentorship, or assistance to others. Please do not write examples about the things you got or achieved through your networks .

Conclusion: Summarize your leadership journey and its significance.

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Introduction to Networking

What Is Networking - and What Is It Not?

Why network, where do i network, skills and strategies for networking, informational interviews, setting up an informational interview, preparing for your informational interview.

For some, the idea of networking is exciting. For others, the mere mention of the word can be anxiety provoking. In either case, it is important to know:

• Why networking is important to your lifelong career success
• What networking actually is, and what it is not
• Where you can effectively network
• Skills and strategies for networking

Networking transcends the simplistic notion of soliciting job leads. It entails fostering genuine connections where individuals collaboratively support each other's professional growth. Successful networking entails more than mere transactional interactions; it involves the cultivation of meaningful relationships, resource sharing, and offering assistance without immediate expectations of reciprocity. In short, it is a long-term investment in your career and the others around you. 

“Networking” is not telling everyone you know you’re looking for a job. Asking people for names of those employed in places where you want to work isn’t networking, nor is approaching strangers to ask for jobs.

In the most perfect form, it’s about building relationships and helping others. When you network, you should identify contacts to build mutually beneficial relationships and follow up with them to nurture the potential for continued engagement and interaction.

Networking is about people helping each other. Identify what value you add to a potential or existing relationship. Employers and others gravitate to people who offer ideas. Know the answer to questions such as, “Why are you an asset?” and “What do you offer?” Be generous with your resources, knowledge, and skills, and you’ll be prepared to create two-way networking relationships that can make a big difference in your career.

You’re busy and have a lot of things vying for your time and attention. Why should “networking” be near the top of your list? The research underscores the pivotal role networking plays in job acquisition. Statistics reveal that candidates referred by acquaintances stand significantly higher chances of securing employment compared to those who rely solely on traditional application methods (up to 14 times more likely to be hired in some studies). Moreover, networking extends beyond job prospects; it nurtures enduring connections that can yield invaluable opportunities such as mentorship, project collaborations, and insightful recommendations

But, networking isn’t all about finding people who can get you a job — it’s about building lasting, supportive, relationships. Many good things can come out of those relationships--ideas, introductions, helpful suggestions, project proposals, and certainly a referral or recommendation for a job or internship.

The short answer — everywhere! Networking opportunities abound, ranging from interactions with peers, supervisors, and alumni to chance encounters in diverse settings. For people seeking to broaden their networks, active engagement with career communities can provide fertile ground for cultivating meaningful connections and exploring new avenues. Please connect with our Career Communities to explore venues where you can begin or expand your network.

Here are some further resources to help in your effectively building your network to support your career success.

• These are the “soft skills” and nuances of communication that lead to successful networking and relationship building
• This is the brief, polished introduction you can adapt to use in most any situation where you are building relationships and networks
• Today, it is critical to understand how to use social media in building your professional network.

Informational interviews and networking are intertwined yet distinct components of career development. Networking encompasses the broader practice of building and nurturing professional relationships, while informational interviews represent a specific tactic within this framework. While networking encompasses various interactions and activities aimed at cultivating a robust professional network, informational interviews serve as targeted opportunities for learning and exploration within your network. Networking may involve attending events, joining professional organizations, or leveraging social media platforms to connect with individuals across different sectors. In contrast, informational interviews involve connecting with specific professionals to request in-depth discussions about their careers, experiences, and insights.

Informational interviews can help you:

Make initial decisions about your major and career path

Learn about different positions in an area of interest and meet professionals working in those roles

Discover new areas of study or career options you didn’t know existed

Get a sense of the job market in your field

Make connections with professionals at specific organizations

Learn how to prepare for a specific role or field

Hear firsthand the realities of working within a particular field, industry, or position. You can’t find this online!

Why It’s Not As Scary As You Think

People like to give advice and love to share their stories

These professionals have been in your shoes before and are happy to return the favor

The worst-case scenario is that your contact is too busy to meet with you

Identify a Professional in the Field

When beginning the search for someone with whom you can conduct an informational interview, a great place to start is your career community . A career community is a group of professionals linked together by a common industry area and includes your peers, your Industry Advisor, your Advisor for Career Exploration (ACE), alumnae, employers, faculty, and others. Also consider talking to advisors, professors, and other connections you have on campus, as well as friends, family members, coaches, coworkers and/or supervisors from past jobs, internships, or volunteer positions. Even if these individuals are not within your industry of interest, they may have connections to people in your field. Lastly, there are electronic resources that can help you identify relevant individuals and Wellesley alumnae:

The Wellesley Hive : The Wellesley Hive is a digital platform exclusively for the Wellesley community where you can mentor, or find mentorship. The Hive is a platform where alumnae and students can ask questions and seek guidance, coach and inspire, and find paths to professional aspirations during one-time conversations or through more long-term mentorship.

LinkedIn : LinkedIn is a free online professional networking platform. With over 450 million users worldwide and over 25,000 active Wellesley alumnae, LinkedIn is a valuable resource for networking, exploring potential career paths, and building your professional presence online. Read our LinkedIn Resource to learn about all the ways you can do it on the platform.

Once you have identified someone you would like to speak with, send a concise message explaining who you are, why you are contacting them, and what you hope to learn. Ask if they are available for a brief (15-30 minute) conversation over the phone, through video call, or in person to get information and advice about their career, field, or organization. If you are reaching out to someone you have not interacted with prior, allow 1-2 weeks for a response before following up.

Example Email

It can feel challenging to write an email asking someone to participate in an informational interview, especially when you have never met them before. To make this process a bit easier, we have provided some examples that illustrate the appropriate tone you should use and the information you should include when sending such a message. Additionally, remember that if you request an informational interview through The Hive , the platform provides sample messages for different topics, ensuring that you send a clear, concise, and typo-free request.

Example For Faculty Outreach:

Subject: Informational Interview Request

Good afternoon Dr. Singh,

My name is Helen Cho and I am a second-year student at Wellesley. I am in the process of researching careers I may want to pursue upon graduation, and one of the paths I am exploring is chemistry research. After reading about your work in battery chemistry, I would appreciate learning more about your journey and career path. I was wondering if we could set up a brief 30-minute meeting sometime this month so I can learn more about what you do and how you got to be in your position. I am usually available Wednesdays from 8-11 am and Fridays from 12-3 pm. I look forward to hearing from you soon, and connecting over our shared interests and experiences at Wellesley!

Thank you so much for your time.

Example for Alum Outreach:

Good afternoon,

My name is Helen Cho and I am a second-year student at Wellesley. I am in the process of researching careers I may want to pursue upon graduation, and one of the paths I am exploring is financial advising. I am interested in your experience in the finance industry and would appreciate learning more about your experience and career path since graduation. I was wondering if we could set up a brief 30-minute meeting sometime this month so I can learn more about what you do and how you got to be in your position. Please let me know if this is something you have time for and your availability in the coming weeks. I look forward to hearing from you soon, and connecting over our shared interest in economics and experiences at Wellesley!

For LinkedIn Outreach (under 200 characters):

Hello! As a second-year student at Wellesley, I am researching possible careers, specifically art curation. Given your experience, I’d love to schedule a 30-minute meeting to chat about your career path since graduation. Thank you in advance!

Before It Starts

You should be ready to lead the meeting since you are doing the interviewing!  Research the person you’re meeting with and look at their organization’s website. Write down questions about the professional’s career path and/or their company. Prepare a written list of questions before the meeting to bring with you (or have it available if you are speaking by phone or video). Consider setting some specific goals for your interview so that you ask questions to get the information you are hoping to learn. For example, what do you most hope to learn from this conversation? What decision(s) are you hoping this conversation will help you to make?

Sample Questions To Ask

Career Journey

Did you know you wanted to be in this line of work when you were a student at Wellesley? 

What have been the most unexpected twists and turns throughout your career that got you to where you are today?

What was your major? How did your Wellesley education prepare you for this field?

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in terms of career and graduate school choices after graduation?

What advice do you have for someone just getting started in this field?

Nature of the Work 

What are the specific responsibilities of your role? 

Describe a typical day/week.

What are the toughest issues that you deal with? 

What part of this work do you find most rewarding? 

How does the work cycle change throughout the year?                  

Work Qualifications 

What kind of training or education is required? 

What skills are most essential in this career? 

What kinds of prior experiences are essential? 

Are there any professional organizations you find helpful?

Working Environment 

What type of setting, hours, and atmosphere, are expected? 

How much flexibility do you have in terms of hours of work, dress, vacation, etc.? 

How often do you work alone? In teams?

How do you describe the culture at your organization?

How does this organization differ from competitors?

What opportunities for professional development does your company offer?

If you were not in your current job, what other positions would you consider?

Work Entry 

How do I find out about internships/job openings in this field? Are there any strategies that work best?

Are there any networks, listservs, or other professional groups that you are a part of?

Do not ask the person you are speaking with for an internship or job! If they bring either up, then you are welcome to engage, but you should not be the one to ask.

Advancement & Industry Outlook  

Do people normally move to another organization or do they move up internally?

If you went to graduate school, how did you navigate that decision? How has it helped you in your career?

How rapidly is the present career field growing?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 

Do not ask them for their salary!  

If interested, ask about general ranges for their line of work, where entry-level roles typically start, etc. 

What have I not asked you about today that I should have?

Can we stay in touch if I ever have additional questions? Can I connect with you on The Hive or LinkedIn?

During Your Meeting

Tips For Success

Arrive on time, in professional dress, and be ready to introduce yourself and ask your questions.

If you are running late, communicate! Traffic and technology mishaps happen. Call, text, or email the person you’re interviewing to let them know when to expect you. 

Bring your written list of questions, along with paper and pen for taking notes.

Show your interest in and enthusiasm for, the conversation.

DO NOT ask for a job. Remember your goal is to learn more information to help you in your career exploration.

Bring a copy of your resume just in case. You won’t want to proactively give this to your interviewee, but in the case that they ask to see your resume and offer feedback, you will be prepared.

Do not be afraid to ask the person you are speaking with to connect you to someone else following your conversation. After your interview, you may want to get additional information from another professional in a different type of work, and they might know someone to introduce you to.

After Your Interview

Take a Moment to Reflect

After the informational interview, please take a few minutes to jot down a few notes about your experience. Asking yourself a few simple questions can be incredibly helpful when planning the next steps such as pursuing job shadowing and conducting more research about the industry, or even preparing for an internship or job application.

What did I learn about the industry and/or the professional’s career path?

What surprised or excited me the most?

What was the most helpful piece of advice I received?

Am I still interested in this career path?

What concerns do I have about this line of work?

Can I see myself enjoying this line of work? Why?

Does this path capitalize on my strengths and align with my values?

What skills do I need to gain or further develop to succeed in this field?

What information am I still missing?

Now that the interview is over, what are your next steps? We encourage you to make an appointment with your Advisor for Career Exploration or an industry-specific Career Advisor to discuss your reflections further. These appointments will help identify next steps in terms of your research and exploration.

Thank You Be sure to send a thank you card or email within 24 hours to thank them for their time. Make this a thoughtful note that highlights some top points you took away from the conversation, and how they helped you.

Keep In Touch Don’t be afraid to keep in touch as you progress through your career. Now that you’ve made the connection, this person is part of your ongoing network.

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What is networking and why is it so important?

Networking usually involves meeting new people who share a profession, industry, or interests. But how do you network, and why is networking so important? 

Building connections with the right people at the right time could be the key to taking your career to the next level.

That said, if walking into a room full of strangers feels like your worst fear, you’re not alone. Many people do their best to avoid networking altogether, but this attitude can impact or slow their success. 

Read on to learn what networking is, why it’s crucial for your career success, and how to network well (even if you’re shy).

What is networking?

Networking is a mutually beneficial interaction that involves exchanging ideas and information between individuals who are connected by a common career, industry, or interest.

Unrelated to computer networking, professional networking refers to the act of building and maintaining relationships with other professionals in your industry or related fields. It is an important aspect of career development and can help individuals to expand their knowledge, opportunities, and connections.

Professional networking can take many forms, including attending industry events, participating in online communities, joining professional associations, and seeking out mentorship or coaching . You might network by connecting with specific individuals that you want to meet via email, LinkedIn, or other methods.

Networking can also involve informal interactions, such as chatting with colleagues during breaks, sharing ideas and resources, and collaborating on projects.

Why is networking important?

Using your network is one of the best ways to find a new job or even a new role at your current company. Why is networking so important? It often comes down to one keyword: referrals. Thirty-one percent of job seekers find listings through professional connections, especially referrals. Networking can open doors to new opportunities that might be out of reach otherwise. Plus, a strong professional relationship can inspire someone to hand-deliver your resume to the hiring manager’s desk. This can make you stand out from the crowd and even help you land your dream job one day.

Many people assume that networking is only useful during a job search. But, the purpose of networking goes far beyond finding your next job opportunity.

5 reasons networking is important for career development

Professional networking is not just about meeting new people; it's also about maintaining existing relationships. This involves staying in touch with contacts, sharing updates on your work, and offering support and assistance when needed. This all supports your career growth and development. Here are five reasons why networking is important to your career development:

• Networking contributes to your social well-being
• Networking leads to the exchange of ideas 
• Networking helps you meet people at all professional levels
• Networking boosts your professional confidence
• Networking expands your visibility

1. Networking contributes to your social well-being

Networking can increase your social well-being and help you develop lifelong friends. You might be focused on the professional aspect of networking. However, many friendships have started in the workplace or at professional functions. 

Networking isn’t just about taking — it’s also about giving, which makes it fertile ground for friendship. Having more people in your life can help you meet your new best friend and increase your overall happiness. 

Why is networking important? Besides the social benefits, building relationships can be the key to making huge strides in your career path .

Even if you aren’t looking for a job right now, networking can bring interesting and relevant opportunities your way, especially for women.

A personal or LinkedIn connection may reach out about a role that’s perfect for you. They could also ask for your help to pursue a passion project. When people know what you’re interested in, they can help you find opportunities that you may have otherwise missed. You might even find your next mentor or business partner through networking. 

According to Jobvite, 23% of people submit resumes through friends or former colleagues . This makes it clear why staying connected is so important. Building your network not only helps you find new opportunities, but it can help you secure a new role, too. The importance of referrals can’t be denied.

2. Networking leads to the exchange of ideas

New ideas can keep you growing professionally and trying new things. Hearing what other people are doing at their companies can also inspire you to bring new techniques or skills to your job . Whether you work for a small business or a large corporation, your fresh ideas can help you stand out and succeed in your current role. 

Discussing your work with new connections offers a unique perspective. It also enhances motivation and creative thinking . Having an industry mentor or connection outside your company is a valuable asset. 

If you’re feeling stuck on a project, a brainstorming session with someone in your network can help get the gears turning. For example, if you’re a small business owner, sharing your struggle with fellow business owners can help you problem-solve faster. This exchange of information is at the heart of networking.

3. Networking helps you meet people at various professional levels

Accessing higher-ups can be difficult in some organizations. This is where networking can introduce you to more experienced professionals. The opportunity to access their wisdom and career advice is key to your future growth.

These connections present new opportunities for mentorship and career development . This is why networking is so important. It also empowers you to share your skills. Professional networking with a co-worker who you admire can lead you to find a new mentor. It just takes a quick coffee or small talk at industry and networking events. 

Knowing people of various professional levels can also expose you to a wider variety of job opportunities. Once you develop a relationship with someone, you may be able to leverage their connections to get a foot in the door for a new role. This is why networking is so important.

4. Networking can make you more confident

Professional networking is an exercise in confidence, especially for people who are shy or introverted. That’s part of why so many people avoid it. However, once you find yourself discussing your shared interests with a new friend, you’ll see that networking isn’t so bad. 

Networking events are actually a great place to practice your confidence, even if you’re an introvert. Put yourself out there and speak about what matters to you. Developing new relationships helps you foster newfound confidence in your professional capabilities.

It can also help you gain confidence when it comes to social networking. Learning to face your fears in order to further your career can make meeting new friends less intimidating.

5. Networking expands your visibility

The more you discuss your ideas and point of view with your peers and listen to their input, the greater visibility you develop in that area. Successful thought leaders are often excellent networkers. They understand how to connect with other individuals in their arenas, how to communicate with them, and how to listen attentively. So putting yourself out there can help you gain traction as a thought leader.

5 ways to network professionally

• Attending industry events: This can include conferences, workshops, and other gatherings where professionals in your field come together to share ideas, learn from each other, and make connections.
• Participating in online communities: Online communities, such as LinkedIn groups or forums, provide a platform for professionals to connect and share information, advice, and resources.
• Joining professional associations: Professional associations are organizations that represent a specific industry or profession, and they often offer networking opportunities, as well as educational and career development resources.
• Seeking out mentorship or coaching: Building relationships with more experienced professionals can be a valuable way to learn new skills, gain insights into your industry, and make connections that can lead to new opportunities.
• Leveraging social media: Social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram, can be used to build your professional network by sharing your work and engaging with others in your industry.

How to become great at networking

While the fundamentals of business networking are simple, it does take practice to be a good networker . Networking is personal, after all. Forming a new relationship involves dedicating time to making connections. Finding ways that you feel comfortable getting to know someone will set you up for success.

Some people thrive at a large event, while others prefer to meet through networking apps like Shapr or LinkedIn. For some, virtual networking events can take some pressure off your first networking experience. 

Even when people were quarantined at home in 2020, 6.3 million people attended virtual events on LinkedIn . This shows how powerful the drive to connect can be.

But why is networking so important? The stronger your network is, the better you’re likely to feel about your career prospects. With 76% of people saying you need to know the right people to get ahead , the connection between your network and your net worth shows.

However, you can’t just show up to a networking event and expect to magically build a strong professional network. As your network grows, your techniques for supporting your network should, too. For the most beneficial experience, it’s good to have a networking plan .

Whether you’re building a network from scratch or already have some acquaintances, networking skills can always be developed. Here are some powerful ways you can improve your networking habits and prepare for your next event.

1. Consider what you have to offer

Effective networking is always a two-way street. Some people may avoid networking because they’re not sure what they have to offer. 

Before you go to a networking event, consider what you can give to someone else and what you’re willing to offer. You may be eager to connect people with others in your network. But recognize ahead of time if you don't feel comfortable recommending someone you just met for a job.

Defining what you can give and your boundaries can help you feel less unsure about networking. When you feel more comfortable, it’s easier to build trust with other people , too.

2. Let curiosity lead the way

Forget collecting a ton of business cards. Instead of aiming to meet as many people as possible, make a goal to have a few deep and engaging conversations with a handful of people. Focus on shared interests and let curiosity be your guide.

Getting people talking about what they care about can help you build a stronger connection. Ask a lot of questions and listen. Be open about your passions, goals, and interests, too. 

Most importantly, don’t forget to follow up afterward. When you connect on LinkedIn or reach out by email, share something interesting you learned from the person.

3. Set bigger goals

If you’re looking for a job, there’s no need to ask everyone if they’re hiring.

Networking can feel sleazy if you’re only out for your own benefit. Instead, create networking goals bigger than yourself to avoid becoming intimidated or demanding. Remember that connections you make today can help you two, three, or ten years from now. Keep that in mind – almost every new connection you make will have value now or in the future.

Your higher goal can be learning, contributing to your industry, or something else completely. Either way, having a higher purpose can take the focus off you. Keep that higher goal top of mind to maintain your confidence and drive.

4. Find common ground

Remember, everyone at a business networking event is a person, too. 

Treating everyone like their professional title can make a conversation awkward. While it may seem like that person is miles away from where you are, you might discover that you have more in common than you thought . 

Have general questions prepared to ask about people’s interests beyond their work life. Connecting over hobbies can help you create a deeper bond.

5. Choose who you want to develop a relationship with

Networking is all about forming relationships, but most relationships don’t become close after one meeting. Choosing who to follow up with can help you create warmer connections.

But, don’t just choose the people with the best titles. Remember who you shared common interests with and invite them for a coffee or video chat to build the connection.

6. Offer opportunities to your network

When you see a job listing or an article that someone you networked with would find interesting, share it. Be proactive about sharing information and opportunities with your network, even before they ask. They may even start to reciprocate.

According to Jobvite, 66% of satisfied employees are eager to refer people in their network to work at their company. If that’s you, then sharing opportunities in your company can ensure you get to work with people you already know and like.

7. Network everywhere

Find new places to meet people with intention. Attending events and striking up conversations with confidence can help build your network wherever you go. 

Whether you’re at a coffee shop, in an elevator, or in line at the grocery store, you can find a networking opportunity. Aim to discover something new and be open to connecting with new people no matter where you are.

8. Work on your body language

Body language plays a significant role in how we communicate and network. Shifting your body language to be more inclusive and welcoming can help make you a master networker. 

For example, instead of crossing your arms, keep your body open and your arms at your sides. This unspoken signal helps build trust and shows people you’re open to connection.

How to network if you’re shy

The purpose of networking is to make new relationships and foster existing ones. These can be via friendships, industry acquaintances, and even business partners. Through these new relationships, you can make progress on your career path quickly. When you look at it that way, it’s clear why networking is such an important tool — for introverts, too.

Here are a few ways to network if you’re shy:

• Start small: sometimes, just showing up to a networking event can be an accomplishment. Challenge yourself to attend the event and grab a drink, even if you don’t talk to anyone at first. Chances are, someone will approach you, and you’ll find yourself networking in no time!
• Bring a friend: a friend who understands your shyness can be the bridge you need to make your first new professional connection. Your friend can help start the conversation and give you the confidence to venture out on your own next time.
• Focus on shared interests: try finding a smaller networking event that allows you to focus on a specific interest you love talking about. You will likely find it easier to talk to new friends about something you’re truly passionate about.

Once you start, you’ll quickly see why networking is so important. You might even find it’s fun, too!

Become an expert networker

Networking may have seemed like a necessary evil in the past. With these tools, though, you can now create meaningful and impactful relationships everywhere you go. Practicing your networking skills can help you become more confident and help you meet new, interesting people.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

6 networking tips to help you make a lasting impression

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Building Your Network

By  Trenda Boyum-Breen

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Recently I had the privilege of sitting on a panel with executive women leaders, one of whom, Vickie Schray, senior vice president at Bridgepoint Education, spoke about networking.  Vickie offered inspirational wisdom about the value of one’s professional network, and the incredible hard work, intention and dedication it takes to tend to one’s network.  That got me thinking about how invaluable my network has become, particularly as I’ve crossed higher education sectors.

As my career took me from traditional to for-profit institutions, I found two things happened:

• My network expanded.  In addition to colleagues in the faculty ranks, academic and student affairs, institutional assessment and government relations, I added contacts in analytics, marketing, business leadership, finance, and project management – a real reflection of the cross-functional nature of educational mission and business practices in most for-profit institutions.
• Requests to become part of someone’s network increased.  People who may have taken the value of networking for granted in a more traditional environment seemed to make the connection that as higher education professionals moved between traditional and for-profit institutions or environments, networking can truly broaden one’s opportunities and marketability.

As I found myself more in demand as a member of someone’s network, and as I expanded my own network across disciplines and sectors, I recognized that networking isn’t just about collecting names, titles and contact information, it’s about relationships, and as with any relationship that matters to us in our life, we have to be thoughtful and purposeful about developing and nurturing it. 

Many sites offer tips and tricks for networking, but there is one piece of advice that has never let me down: Be disciplined and have integrity about developing your network.

Whether you are new to networking or a seasoned networker, you can benefit from taking time to grow your network. Here are a few suggestions from my own networking tool kit:

• Make time for networking.  Just as you schedule time for your softball league or academic research activities, put networking time on your calendar -- either inviting someone to connect or responding to someone else’s networking request. We make time for things we value, and committing to networking on your calendar keeps it a priority.
• Identify two to three people a month with whom you want to connect (either for the first time or “again”).   Maybe it’s a community member, or the chair of a committee or a CEO.  Sometimes fear keeps us from being honest about who we want to connect with … don’t censor yourself! As I moved from traditional to for-profit institutions I was exposed to work environments and roles that were new territory for me at the time. Sometimes I had to get past my preconceived ideas about my own value in relation to someone else in order to learn valuable insights and information in the new world of for-profit higher education. Being intentional about a list of who I wanted to meet or reconnect with helped me commit to reaching out.
• Write down why you want to know more about them. What is it each person on your list that intrigues or inspires you? Are they doing a job you have an interest in? Why does it interest you?  Have you seen them advance and want to know more about their trajectory? Perhaps you’re considering a move from the corporate world to the not-for-profit sector and aren’t sure it will be the right fit for you.  Ask questions of your not-for-profit contact that will help you understand the benefits and challenges of that sector.
• Invite them to connect.  Send an invitation through a networking site and ask for an e-mail or phone conversation, or invite them to let you treat them to coffee or lunch. Everyone needs to eat, and you’re going to have prepared conversation points (keep reading), so don’t be shy about sticking your neck out to ask for time on someone’s calendar.
• Tell the person why you want to connect with them . Maybe it’s because your friend knows someone and thought they would be a good contact, or maybe the reason is more profound.  Several times after presenting at a conference about my research and personal experiences of managing work and home life as a working mother, colleagues will feel compelled to reach out to me for advice and understanding of their own work/life situation. No matter the reason, help your connection understand why you selected them.
• Prepare questions in advance of your conversation or meeting. Most people are happy to talk about what they do, why they do it, how they got there, lessons learned, or tips of the trade. But when they make time for you they are doing you a favor. Make sure they know you value their time, and put thought and effort into preparing for your connection. 
• Hand your new contact your business card. Ask them to send you a quick e-mail if they think of anything that might be helpful for you to know.
• Consider sending a thank-you note after your meeting. End your meeting on the right note: put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and express your appreciation for your contact’s contribution to your network. Share something your new connection said that made an impact on you, and let them know you are grateful for their time, wisdom or both.  Such social graces go a long, long way, even in today’s digital age.
• Keep notes about your connection. Whether someone hands you their business card at a conference, or after a networking lunch, write down how you met, and something about your conversation. When you see each other again you can remind the person of how you know each other or follow up on something specific you may have discussed. Or six months down the road you may want to reach out to your connection to say hello, or ask additional questions. Like a thank-you note, it’s another way to show someone you value the connection you have. 

From forging relationships that are useful for your current position to developing contacts that can help you make your next career or life move, networking is about relationships.  As Vickie’s contributions at our panel reminded me, when it comes to networking you get what you give. Try my networking challenge. Comment below and let others know what worked, or didn’t. We have so much to gain from each other!

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The Awkward Person’s Guide to Networking

by Alyssa F. Westring

Summary .   

Networking is often transactional and this type interaction is unnatural for most — but especially for those of us who feel awkward or shy to begin with. Maybe you take a bit longer to open up to people. Maybe your mind goes blank when you’re trying to make a good impression. Or maybe you feel the need to overcompensate for your nerves with false enthusiasm. How can you reconcile the fact that you  should  be networking with your equally strong desire to avoid the discomfort of it all? Try this.

• Rewrite your networking narrative. The (often unconscious) stories that we tell ourselves about networking have the power to prevent us from taking the steps that help us create meaningful careers. But once we recognize what they are, we can rewrite them in a way that benefits us.
• Explore what you have to give. Rather than avoid networking because you don’t want to be a taker, consider your role as a giver in the interaction.When you ask someone for career advice or support, you are actually  giving  them an opportunity to help you — to many people, that’s very valuable.
• Find your authentic curiosity. Most people love to talk about themselves. Before meeting someone new, read a little about them, but do so with the goal of getting curious, rather than the goal of memorizing the “right” questions to ask in order to make a good impression. It’s a subtle mindset shift, but it can make a world of difference.
• Play to your strengths and embrace your awkwardness. If all else fails, consider just calling out your own weirdness. Admit that you’re nervous, or fidgety, or forgot someone’s name.
• Rather than pretend to be someone you’re not, find a way to embrace your perfectly imperfect self. People appreciate vulnerability and a sense of humor, so own it.

You’re probably accustomed to hearing about the value of networking. Whether it takes place online or in person , research shows a variety of career benefits come from developing and engaging your network: higher salary and career satisfaction , as well as a greater likelihood of promotions .

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A Beginners Guide To Computer Networking

Aleksa Tamburkovski

In This Guide:

What is a computer network and why is it important, how does a computer network work, networking basics: important terms and concepts, what's the difference between network topology and computer networks, an introduction to different network topologies, the 6 common types of computer networks, the 5 types of enterprise-level computer networks, the 7 layers of the osi model, what is cryptography in networking, the basics of compression, an introduction to network protocols, so what's the next step.

Are you curious about how the internet works?

Maybe you're just starting a career in either DevOps Engineering or Cybersecurity and need to understand networking, or perhaps you're simply fascinated by the intricate web of connections that make up our digital world.

Whatever your motivations, understanding networking basics is the first step towards making sense of these interactions.

That’s why in this beginner's guide, I’ll break down a mile-high overview of what networks are and how they work, as well as demystify some important concepts like network topologies, network devices, and the OSI model, so you can take a little peek behind the scenes.

So grab a coffee and let’s dive in!

The concept of a computer network might seem complex, but in reality, it's fundamentally quite straightforward. A computer network is just a group of computers and devices linked together in a way that allows them to communicate and share resources with each other.

For example

Imagine your home setup with multiple devices—laptops, desktops, smartphones, smart TVs, printers. Instead of each device operating in isolation, they're all connected, sharing a common link to the internet and even resources amongst each other.

That's a computer network in action.

But why does it matter?

Well, imagine a situation where every person in your home needs to print something (and the printer actually works).

In a world without networks, each person would need their own individual printer attached to their device or would have to move to the printer each time. But with a network, on the other hand, everyone can share a single printer. Suddenly, one resource serves many people, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Take this concept and expand it exponentially, and you can start to see how critical networks, especially computer networks, are to our modern digital world.

If your friend in Europe wanted to print that same file, you would have to post that USB drive with the file to them, and they might have to wait weeks for it to arrive! But with a network, it’s as simple as sending an email.

Networks are incredibly important, and they enable everything from your local grocery store's inventory management system to the global reach of a multinational corporation.

Understanding how these networks function, then, is not just interesting; it's essential for anyone looking to work in a technology-related field.

There are multiple types of computer networks, but they all pretty much work like this:

Establishing the Network : To start, devices need to be connected—forming a network. This can be done physically through cables (like Ethernet), or wirelessly (via Wi-Fi)

Communication Protocols : Now that our network is established, devices need to 'speak the same language' to communicate effectively. This 'language' is known as a protocol. Some widely recognized ones include HTTP (for web traffic), FTP (for file transfers), and the foundational protocol that governs Internet traffic—TCP/IP. (More on these later)

Data Transmission : Now that communication is up and running, it's time for our devices to send and receive data. This data is broken down into small chunks or 'packets' to be sent across the network to the receiving device

Routing : A packet doesn't necessarily travel straight from the source to the destination. It journeys across the network, guided by various devices (like routers and switches) to reach its final destination. There are a few reasons for this, that we’ll cover more as go through this guide

Data Receipt and Confirmation : Upon reaching the destination, the receiving device sends a confirmation back to the sender. If the sender doesn't receive this confirmation indicating that something went awry with the transmission, it will attempt to resend the data

Important: Keep in mind, though, that this confirmation and resending sequence is only applicable to TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). UDP (User Datagram Protocol), on the other hand, sends the data without confirming receipt or checking for errors, meaning some or all of the data could potentially be lost during transmission.

We’ll cover the differences between TCP and UDP further later in this guide, but now that we've got a handle on how a network operates, let's look at some key terms and concepts that are fundamental to understanding networking.

Before we get into more complex networking details, we need to take a second and learn some basic networking terms and concepts:

Node: A node is the term used to describe any device that can send, receive, or forward information on a network. This could be a computer, a mobile phone, a printer, a switch, or a router

Network Interface Card (NIC): Each node has a NIC, which creates a physical connection to the network. It also has a MAC address which is a unique identifier

MAC Address: This 'Media Access Control' address is a unique identifier assigned to a NIC by its manufacturer. It's like your device's postal address on the network

IP Address: This is another unique identifier, but assigned by the network according to its own rules. Think of it as a temporary P.O. Box number that can change

Router: This hardware device routes data from one network to another. Picture it as a traffic officer, directing packets of data along the network to prevent congestion and ensure data gets to the right place

Switch: Yet another vital network device, a switch connects devices on a network. It operates much like a multi-port bridge, further directing traffic

Packet: Information sent over a network is broken into smaller pieces called packets. These are like the individual letters that make up a word or the words that make up a page

Bandwidth: This reflects the maximum amount of data that can be sent over a network connection in a given time. It can be likened to the width of a highway: a wider highway can accommodate more cars (But cars still need to be the same width and size)

Protocol: These are the set of rules that dictate how data is transferred on a network. Picture it as conversational etiquette that all devices on the network must adhere to, much like traffic on a highway

Ethernet: This is the most common protocol for wired Local Area Networks (LANs). If you've seen a cable connecting a computer to the internet, you've seen Ethernet at work

Wi-Fi: This is a protocol for wireless networking, where devices connect to a network through a Wi-Fi router

TCP/IP: The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol is the fundamental protocol that governs data transfer over the internet

Firewall: This is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic, akin to a security guard checking who enters and leaves a building

VPN: A Virtual Private Network extends a private network over a public one, like the Internet. This allows users to send and receive data as if their devices were directly connected to the private network

Network Topology: This refers to how various elements (nodes, links, etc.) are arranged in a network. This structure determines how information is transferred across the network

ISP: Your Internet Service Provider is the company that provides your Internet access

Still with me?

I know it seems like a light detour, but these terms form the backbone of understanding networking and form the building blocks for more advanced concepts.

That being said, networking can be a little hard to grasp at first, simply because there’s a lot of overlap between topics. With that in mind, I want to quickly cover 2 areas that can seem similar at first glance, before breaking them down in more detail.

In simple terms, the difference between network topology and a computer network can be thought of as the difference between the layout, and its size or scope.

Network Topology

Network topology refers to the arrangement or layout of devices within a network.

You can think of it almost like the floor plan of a house, showing how rooms (devices) are connected to one another via doors or hallways (network links).

Knowing the topology of a network helps you understand how data flows within it, and how the network can be managed and expanded.

Computer Networks

A computer network on the other hand, refers to the scale or reach of the network - essentially, how big the network is and who it serves.

If we look at the same network topology analogy, this can then be the difference in the size of the floor plan. Is it a single house, a neighborhood, or even an entire city?

Understanding the scale of a computer network (or even the required scale) can help you decide what kind of network infrastructure and technologies are needed to connect devices across short or long distances.

The topology refers to the layout, while the computer network refers to the scale and size.

Understanding both aspects is crucial because the layout (topology) and the size (type of network) together determine the overall design, functionality, and capabilities of a network.

With that out of the way, let’s look at both of these in more detail.

Understanding the different network topologies is crucial whether you aim to become a DevOps Engineer or enhance your knowledge in cybersecurity.

This is because each topology has its own set of advantages and challenges that can significantly impact network performance, cost, and reliability.

Here's a quick breakdown of the major topology types:

Bus Topology

• Pros: Cost-effective, easy to implement, and requires less cable than other configurations, reducing initial setup costs
• Cons: If the main cable (backbone) fails, the entire network goes down. It can become slower and more error-prone as more nodes are added
• Practical Application: In DevOps, uptime is critical. The simplicity of a bus topology can be appealing for smaller setups, but its vulnerability to single points of failure is a significant risk

Ring Topology

• Pros: Each packet of data travels around the ring reducing the chance of packet collisions. A simple protocol can be used to manage data transmission
• Cons: A failure in any wire or node can disrupt the entire network. Adding or removing nodes can temporarily disrupt the network
• Practical Application: For applications requiring consistent performance and uptime, the ring topology's dependency on continuous connections might be a hindrance

Star Topology

• Pros: High reliability—if one link fails, only that node is affected. It’s easy to add or remove nodes without disrupting the entire network
• Cons: Requires more cable than bus or ring topologies. If the central hub fails, the whole network goes down
• Practical Application: The star topology's central management makes it ideal for networks where managing and monitoring traffic centrally is critical, like in data centers

Mesh Topology

• Pros: Provides high reliability and redundancy. If one node or connection fails, data can reroute through another path
• Cons: It's expensive and complex to install and manage due to the large number of cables and connections
• Practical Application: In environments where communication must never fail (like in trading systems), mesh topology offers the necessary robustness but at a higher cost

Tree/Hybrid Topology

• Pros: Allows more devices to connect to a single hub and combines the benefits of star and bus topologies. It's scalable and easy to manage
• Cons: Highly dependent on the main bus cable—if it fails, that entire segment of the network goes down
• Practical Application: Suitable for large networks like campuses where both broad coverage and reliability are required

Understanding the pros and cons of each of these options helps us to make informed decisions about which network design to choose for both performance and cost-effectiveness.

Just like how there are different topology options, there are also different types of computer network options available.

However, the best network type to use for a given situation is mainly determined by factors like its intended geographical coverage, the number of users/devices it needs to support, and the security level required.

Here are the most common types:

#1. Personal Area Network (PAN)

The smallest and most basic network type, a PAN typically covers a small area like a room and is used for connecting personal devices such as computers, phones, printers, and gaming consoles. Connections can be wired or wireless.

When you enable a mobile hotspot on your phone to allow other devices like laptops, tablets, or other phones to connect to the internet through your mobile's data connection, you are essentially setting up a PAN.

This network configuration allows the devices within proximity to your phone to access the internet or communicate with each other via your phone's connection, making your phone the central node of this personal network.

• Pros: Highly convenient for connecting personal devices within close proximity; can be easily set up and managed; both wired and wireless connections are possible
• Cons: Limited range and not suitable for more than a few devices; not ideal for larger or more demanding network tasks

#2. Local Area Network (LAN)

A LAN connects devices within a limited area like a house, school, or office building. It's typically owned, controlled, and managed by a single person or organization.

Back in the day, if you wanted to play against someone on a PC game, you would need multiple PCS connected via a LAN cable, and that is where the term ‘LAN party’ originated.

• Pros: Ideal for small to medium-sized areas like homes, schools, or offices; offers high speed and relatively low latency
• Cons: Limited to a small geographical area, and requires significant cabling and infrastructure for larger setups

#3. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

Similar to a LAN but wireless. If you've connected to Wi-Fi at home or in a café, you've used a WLAN.

• Pros: Provides all the benefits of a LAN without the need for physical cables, so it has added flexibility and ease of connectivity
• Cons: However, this type of network is more susceptible to interference and security risks when compared to wired networks. You always want to use a VPN if you’re using public wi-fi. Not only that but wi-fi performance can be affected by physical barriers like walls

#4. Wide Area Network (WAN)

A WAN spans large geographical areas, such as a city, a country, or even the whole world. The Internet is the most well-known example of a WAN.

• Pros: Covers large geographical areas, which is ideal for businesses with multiple locations; enables a vast reach
• Cons: High setup and maintenance costs; complexity in managing and securing such a network. (This is assuming we’re setting up the infrastructure)

#5. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A MAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. It's used to connect LANs within a specific geographical area like a city or a large campus, or even multiple government offices across a city.

• Pros: Ideal for connecting several LANs within a city; can serve as the backbone for high-speed connectivity across a metropolitan area
• Cons: Requires significant investment in infrastructure and maintenance; operational costs can be high

#6. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN extends a private network across public networks, allowing users to exchange data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network.

A common use could be employees connecting to their company’s network remotely from different geographical locations. But in more recent years, they’ve become popular with general internet usage for added security, and bypassing Netflix geolocks!

• Pros: Provides secure connections over public networks, offering privacy and security for data transmission
• Cons: Can introduce latency and potentially slower speeds, and requires proper setup and management to ensure security

Each of these network types is designed to cater to specific requirements, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Depending on the circumstance, one may be more suitable than the others. You couldn’t make a hotspot on your mobile for an entire city to use right!?

However, because we’re possibly going to work in DevOps, let's take this another step further and look at networks that are used in enterprise-level settings, where scale and traffic size (or even added security) might be a goal.

Enterprise networks are large networks that can be spread across multiple locations. They need to be secure, reliable, and scalable to keep the organization's operations running smoothly.

Here are five common types of enterprise-level networks.

#1. Campus Area Network (CAN)

A CAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN and is typically used to connect various buildings.

Universities use CANs to link libraries, academic halls, student centers, and more into a single network.

• Ideal for covering larger geographic areas such as university campuses or large business sites
• Effectively supports a large number of users and integrates multiple buildings into a single network
• High setup and maintenance costs
• Requires sophisticated network management tools and skilled personnel

#2. Enterprise Private Network (EPN)

An EPN is built and used exclusively by an organization, connecting local and wide-area networks.

Multinational companies often establish EPNs to connect their offices across different countries securely and privately.

• Provides complete control over the network infrastructure, enhancing security and customization
• Expensive to establish and maintain as connectivity and bandwidth needs grow

#3. Data Center Network (DCN)

A DCN provides communication between data center resources such as storage systems and servers and is designed for reliability and scalability.

Cloud service providers utilize DCNs to ensure fast and reliable access between storage and computing resources.

• High availability and robustness for critical data center operations
• Complexity and high costs associated with advanced technology and redundancy

#4. Storage Area Network (SAN)

A SAN connects servers to data storage devices, providing access to shared storage, crucial for environments handling large data volumes.

Financial institutions use SANs for managing extensive transaction data, allowing for improved performance and resource utilization.

• Consolidates storage resources, enhancing performance and utilization
• High initial investment and requires specific expertise to manage

#5. System Area Network (SAN), also known as Cluster Area Network (CAN)

This type of network offers high-speed connections suitable for high-performance computing environments like server clusters.

Research institutions deploy SANs to perform complex simulations and data analyses, requiring rapid data transfer between servers.

• Facilitates efficient and high-speed data transfer for demanding applications
• Expensive to implement and maintain; typically used for specialized applications

We’ve only covered the basics of each type of network here, but as you can see, each option has its pros and cons depending on its setup and your goal.

For now though, let’s dive deeper into the nuts and bolts of how these networks operate, and start with one of the fundamental concepts that form the bedrock of networking - understanding the OSI Model.

Understanding the OSI model (for designing networks)

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model is a conceptual framework used to understand how different network components interact and communicate.

It's crucial in networking because it provides a standardized framework that defines how data should be transmitted between different devices in a network.

Not only that, but it also helps with:

• Framework for Understanding : The OSI model helps break down the complex process of networking into more manageable, conceptual layers, each responsible for handling different aspects of the communication. This layered approach makes it easier to learn and understand how networks operate.
• Troubleshooting : Knowing the OSI model assists in troubleshooting network issues by allowing you to pinpoint which layer a particular problem is occurring at. For example, if there is a problem with data not reaching its destination, you might look at the Transport layer (Layer 4) to ensure there are no issues with data transmission protocols.
• Designing Networks : When designing a network, the OSI model provides guidelines that help in structuring and developing network services and devices. It ensures that these components can work together seamlessly, regardless of their underlying architecture.
• Communication Between Different Systems : The OSI model ensures that products and software from different manufacturers can communicate effectively. By adhering to the standards set by each layer of the OSI model, different network technologies can interoperate successfully.
• Educational Tool : For anyone studying IT or networking, the OSI model is a fundamental concept that helps students and professionals understand network architecture, the roles of protocols, and the functions of networking hardware.

The OSI model is important to understand because it standardizes the networking process, ensuring devices can communicate effectively regardless of their differences.

If you understand this, then you can work on almost any network and troubleshoot issues.

The OSI model is divided into seven layers, each defining specific network functions:

• Physical Layer (Layer 1): This is the most basic layer of the model. It defines the physical characteristics of the network, including cabling, connectors, signal strength, and the like
• Data Link Layer (Layer 2): This layer manages how data is transmitted over the physical layer, handling error-checking and delivering and receiving packets
• Network Layer (Layer 3): The Network Layer manages the routing and forwarding of packets. It assigns IP addresses and manages network traffic
• Transport Layer (Layer 4): This layer manages the delivery of data between devices. It is responsible for error checking and data recovery, ensuring that data transfer is reliable
• Session Layer (Layer 5): The Session Layer establishes, manages, and terminates connections between applications on each end. It also coordinates the communication process
• Presentation Layer (Layer 6): This layer is a translator, converting data into a format that applications can understand. It also manages encryption and compression
• Application Layer (Layer 7): The Application Layer is what users interact with directly. It includes protocols for email, file transfer, and web browsing

Each layer of the OSI model has a specific role in network communication, so understanding this model is invaluable. It provides a roadmap to the sometimes complex workings of networks, making it easier to troubleshoot and manage them effectively.

So, now that you understand the OSI model, let’s take a quick look at some of the basics of network security.

Understanding the basics of network security

Network security is about preventing unauthorized access, misuse, or denial of a network's resources. In simple terms, it's about taking measures to protect the network's data from being intercepted, manipulated, or interrupted.

A few years back, professional football players were having their homes robbed - even though they had fairly good home security systems.

It turns out that they all had smart devices (smart fridges, etc) connected to their homes wifi, and the devices had very basic security in place. (Because who would care if you hacked a fridge right?). However, this then gave hackers backdoor access to the entire home security network !

So as you can see, network security should be top of mind when setting up any network, be it a home network or an enterprise-level one - even if you don’t specialize in cybersecurity.

That being said, network security is too big of a topic to cover here fully, but I do want to talk about one of the basic elements so that you can understand the core principles, and that element is cryptography.

Cryptography originally stems from the world of espionage and secret messages.

In the context of networking and cybersecurity , cryptography is about ensuring that the data you send across a network, be it text, images, or any other form, is only readable by the intended recipient.

It achieves this with 2 processes: Encryption and Decryption.

• Encryption: This is the process of transforming plain text data into something that appears to be random and meaningless, called 'ciphertext'. This is done with the use of an encryption algorithm and a key
• Decryption: This is the reverse of encryption, where the ciphertext is turned back into plain text. This is done with a decryption algorithm and a key

Simple enough right?

However, there are two main types of cryptography. One is faster but more vulnerable, while the other is slower but more secure. The big difference, is the number of keys used.

So let’s break them down:

• Symmetric Cryptography: In this instance, the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. This method is fast and efficient but poses a risk if the key is lost or stolen. Think of how the same car key can be used to both lock and unlock your car door. If someone had access to it, they could steal your car
• Asymmetric Cryptography: Also known as public-key cryptography, is where two different keys are used - one for encryption and one for decryption (public key and private key). In this instance, one key could lock your car, but it would take a different key to open it.

This means there are more hoops to jump through, but the main advantage is that even if the encryption key is known, the data cannot be decrypted without the other key.

Cryptography is a vital part of network security and something that we’ll talk about in more detail in future posts.

For now though, let’s look at another critical concept in networking - compression techniques!

Remember when we were talking about traffic on a network, and how we could affect it by either reducing packet size or changing the bandwidth?

Well, another method we can use is compression, which is the process of reducing the size of data to save space or speed up transmission. Kind of like how you might compress a PDF file or an image.

In the context of networking, compression can help to save bandwidth as file sizes are now smaller. Not only does this make your network more cost-effective, but it’s also more efficient.

I won't get into exactly how to do this, but in the interest of understanding the basics, there are two main types of compression that you need to understand - lossless and lossy.

Lossless Compression

This type of compression reduces the size of the data without losing any information. When decompressed, the data is exactly the same as it was before compression.

Imagine you just shot a 4k film for cinema release, but it’s just the raw footage, and you need to send it to editors.

You could either post a hard drive with it on, or much quicker would be to compress it slightly and send it, helping to decrease the time for the file to be received, but without losing the original quality.

Lossy Compression

This compresses data by removing some information. When decompressed, the data is not exactly as it was before compression, but it's close enough for the usage.

When we take photos, they are normally in a much higher resolution than the human eye can actually pick up. The reason is that if we want to zoom in or expand the image (maybe for a billboard or a cinema screen), then it wouldn’t seem all blurry.

However, if we wanted to put that same image on a website, it has far more information and pixels than needed for the size of the screen.

So we can compress the image and lose some of the quality, but not enough that we can notice.e. However, if we tried to expand it again to billboard size we would see an issue, but for now, it's fine.

In networking, compression can be a significant performance booster, especially in situations where bandwidth is limited.

Now that you've got a handle on the basics of network security and compression, let's move on to understanding an essential concept that keeps our networks up and running - the protocols.

We talked about these briefly in our networking basics section, but let's dive a little deeper before closing up this guide.

As I said before, a network protocol is a set of rules that govern the exchange of data over a network, just like traffic on a highway has to stick to certain rules and laws.

As DevOps engineers and cybersecurity professionals, we need to understand these. Simply because these different protocols define the format and order of the messages exchanged between two or more communicating entities, the actions taken on the transmission and/or receipt of a message, or other communication event.

That being said, there are hundreds of different protocols, each designed for specific purposes and environments, so in the interests of staying sane, here are a few of the most important ones that you should know about, so you can get a rough idea:

• Internet Protocol (IP): IP is the primary protocol in the Internet Layer of the Internet Protocol Suite and has the task of delivering packets from the source host to the destination host based on their addresses
• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): TCP is one of the main protocols in the Internet Protocol Suite. It provides reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data between applications running on hosts communicating over an IP network
• User Datagram Protocol (UDP): UDP is an alternative to TCP and is suitable for purposes where error checking and correction are either not necessary or are performed in the application instead
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): HTTP is the foundation of any data exchange on the Web and is a client-server protocol, which means requests are initiated by the recipient, usually the Web browser
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP): FTP is used to transfer computer files between a client and server on a computer network
• Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP): SMTP is used to send emails and route email between mail servers

Although we’ve only covered the basics of just a few of the more popular protocols here, you will need to learn more as you go deeper into your career, as they affect traffic on your network.

Don’t worry about it too much for now though. Like I’ve said a few times, this is just the introduction so you can understand the core ideas and concepts.

Phew! That was a lot to cover, so I hope it wasn’t too much info, and you managed to grasp the basics of how networks work. I promise that the more intricate details will come with time as you learn the role.

And remember that networking is a broad field with a lot of interconnected elements, so it's normal to feel a little overwhelmed at first. But as you delve deeper and start figuring out how the pieces fit together, you'll find that it's a truly interesting world to explore, full of technical challenges and opportunities.

Whether you're planning to be a DevOps engineer, work in cybersecurity, or just want to understand more about how our digital world works, getting a handle on the basics of networking is a great first step.

If you want to learn more about networking or take the next step into DevOps , Cloud Architecture , or Cybersecurity , then click on any of the links here to check out our in-depth courses (as well as some byte-sized mini courses).

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Social Networking Essay | Sample Essays About Social Networking

March 16, 2023 by Prasanna

Social Networking Essay Introduction: Social networking essay is a topic commonly asked in examinations, hence, to write an engaging essay, students should have in-depth knowledge about social networking. The concept itself is rather easy to understand, hence, it will not be a hassle to comprehend. Moreover, social networking is a powerful tool for learning as it can enable information and knowledge sharing.

However, social networking has more than a few definitions provided by various experts in the industry. But most definitions state social networking as an interaction over a social platform between individuals who may or may not share similar interests, activities, or other connections. The end goal of social networking is to build relationships or to gather information. The following are some essential tips and tricks to keep in mind when writing an essay on social networking or any other topic. Read on to find more about Advantages and Dis-Advantages of Social Networking Essay.

Social Networking Essay – Important Points

To write an engaging social networking essay, the following points are to be noted:

• Ensure that the essay has an introductory paragraph
• Unless the topic is technical, reduce the use of jargons
• Express in points wherever possible
• Content must be broken up into digestible chunks
• If possible, use dates, names or other specifics that are relevant to the topic.
• End the essay with a conclusion
• If time permits, read through the essay to ensure that there are no grammatical issues or factual errors.

Last, but not least, ensure that you do your research. Read through online journals, refer to online websites or watch any related media to help generate content for the essay.

“Social Networks represent the digital reflection of what humans do: we connect and share”

Social Networking Essay – Sample 1 (200 words)

Social networking, in its most basic form, is the interaction of individuals with common interests over an online platform. This concept is a marvel of modern technology, enabling people around the globe to connect and interact.

However, the concept is not new; for centuries, people have gathered at major towns for the purpose of socialization. So, social networking can be seen as a modern extension of this age-old tradition. But the foundation for social networking wasn’t laid until the invention of the internet. The first iterations of the world wide web is a far cry from what we see today, nonetheless, it was a milestone in its own terms. Notable precursors to social networking sites emerged in the late 1990s. One of the very first social networking sites to gain traction in India is Orkut, and it hit peak popularity by 2008.

Today, the world is interconnected through social networks, helping people communicate without any hassles. As helpful as it sounds, social networking is not without its flaws. There are many downsides, ranging from online security and child safety to piracy and cyberbullying. Essentially, social networking is a double-edged sword. Therefore, measures need to be taken to prevent such events.

100 Words Essay on Social Media

Social Networking Essay – Sample 2 (500 words)

The world we live in is ever more connected, with people living across various geographic regions interacting in real-time without ever stepping outside their house. It is one of the marvels of modern technology, culminating years of progress and growth in the field of information and technology.

Social networking, in the most literal sense, can be defined as the interaction between individuals that share common interests over an online platform created to facilitate this activity. Though this concept has emerged within the last 50 years, the original idea dates back even further. The gathering at a village market, for the purpose of information or to talk about events, can be considered as a precursor to offline-networking. The limitations during those days were obvious, communication technology was almost non-existent and traveling half-way across the world was not feasible for most.

During the 1950s, a “typical” computer was the size of a small room and it used to weight at least 20-30 tons. Several decades later, the computer was feasibly small and affordable enough for the masses to buy. Therefore, the emergence of personal computers set the stage for the emergence of social networking. Another crucial component required for social networking is the internet . Initially, the internet’s very first iteration was called ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), a project of the United States Defence. Hence, it was not accessible to the general public. As technology progressed, this concept became what we now know as the modern-day worldwide web.

The very first precursors to social networking platforms on the world wide web emerged during the 1990s. Geocities, Tripod.com, and Theglobe.com had many of the functionalities now common in social networking platforms. These sites encouraged users to interact with others through chat rooms. Newer generations of social networking sites emerged in the early 2000s, with Orkut being the most well-known. It was launched in 2004 and gained a lot of popularity by 2008. In India, Orkut was one of the first social networking sites to have gained traction before the emergence of Facebook. Sites such as Linkedin is another type of social networking site that is employment-oriented but used many of the same features as other traditional social networking sites.

Today, social networking is an integral component of society. From being a strategic component of modern businesses to an important tool for teachers and students, social networking has immeasurable implications. However,  in the wrong hands, social networking sites can cause privacy and safety concerns. One of the biggest risks associated with social networking is cyberbullying. It can have disastrous repercussions on the morale of affected individuals.

Social Networking Essay Conclusion

Children are especially at risk since continuously monitoring their activities may not be feasible. Another major downfall of social networking is it absolutely kills productivity. It can waste valuable time and encourage procrastination. Strangely, social networking can also lead to domestic crimes such as burglary; posting about a trip on social media, check-in details and other information would provide would-be burglars with the information telling them when to strike. There are also reports of individuals who have had negative professional outcomes due to irresponsible action of social networking platforms.

The key takeaway here is, social networking is a powerful tool, and care must be taken to ensure no negative repercussion occurs.

FAQ’s on Social Networking Essay

Question 1. What is social networking?

Answer: Social networking is defined as the interaction between individuals over an online social platform who may or may not share common interests.

Question 2. What is the end goal of social networking?

Answer: The end goal of social networking is to build relationships or to maintain existing ones. Relations can be professional or among acquaintances, friends or family.

Question 3. Which was the first and most popular social networking site in India?

Answer: Orkut was the very first social networking site to gain traction. However, it is not the first social networking site.

Question 4. Is social networking important?

Answer: Social networking is an important element in today’s world. However, it has the potential to be misused.

Question 5. Give a few examples of social networking sites.

Answer: Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitch, Twitter, etc.

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Introduction to Networking

Computer networks play a crucial role in modern communication systems, allowing the exchange of data between devices and systems across the globe. Understanding the fundamentals of networking is essential for anyone interested in computer science or information technology. This article provides an in-depth introduction to networking, covering basic principles, types of networks, and the OSI and TCP/IP network models.

1.1 Networking Basics

A computer network is a system of interconnected devices that share information and resources. Networks facilitate communication between users, transfer data, and enable access to shared resources such as files, printers, and applications. The primary components of a network include:

• Nodes: Devices that are part of the network, such as computers, servers, and network devices like routers and switches.
• Links: Communication channels that connect nodes, such as wired connections (Ethernet cables) or wireless connections (Wi-Fi).
• Protocols: Sets of rules that govern how data is transmitted and received over the network, ensuring that devices can communicate with each other effectively.

A network is a set of nodes and connections between nodes, where each node can have multiple connections.

A distributed system is a collection of machines that appear as a single system, usually presenting users with a single model or paradigm through a software layer above the operating system called middleware.

The client-server model is based on a remote machine, known as the server, contains all the data, and clients request information from the server.

The peer-to-peer model is a communication model where all processes are equivalent, there is no hierarchical order (opposite of client-server), and they exchange messages with each other.

The store-and-forward packet switch format is a method of transmitting data over a network in which the entire packet must be received and stored by the switch before it is forwarded to its destination. This is in contrast to other packet switch formats, such as cut-through switching, in which the switch begins forwarding the packet before it has received the entire packet.

In the store-and-forward format, the switch receives the entire packet and verifies its integrity before forwarding it to its destination. This method helps to ensure that the packet is error-free and complete, which reduces the likelihood of network congestion and packet loss.

Store-and-forward packet switching is commonly used in networks where reliability and accuracy are critical, such as in telecommunications networks, where even a small amount of data loss or corruption can cause significant problems.

Different networks

Broadcast network.

In a broadcast network, data is transmitted from a single source to all nodes on the network. This type of network is commonly used for television and radio broadcasting, and in some cases, for local area networks (LANs).

• Simple to set up and manage.
• Effective for distributing data to a large number of nodes.

Disadvantages

• Inefficient use of network resources, as all nodes receive the same data regardless of whether they need it.
• Potential for congestion and network downtime.

Multicast Network

In a multicast network, data is transmitted from a single source to a group of nodes on the network. This type of network is commonly used for streaming video and audio, and for distributing software updates.

• More efficient use of network resources than broadcast networks, as data is only sent to nodes that need it.
• Scalable, as the network can support large numbers of nodes.
• More complex to set up and manage than broadcast networks.
• Potential for network congestion and packet loss.

Point-to-Point Network

In a point-to-point network, data is transmitted between two nodes on the network. This type of network is commonly used for telephone calls and for connecting two computers over a network.

• Efficient use of network resources, as data is only transmitted between the two nodes that need it.
• Low latency and minimal packet loss.
• Not scalable, as each additional node requires a separate connection.
• Less flexible than broadcast or multicast networks.

Unicast Network

In an unicast network, data is transmitted from a single source to a single destination node on the network. This is the most common type of network communication and is used for most internet traffic, such as web browsing and email.

• Not effective for distributing data to a large number of nodes.
• Less scalable than multicast networks.

Circuit-switched network and Packet-switched network

A packet-switched network is a type of computer network in which data is transmitted in the form of packets. In this type of network, data is divided into small packets and each packet is sent individually across the network.

The packets are sent through a series of switches or routers, each of which determines the next destination for the packet based on the destination address contained within the packet. The switches and routers also determine the best path for the packet to reach its destination, based on factors such as network traffic, distance, and available resources.

Packet switching enables more efficient use of network resources, as multiple packets can be sent simultaneously over the same network link, and each packet can take a different route to its destination. It also allows for more flexible network topologies, as nodes can be added or removed from the network without disrupting the flow of data.

Packet-switched networks are used in a wide range of applications, from local area networks (LANs) to wide area networks (WANs) and the internet. They are well-suited to transmitting data that is not time-critical, such as email, file transfers, and web browsing.

A circuit-switched network is a type of telecommunications network in which a dedicated communication path is established between two nodes for the duration of the communication session. This dedicated path, or circuit, is reserved exclusively for the use of the two nodes for the duration of the call.

When a call is initiated in a circuit-switched network, the network allocates a dedicated circuit for the call and reserves it for the duration of the call. This circuit remains open even if there is no data being transmitted, which means that the resources allocated to the circuit are not available for use by other nodes on the network.

Because circuit-switched networks provide a dedicated path for each communication session, they offer a high level of reliability and quality of service, with low latency and minimal packet loss. However, they are less efficient than packet-switched networks, as resources are tied up for the entire duration of the communication session, even if there is no data being transmitted.

Circuit-switched networks are typically used for voice communications, such as traditional telephone calls, and for videoconferencing, where real-time transmission of high-quality audio and video is critical.

1.2 Historical Overview of Networking

Computer networking has evolved significantly over time. Early networks were simple, point-to-point connections between mainframe computers and terminals. The invention of packet switching in the 1960s laid the foundation for modern networking, leading to the development of the ARPANET in 1969, which was the precursor to the Internet. The Internet itself emerged in the 1980s, followed by the World Wide Web in the early 1990s, revolutionizing global communication and information sharing.

1.3 Types of Networks: LAN, WAN, PAN, and MAN

Computer networks can be categorized based on their size, geographic scope, and the technology they use:

• Local Area Network (LAN): A network that connects devices within a limited area, such as a home, office, or school. LANs typically use Ethernet or Wi-Fi technologies.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): A network that spans large geographic areas, often connecting multiple LANs. The Internet is the largest example of a WAN.
• Personal Area Network (PAN): A network that connects devices in close proximity, typically centered around a single individual. Bluetooth is a common technology used for PANs.
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A network that connects devices within a city or metropolitan area, typically used by governments, universities, or businesses with multiple locations.

1.4 Network Topologies

Network topology refers to the arrangement of nodes and links within a network. Different topologies offer various advantages and disadvantages in terms of performance, reliability, and cost. Common network topologies include:

• Bus: All devices are connected to a single, central cable called the bus. This topology is simple and inexpensive but can suffer from performance issues as the number of devices increases.
• Ring: Devices are connected in a circular loop, with each device connected to two others. This topology provides better performance than a bus but can be less fault-tolerant, as a failure in one link can disrupt the entire network.
• Star: All devices are connected to a central node, typically a network switch or hub. This topology is more reliable and easier to troubleshoot than bus or ring topologies but can be more expensive due to the need for a central device.
• Mesh: Devices are connected to multiple other devices, providing redundant paths for data transmission. Mesh topologies offer excellent reliability and fault tolerance but can be complex and expensive to implement.
• Tree: Devices are connected in a hierarchical structure, with a central root node connected to multiple subtrees. This topology is scalable and provides a balance between performance and cost.

1.5 Network Models: OSI and TCP/IP

Network models provide a framework for understanding how data is transmitted and processed across a network. Two prominent models are the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model and the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) model.

The OSI model is a theoretical framework that consists of seven layers, each responsible for a specific aspect of data communication. The layers, from top to bottom, are:

• Application Layer: Provides network services to end-user applications.
• Presentation Layer: Handles data formatting, encryption, and compression.
• Session Layer: Manages connections and sessions between devices.
• Transport Layer: Ensures reliable data transmission and error control.
• Network Layer: Handles routing and forwarding of data packets.
• Data Link Layer: Provides error detection and correction at the link level.
• Physical Layer: Transmits raw data bits over the physical medium.

TCP/IP Model

The TCP/IP model is a more practical and widely used framework for network communication. It consists of four layers, which map closely to the OSI model:

• Application Layer: Corresponds to the OSI Application, Presentation, and Session layers, providing end-user services and network communication.
• Transport Layer: Equivalent to the OSI Transport Layer, ensuring reliable data transmission with protocols like TCP and UDP.
• Internet Layer: Corresponds to the OSI Network Layer, managing routing and addressing with protocols like IP.
• Network Access Layer: Combines the OSI Data Link and Physical layers, handling the physical transmission of data and link-level error control.

Understanding the principles of networking, types of networks, and network models provides a solid foundation for further exploration of computer networks and their applications in various domains.

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Importance of Computer Networking

Introduction :

Computer networking refers to the practice of connecting computers and other digital devices together to share resources and exchange information. It involves the use of hardware and software technologies that enable communication between computers and other devices, whether they are located in the same physical location or are geographically dispersed.

A computer network allows for the sharing of resources such as printers, files, and data storage, as well as the ability to communicate with other computers and access the internet. Networking also enables collaboration between individuals and groups, and supports the transfer of data and information across a variety of platforms and devices.

There are several types of computer networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), and wireless networks. Each type of network has its own characteristics and benefits, and can be used in different settings depending on the needs of the users.

Computer networking has become an essential component of modern society, and plays a critical role in the functioning of businesses, governments, and individuals alike. As technology continues to advance, computer networking will continue to evolve and play an increasingly important role in our daily lives.

In today’s world computer has become an integral part of the business sector for professional activities not only for professional activities but for personal activities also. As technologies have evolved networking came into the picture and slowly from initial wired network technology we moved to this wireless network technology. Now if we will think then we can know that networking impacts everything. Computer Network is an interconnection between computers or we can say computer network is group of computers linked to each other which enables one computer to communicate with another computer. It acts as basis of communication in Information Technology (IT). It is system of connected computing devices and shares information and resources between them. The devices in network are connected by communication links (wired/wireless) and share data by Data Communication System . There are several types of computer networks are there, typical differences in between different types of computer networks lies in the geographical areas they serve and their core purpose. An example of computer network includes let us think about classroom and in class, two friends are there with their own laptops, but communication between two processes is established even if the two laptops are physically separated means they are in computer network. Another example may be to let us think about our college office suppose there are four computers and each computer generates some print jobs daily. Without networking four computers needs four separate printers, one printer for each computer to meet print requirement. But actually it is not if we will see all four computers are connected to only one printer with the help of networking. Let us keep word computer network away for some time and think about Internet then only we can know what is the need of internet nowadays and how much important it is for our life. Starting from day to the end of the day everyone uses Internet for their work and this internet is nothing but vast network that connects computers all over the world. So now I think we have understood importance of computer networks in our daily life. Computer networking has its various functionalities , goals , and advantages and disadvantages with it but importance of it is truly unique. Let us go into little bit detail and know about importance of computer networks to great extent. 

Importance of Computer Networking :  

In the world of Information Technology (IT) information is building block for effective communication. Communication is medium that helps us to drive our day to day professional and personal operations. Where computer networking acts as base of everything as the best and most important IT solutions. Below is list of points that we do with the help of computer networks, or things that we get benefited with the help of computer networks or it has become possible or effective due to computer network. Let us know all points and after that, we can understand importance of computer networking.

• Provides best way of business communication.
• Streamline communication.
• Cost-effective resource sharing.
• Improving storage efficiency and volume.
• Cut costs on software.
• Cut costs on hardware.
• Utilizes Centralized Database.
• Increase in efficiency.
• Optimize convenience and flexibility.
• Allows File sharing.
• sharing of peripherals and internet access.
• Network gaming.
• Voice over IP (VoIP) .
• Media Center Server.
• Centralize network administration, meaning less IT support.
• Flexibility.
• Allowing information sharing.
• Supporting distributed processing.
• User communication.
• Overcoming geographic separation.

Computer networking has also played a crucial role in the development of new technologies like cloud computing, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things have all benefited greatly from computer networking (IoT). Businesses are now able to gather and analyse enormous volumes of data, automate their procedures, and make better choices faster thanks to these technology.

In general, we can see “ Communication” and “Sharing”, that is all networking is about in simple terms. It enables everything that we do today. In the current scenario, the business would not work without computer networking and our personal and social life will also feel like it has been stopped.

Uses of computer network :

There are many different uses and applications for computer networks, including:

Resource sharing: One of the primary uses of computer networks is to share resources, such as printers, scanners, and data storage devices. This allows multiple users to access the same resources, which can help to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

Communication: Computer networks also facilitate communication between individuals and groups, whether through email, instant messaging, or video conferencing. This can be especially valuable for remote workers, or for teams that are spread out across different locations.

Collaboration: Networks can enable collaboration between multiple users, allowing them to work together on the same project or document in real-time. This can be especially useful for teams that are working on complex projects or that need to coordinate their efforts closely.

Internet access: Computer networks provide access to the internet, which is essential for many businesses and individuals. This allows users to browse websites, access online resources, and communicate with others around the world.

Data sharing: Networks allow for the sharing of data and information, whether between users in the same organization or between different organizations. This can be valuable for data analysis, research, and other applications that require access to large amounts of information.

Security: Computer networks can be used to implement security measures, such as firewalls and encryption, which can help to protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access.

Why use computer network ?

There are many reasons why computer networks are used in modern society. Some of the key reasons include:

• Resource sharing: Networks enable multiple users to share resources such as printers, data storage devices, and other hardware and software resources. This can help to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve productivity.
• Communication: Networks provide a way for individuals and groups to communicate and collaborate with each other, whether through email, instant messaging, video conferencing, or other means. This can be especially valuable for businesses and organizations that have employees in different locations or who work remotely.
• Access to information: Networks provide access to information and data, which can be essential for businesses and individuals who need to access information quickly and efficiently. Networks also enable the sharing of information between individuals and groups, which can help to facilitate collaboration and innovation.
• Internet access: Networks provide access to the internet, which is essential for businesses, organizations, and individuals who need to access online resources, communicate with others around the world, and stay up-to-date with the latest news and trends.
• Security: Networks can be used to implement security measures such as firewalls, encryption, and other technologies that can help to protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access.
• Remote Management: Networking allows administrators to remotely manage and monitor devices and systems, making it easier to troubleshoot and resolve issues without having to be physically present.
• Cloud Computing: Networking is essential for cloud computing, allowing users to access and use cloud-based services and applications from anywhere in the world.
• Competitive Advantage: Networking can provide a competitive advantage by enabling businesses and organizations to collaborate more effectively, improve productivity, and enhance customer service.

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Networking Skills to Make Personal Connections Essay

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Stages of networking

Networking is a word that has a very broad meaning. Many definitions have been brought forward but basically, they all point to the same thing. From a layman’s point of view, networking is the ability to use social situations that arise naturally in a gainful manner.

This means that a person utilizes the social meetings whether planned or otherwise, to form the basis for contacts that could be used for business purposes. One definition has described networking as the intentional creation of a platform for sharing information, goods, and services in a way that benefits an individual both at personal and professional levels. The main idea is to use ones’ position to create connections that are later used to make things easy (Zofi and Meltzer, 2010).

From the foregoing, networking hence starts from making contacts of whatever nature. The contacts are then used to promote something of value which could be a commodity or service. The person involved firmly seeks what he/she needs and given the opportunity, serves others wholeheartedly. A major core value in networking is the element of giving. It is human nature to give expecting a favor in return but in networking, one gives with no strings attached. The joy of networking is the satisfaction of serving others. In fact, networking is about how life is supposed to be.

Our relationship with other people is shaped by four types of networking. Personal networks that include family and friends top the list. This type has the strongest inclination to social aspects and a party chooses the dimension the networks take. At this level, however, the exchange of help and support is the key thing. Organization networks are workplace oriented. They focus on the important people that could be relied on in the workplace for success to come about.

These are normal people with influence whether open or hidden. Professional networks are inclined to work’s knowledge and skills. They are about the competence levels among colleagues that could be within or without organizations. The last type is strategic networks that have to do with contacts and connections that are external (Zofi and Meltzer, 2010). One is interested in knowing about the happenings in other organizations and liaising with them for success.

In getting, a person will create a network in order to get something from the other party. This part is crucial in portraying human nature. The balancing comes in when this person who is getting feels the urge to be of value to the other person. One ends up giving more than he/she initially received.

Exchanging is a culmination of stage one. When one gets something, the turn for the other person to receive comes by. This becomes the exchange of goods and services. A relationship crops out of this exchange and a network is built.

Understanding

At the understanding stage, one is primarily concerned with letting other people know his/her needs and also taking time to learn theirs. One has to know the information, ideas, or resources to release to the established contact. This stage is important as far as the sustainability of the relationship is concerned. Failure to understand one another could lead to a collapse of the network.

Mutual benefit

The mutual benefit being the highest level indicates the maturity of the relationship. At this stage, each party has gained full confidence in the other and is comfortable recommending it to other people. This could be done with a counterpart in a different facility mostly on an issue benefiting the two organizations (Zofi and Meltzer, 2010).

Zofi, Y., & Meltzer, S. (2010). Networking skills to make personal connections. Long- Term Living . 1(1), 42-43.

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IvyPanda. (2021, February 12). Networking Skills to Make Personal Connections. https://ivypanda.com/essays/networking-skills-to-make-personal-connections/

"Networking Skills to Make Personal Connections." IvyPanda , 12 Feb. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/networking-skills-to-make-personal-connections/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Networking Skills to Make Personal Connections'. 12 February.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Networking Skills to Make Personal Connections." February 12, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/networking-skills-to-make-personal-connections/.

1. IvyPanda . "Networking Skills to Make Personal Connections." February 12, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/networking-skills-to-make-personal-connections/.

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IvyPanda . "Networking Skills to Make Personal Connections." February 12, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/networking-skills-to-make-personal-connections/.

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