Education/training

Networking — It’s About People

 Toronto Sun
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Paul Gely, Dean of Management of Academic Resources at the École de technologie supérieure (ETS), is a mechanical engineer and Order member. He says that the Order gives students a head start by providing a network for them (as does ETS’s alumni association). Gely offers four suggestions to engineering students:

1. Develop a relationship with other students from different areas of Quebec. Most engineers in Quebec work for small and mid-size companies that cooperate by exchanging products and services. Networks facilitate technology transfers and ease engineers’ movement between companies.

2. Join student associations in fields outside your engineering niche.

3. Join and participate in student clubs and inter-university competitions in North America and Europe.


4. Develop industry contacts during your three 4-month internships.

Gely also highlights the value of a professor’s advice to students who undertake projects and competitions. Experienced supervision can help students avoid significant mistakes, such as poor management or hasty conclusions based on incomplete analysis. Overall, he encourages students to seek out a rich campus life — both with professors and with other students — to stimulate their interests and naturally develop engineering networks.

“The best place to start networking is in school,” says Patel. “Professors usually have liaisons with industry. Students ahead of you — graduate and undergraduate — will most likely be working before you graduate.” Patel did two work terms as a research assistant during her undergraduate years, each time for a different professor. “Both provided me the opportunity to meet their graduate students. Some of these students were already working in the industry by the time I graduated, so they were very helpful.” Patel also became a member of the Canadian Aeronautical and Space Institute, which held year-round presentations that allowed her to meet people from different aerospace companies.

Kamel points out that it’s never too early to develop one’s network. He advises students to find out what professional associations and forums of communication and information exchange are available to them. “All information is now at our fingertips,” he says. “We’re tremendously facilitated by the web. Know what’s out there. Go there. Meet people there.” Kamel stresses that the aim isn’t to get a job — it’s to become globally aware.

“I try to attend as many conferences as I can in my field of expertise,” says Coronado. “As well, I try to continue updating myself with courses and certifications.” He explains that this not only keeps him current, but also allows him to get to know interesting and important people in the industry.

DON’T LOSE YOUR CONTACTS!

Kamel says that after he got his first job, his network narrowed somewhat to the industry sector he was in. “I did not really use all my previous contacts from school, but that network kept me in the loop and kept me abreast of new technologies. Being on mailing lists of professional associations and talking to leaders helps you stay at the forefront of the industry.” Although his network has matured into a more professional one, Kamel reports that he still needs the same people skills.

Networking is an investment that will not take care of itself. Coronado says that if he could do one thing differently in his career so far, “I would never again lose a contact.” He also cautions students against passing up networking opportunities such as conferences and congresses. Of course, introverts have an extra challenge: not everyone is comfortable speaking to strangers. “I used to shy away from meeting people at conferences and presentations,” says Patel. “Even when I did meet someone new, I shied away from keeping in touch with them. I would say to myself: ‘They don’t have time for me!’ Now, after almost 10 years of experience, I realize that most us are eager to help.” This is good news for students who worry about being taken seriously. Patel adds: “I’m not as shy anymore. I’m a lot more assertive, so I meet more people. And when I do, I make a point of keeping touch with them.”

Kamel boils it all down to this: “Think globally and develop relationships. Get known and get to know people. It pays off in the long term.”


TOP FIVE TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE NETWORKING

1. Be open-minded and well-rounded. Stepping outside your engineering world to network with the business community can help you appreciate other aspects of your work, such as management and finances. Don’t be too selective. A small circle of contacts may not give you what you need. If possible, get international experience.

2. Seek lesser-known opportunities for networking. Several professional organizations, such as the Project Management Institute and American Society of Mechanical Engineers, allow student participation. Try to find research work with a professor, or funding to attend a conference.

3. Introduce yourself to company executives. Ask industry leaders for transcripts of their speeches. Showing interest is a good way to initiate a potentially beneficial contact.

4. Don’t be pushy. Don’t make contacts just because you want something out of someone. Being too aggressive is more repellent than attractive.

5. Stay in touch with all of the people you meet. Don’t disappear from industry forums and groups.



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