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As discussed in Unit 5, approximately 85% of jobs are filled using networking. There are many ways you can organize your network. One way is through the use of a network mind map. The mind map presented here is a basic one that begins with six (6) current contacts. To expand your network, brainstorm two (2) additional contacts you might be able to make through each of those first six. Complete this Network Mind Map (on the next page) by adding names for contacts or organizations that you can use to build your network in each of the boxes. Your finished mind map will have 18 potential contacts you could use to find and get a job.

Once you have completed the mind map, reflect on the experience by answering the following:

1. Of the original six (6) contacts:
   • How many were relatives? [Enter your answer here]
   • How many were friends? [Enter your answer here]
   • How many were business acquaintances? [Enter your answer here]
2. Which types of original contacts would be most helpful in finding job opportunities (if any) and why? [Enter your answer here]
3. How difficult was it for you to expand your network by adding two (2) secondary contacts to each of the original six (6)? [Enter your answer here]

Paper For Above instruction

Networking plays a vital role in career development and job placement, with approximately 85% of jobs being filled through personal and professional connections (Forret & Dougherty, 2004). Building a robust network requires strategic planning and understanding the different types of contacts that can be beneficial. This paper reflects on the process of creating a network mind map, expanding contacts, and analyzing the implications of the types of connections for job searching.

The Initial Contacts and Their Types

The initial six contacts in my network consist of a varied mix, including relatives, friends, and business acquaintances. Among these, I recognize that two contacts are family members, three are friends, and one is a business acquaintance. This diversity in initial connections is critical as it influences the potential reach and resourcefulness of the network. Relatives often provide emotional support and information about opportunities within family or community circles, while friends might offer advice, introductions, and shared experiences. Business contacts, such as colleagues or industry professionals, are particularly valuable for direct job leads and industry insights (Burt, 2000).

Expanding the Network: The Process and Its Challenges

Expanding the network involved brainstorming two additional contacts from each of the initial six. This task was both stimulating and challenging, as it required recalling diverse acquaintances and evaluating their potential to serve as bridges to more opportunities. For many, identifying secondary contacts demanded creative thinking and introspection about existing relationships that could lead to viable job prospects. The difficulty varied depending on the initial contact type; relationships with friends generally made it easier to identify new contacts, whereas contacts that were more formal or distant—such as business acquaintances—required more effort to identify meaningful additional connections.

The Significance of Contact Types in Job Opportunities

Among the original contacts, those categorized as business acquaintances proved to be the most helpful for finding job opportunities. These contacts typically have direct industry experience and access to job postings, referrals, and insider information that can accelerate the job search process (Lin, 2001). While relatives and friends are invaluable for emotional support and guidance, their role in direct job placement might be less immediate. Therefore, focusing on cultivating relationships with industry professionals is often more strategic when seeking employment opportunities.

The Reflection on Networking Expansion Challenges

Expanding the network by adding secondary contacts was a manageable yet thoughtful process. It required deliberate effort to identify contacts with potential relevance and mutual benefit. Some secondary contacts naturally emerged through existing relationships, while others required reaching out and establishing new lines of communication. Overall, the task underscored the importance of maintaining and nurturing relationships, as each contact could serve as a stepping stone to new opportunities in the future.

Conclusion

Building and expanding a professional network is an essential component of career advancement. Effective networking involves understanding the different types of contacts and leveraging their unique strengths. This activity of creating a network mind map and reflecting on its process highlighted the importance of diverse relationships, strategic expansion, and ongoing engagement to unlock new job opportunities. Cultivating a broad and varied network can ultimately lead to increased career success and professional growth.

References

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