The art of maintaining your network

The art of maintaining your network Share Share via TwitterShare via FacebookShare via Google PlusShare via LinkedInShare via E-mail As a graduate student, you never know when youll have to call on your network for a job reference or professional favor. It may seem easy to meet others, but what matters next is putting in the effort to grow the relationship.Maintaining your professional network is not as much work as you may think. Here are a few tips for mastering the art and science of nurturing your professional network.Schedule regular check-insTouch base with your connections at least once or twice per year. It can be a casual email to ask how theyre doing or follow up on something you had previously discussed. When you read an interesting article, newsletter or book that might be of interest to those in your network, share them. Send an email with a link and a quick note on why you thought they might like it.Ask for inputIf you zustrom into a situation where a contacts input would be useful, ask if you can schedule a quick call to get their advice. Thank them for their help and mention that you would love to return the favor.Plan around professionaleventsEmail your colleagues a month before an upcoming conference or other meetings to ask if they are attending. Schedule a lunch or coffee date, or agree to meet up at a panel. Whether or not your invitation is accepted, your asking can go a long way.Developing professional relationships takes time and intention. It can also take time for these practices to feel natural, but try to enjoy the process Networking is all about meeting new people, discovering common interests and finding reasons to stay in touch.Ready to start building your network? Make an appointment with a career development advisor.CategoriesGraduate StudentsTagsFeature ArticleGraduate Student Networking