With the rise of social media over previous years, the importance of networking has severely increased. It is a well-known fact that many people believe that we should begin as early as we can at what we want. This can refer to joining a school club in the topic you want to pursue, or can progress to open events for universities before application season and networking by meeting the tutors and making yourself stand out.

What Is Networking?

By definition, “Networking is the process of making connections and building relationships. These connections can provide you with advice and contacts, which can help you make informed career decisions.” Essentially, it is the act of connecting with people who have the assets you need, or valuable contacts. They may be able to provide opportunities like internships. Oftentimes, you get a contact (email or website, etc.) and can get a secondary source to provide further valuable insights for you to put forward toward what you’re after.

Why Do We Need to Network?

Working alone is great, but it has its limitations. The main one is the fact that there's a potential for the barrier of lack of opportunity or knowledge to get in the way. Google may be able to push you toward your aspiration and allow you to design a plan, but it cannot delve into the minds of knowledgeable people.

Image Credit: Austin Distel from Unsplash

For example, for journalists to cover recent news, they cannot work alone. They network with press agencies, newspapers, blogs, social media, etc. This is done by attending conferences and industry events. Talking to people and getting given further contacts is networking.

How to Network as a Teen

I have mentioned how journalists network by attending large events, but what about teens? As a teen, it can seem a lot more limiting. However, it does not have to be.

Your approach and motivation are what will set you apart from the crowd. Social media is a massive advantage that we have and should take advantage of. Sometimes it's as easy as an Instagram DM or an X tweet.

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Example of When Networking Is Applied

Let me show this through my own example. After networking via Instagram I was able to gain a contribution to this article from 17-year-old author and journalist Charlie Michael Baker, who, when asked for his thoughts on networking, commented:

“For me, networking is a huge deal. I’m often in a lot of rooms with a lot of high-profile individuals, all could be helpful in different ways. At red carpets, there are celebrities I’ve looked up to for years, now I’m 10 feet away and can pop a question through about giving them my book, Charlie Baker: Autism And Me.

I just think to myself, what’s the worst I can get? A no? Worth the risk if you ask me! It’s not always red carpets and celebrity dinners that networking comes into account with, though. Say, if you’re starting a new school, college or even university, the best way to meet people is to go to the networking events, walk up to people and not be afraid. Always remember, the worst you can get is a no!”

- Charlie Michael Baker

Image Credit: Backgrid/ Daily Mail/ Farrell- Courtesy of Charlie Michael Baker

It may seem scary to speak to people, whether this is at a college or university open evening, an online event (zoom conference) or even a celebrity event. However, as stated, it is worth the nerves. The worst someone can say is no, and that’s okay, you can always try again.

There's not just one professional in the area in which you want contacts. You can reach out to as many as you are able to with the mass speed of social media platforms. It's easy to send out multiple DMs. Most may not answer as they are busy people, but what if they do? You could get a quote for your article (as exampled here!) It is always worth a shot.

If you want something, you’ll need to push yourself out of your comfort zone, even if it is as small as observing a meeting event one day, and another day getting the courage to speak to the people there, weaving your way to successful networking.

Summary: The Great Importance of Networking

In summary, networking is what will push you, as an individual, to stand out and make ties that will get you the advice and help that you need. Help is essential in careers and goals, academically, socially, or in terms of extracurricular activities. This help is what will make you shine and progress to getting what you want, giving you a much clearer idea and incentive than others. This is because you have made an effort to go above and beyond to gain your networked knowledge.

So, if you’re considering delving into networking, messaging someone or turning up to an event because there's something you want to gain, and questions you plan to ask, go for it! The worst you can get is a no, and you can always try again.