Today, we got an email for my husband's alma mater which proclaimed National Networking Day as May 31, 2012. It got me thinking about looking for classmates from my own graduate school days. In particular, I wanted to see if there were opportunities to discuss jobgenda and distribution ideas. As I read about their jobs and past experiences, I had a feeling of joy as I saw their smiling pictures and remembered our shared history. I am not a natural networker, contrary to what you might think of someone as outgoing as myself. I like people. But, I don't like to ask for help.
But, in the process of my outreach efforts to re-connect with former colleagues and classmates, I was so thankful that my job search gave me the excuse to re-engage. It meant that the interaction I was looking for was not one-way. We had stories to share, gossip to relish, and anything else that you would discuss as if you were at your high school reunion. When I realized this, it really took the pressure off. And again, for all those years when I hadn't stayed in touch through holiday cards or Facebook updates, I had a chance to connect, otherwise a few more years would have gone by.
So, embrace this wonderful side benefit from your job search and start connecting.
Warm Regards,
Sonal
