Three Simple Steps to Building Professional Relationships

 by Jama S. Coartney and Donna Westfall-Rudd -- 

Networking is one of those buzzwords that frequently gets tossed around; however, it is not always easy to figure out how to go about building professional relationships—and where to start. 

In a research study conducted by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), students ranked building professional relationships as the number one skill they were not prepared for as they entered the workplace (Crawford & Fink, 2020). 

In the same study conducted by APLU about employability skills in agriculture & natural resources—which surveyed over 11,000 students, faculty, alumni, and employers—alumni also ranked building professional development as one of the top two skills that students are not prepared for as they enter the workforce.  Students identified cross-generational, mentor, and team relationships as some of the focal points they would like to develop.

Building professional relationships is one of the top 11 skills identified in the study as not learned in college.

Why build professional relationships?  

Professional networks can be very powerful resources of information and expertise.  The sociologist Mark Granovetter theorized on the value of having an expansive network of connections as the strength of weak ties. Having lots of weak ties and connections provides greater access to a variety of information and opportunities. 

Building professional relationships involves combining multiple competencies, such as active listening and asking good questions. One of the best ways to learn how to build your professional networks is to practice. 

It takes courage to reach out to someone you do not know well and have a conversation, but it’s a necessary step to begin building relationships beyond close family, friends, and colleagues.  You can get started in three simple steps: 

  1. Choose someone from a club, class, or professional organization. 
  2. Ask them to meet with you to discuss a topic you have in common.
  3. Before the meeting, think of a short plan or list of how you will actively listen and engage in positive communication.  More information on active listening can be found on the mindtools website.  
Afterward, identify some of the communication skills you—or the other person—used to have a successful conversation. Also, how might this connection help you (or them) in the continued work of the club, class, or organization? Lastly, consider any challenges you experienced in building a relationship and communicating with this person and what might you like to do differently with the next person.

Explore and have fun with building some connections with new people! 



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