IN THIS LESSON

You will:

  • Map your current network and reflect on its strengths and weaknesses.

Evaluating your network

Having a supportive network is critical. Your network can help you:

  1. discover new job opportunities

  2. gain career advice

  3. increase your chances of being recommended for positions. 

  4. stay updated on the latest developments in your field

  5. provide insights into the job market

Is your network composed of people who can support you?

In this module, you will engage in a reflective exercise designed to help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your network and to consider opportunities to build and/or expand your network so it works for you. You will map your current network and reflect on its strengths and weaknesses.

Network Reflection

To start, find a piece of scrap paper or a blank word document. On one side of the paper (or on one page of the word document) start to make a list of anyone who is currently in your network. This is anyone who can help you advance towards your career goals, including:

  1. Professors

  2. Research mentors

  3. Your  current or former boss

  4. A previous teacher

  5. A family member

  6. A family friend

  7. Other students or peers

  8. Alumni from your institution

Next, divide your paper or document into 4 sections for a SWOT analysis, and label each quadrant with:

S: strengths

W: weaknesses

O: opportunities

T: threats

Now, start the video to follow along: