We humans are social creatures and our relationships keep us connected with those we care about. Networking requires us to use those social skills to create unforeseen connections with others. Industry-specific conferences, seminars, and classes can open hidden doors for you.
A press release hit my desk earlier today about the Women in Federal Law Enforcement Conference taking place today in Tucson, Arizona. I had no idea that there was any organization dedicated to women in law enforcement—now that's a great networking opportunity for a female professional in law enforcement!
The Conference is sponsored by the WIFLE Foundation, Inc. and in attendance is Henley-Putnam University, an online school that primarily offers degrees in the subjects of homeland security and law enforcement.
Good old Google® helped me find another networking opportunity for women in law enforcement: the 2009 Leadership and Workplace Issues for Women in Law Enforcement sponsored by the National Center for Women & Policing taking place in September.
Niche groups can really help you if you need to make strong connections with others in your field or industry. As a personal example, I belong to a local parrot club that has given me access to lots of other folks who share my interest in birds and parrots. I've learned a lot from talking to others who have more experience and knowledge and I've also been able to share what I know with newer folks. By using social networking Web sites like Facebook, I've been able to foster those new relations, which is really important when I miss a meeting or want to share information with others very quickly.
Online courses can be a big help if you aren't able to find or attend such a conference. Say, for example, a woman took a course in criminal justice online. In her class she'll converse with others that are:
- A. Interested in the subject of criminal justice
- B. Currently working as a professional in law enforcement
- C. Hoping to start working as a professional in law enforcement
Not only will this woman gain more industry or job-relevant knowledge from her course work and assignments, but she will be able to meet and connect with others that may open some hidden doors.
Need some networking tips?
Read Career Networking 101 by Elizabeth Demeo.