Networking Globally and Locally

Networking, the art of establishing and nurturing relationships, is about creating contacts that are beneficial for all involved. For many people networking is an important part of their working life. There are those whose work requires them to make the transition to another country, either as students or as workers who follow job opportunities. There are also those who spend all their life in one place but who find that to access information and other resources, they need to network. There are also people who accept that as humans we like to bond and who look at new ways of doing so.

In this workshop we will look at the various issues involved in networking, beginning with your personality:  What do I bring with me? What am I looking for? How important are relationships for me?

Your working environment:  Asking the right questions. Using professional associations.

Your goals: Talking to strangers. Welcoming new contacts. Keeping in touch. Sharing.

The question of ethical networking: it is not about winning unfair advantages or selling oneself no matter what.

While the language of international networking is English, we need to be aware of diverse cultural styles when meeting people, practising small talk and establishing trust across the borders of cultural background, gender and age.

We will look at the issues involved in supporting our networking through sources available on the Internet and discuss how to use them effectively.

You are encouraged to bring your own ideas and experience and to share resources. You could integrate the contacts made at the workshop into your own network.