The Power of Networking: Takeaways from My George Washington University Talk

Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with over 100 George Washington University alumni and students about something that moves the needle and protects your time and energy more than anything else in a job search: networking!

We had 300 RSVPs, which the organizers said was the highest registration for any event those offices have held. The numbers were great! But the real value surfaced in the Q&A. The room was full of people just starting their careers or navigating massive career pivots: from clinical dentistry to public health, or transitioning from government service into the private sector, and one of the most common concerns I heard was a fear of "bothering" people or feeling too "green" to reach out.

I want to offer a perspective shift here: most people genuinely want to help! When you reach out with empathy and provide the right context for why you're contacting them, professionals are usually happy to share their journey.

Here are a couple of additional takeaways from our discussion:

*** Don't "unfriend" your past. Someone asked if they should delete connections from their old industry. Keep every one of them! Remember, you’re building a network that includes your connections and your connections’ connections: your former colleague might be happy to introduce you to their college roommate who’s the hiring manager at your dream company.

*** Reactivating dormant connections is easier than you think. If you haven't spoken to someone in years, don't overthink the reach-out. Acknowledge the gap, mention a specific memory of working together, and share what you're up to now. People are usually happy to catch up with former colleagues!

For those of you transitioning out of government roles, your background is a differentiator, and networking will help you gather the information you need to position yourself as the solution to a company’s specific problems and, ultimately, to get the referral that brings your application to the top of the pile.

If you're struggling to translate your experience into a clear private-sector value proposition or feeling lost on how to start networking, I can help you bridge that gap and get moving. Let’s talk! You can also check out MissionPivot™ for dedicated resources, courses, and support designed specifically to help you build your network and successfully transition your career.