Networking in the Digital Age
Networking continues to be an important, if not the most important, way to enter or ascend in a particular profession, and, fortunately, finding professional networking groups has never been easier. Searching online for local, national or international networking groups in your field will likely yield plenty of results. Many of them typically have options to meet with some regularity in person or virtually. Educational opportunities, networking events, mentoring opportunities, information sharing, publications and more are on offer from a great many professional networking groups.
Networking groups exist across many job sectors, including accounting and finance, business management and marketing, engineering, information/communications technology, medicine, real estate, law, tourism, journalism and fashion, among others. By researching these groups online first, you can gather pertinent information about them and have a solid idea of which might be a good fit for you and your career goals before you reach out to register for a particular event or sign up as a new member. You also may find people affiliated with the group with whom you already have a relationship, have knowledge of or aspire to know. Many groups also list companies that are members, as well as the group’s board of directors and members of various committees. This information can give you some insight into the caliber and complexity of the group’s membership and scope of work.
This information can give you some insight into the caliber and complexity of the group’s membership and scope of work.
Chambers of commerce also are prominent networking groups around the U.S. and in other parts of the world, connecting businesses and individuals. Chambers of commerce are business-led, civic organizations that can represent small rural towns, big city districts, major regions and states – as well as entire countries. They are dedicated to not only supporting their local businesses and entrepreneurs, but also their communities. Many host young professionals chapters to foster emerging talent.
Chambers operate through collaboration – not only among businesses, but in partnerships with other like-minded organizations and community groups, and with other cities, regions and even countries. Meetings and chamber-hosted events offer excellent opportunities for face-to-face networking with area business and community leaders. Some chambers even provide employment opportunities for positions in development, outreach, communications, IT and advocacy, as well as for executives, administrators and accountants. The US Chamber of Commerce brings together not only chambers of commerce operating throughout the country, but also small businesses, global corporations and industry associations for networking and advocacy.
Here is an abbreviated sampling from GoinGlobal’s U.S. City Career Guides of professional networking groups in a variety of job sectors from the U.S. cities of Washington DC and Boston.
Accounting and Finance
American Institute of CPAs (Washington, DC)
https://www.aicpa.org
The American Institute of CPAs is an association representing the accounting profession. Members come from many practice areas, including business and industry, public practice, government, education and consulting. The website features links to a career center, legislation related to CPAs, news and resources. There also is information on conferences and conventions, as well as educational and marketing opportunities.CFA Society Washington, DC
https://cfadc.org
CFA Society Washington, DC, promotes best practices and the highest professional and ethical standards in the investment industry. It offers conferences, seminars and other professional development courses, including CFA exam prep. The website includes a careers section with a job board.Business Management and Marketing
American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) – DC Chapter
https://dc.aiga.org/
AIGA is dedicated to developing and supporting the design community. It offers graphic arts professionals educational opportunities, as well as networking and social events. The DC chapter serves Washington, DC, and its surrounding suburbs. The website posts available design jobs.American Marketing Association (AMA) – Washington, DC, Chapter
https://www.amadc.org/
Washington’s local chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) hosts numerous volunteer, networking and social events. It also offers educational and professional development for marketing professionals. The website includes a calendar of events, a marketing mentor network and a career center with job portal.Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) – National Capital
https://www.acg.org/national-capital
This worldwide networking and educational organization consists of decision-making professionals with an interest in corporate growth, corporate development, and mergers and acquisitions at mid-sized and large companies. Members include private equity professionals, investment bankers, attorneys, auditors, accountants, lenders and corporate development officers. It hosts many networking and educational events.Engineering
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) – Washington DC Section
https://sections.asme.org/professional-section-detail?recordId=rec8uBaLor1BTSc3c
ASME is a national professional organization that examines technical, educational and research issues related to mechanical engineering. The society publishes technical writings, offers professional development courses, maintains a career center and sponsors networking opportunities. The group’s Washington, DC, section connects local members through events and seminars.IEEE
https://ieeeusa.org
IEEE is an international association of engineers and other technical professionals in the electrical, electronic and computing fields, as well as related areas of science and technology. The group promotes technological excellence and innovation and publishes many prominent engineering journals. The Washington area has two local sections: IEEE Washington section, which serves members in the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland and West Virginia, and IEEE Northern Virginia section, which serves members in Northern Virginia.Information/ Communications Technology
Internet Society – Washington DC Chapter
https://isoc-dc.org/
The Washington, DC, chapter of the Internet Society has members from the DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia areas. It brings together local internet experts, enthusiasts and amateurs to promote and maintain a broad spectrum of activities focused on the internet’s open development, universal availability and technology. This chapter also provides opportunities for social and professional networking for local internet professionals.Women in Technology International (WITI) – DC Metro
https://witi.com/networks/dc/
WITI works to empower and support women in business and technology. It offers networking, career services, national conferences, regional events, publications and other resources. WITI DC Metro has a membership of women and men who work in a variety of technology-related occupations. The website includes a job board.Other Professions
American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) – Boston
http://boston.aiga.org/
The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) is a professional association for designers and their creative allies. AIGA Boston members include designers, communication professionals, design educators and students. Its website offers listings of local and national events, conferences and meetings, as well as a directory of community members and sponsors. Job postings are listed on the site.Biotech Tuesday (Boston)
https://biotechtuesday.com/
Biotech Tuesday does not organize lectures, professional development programs or dinner meetings like many professional groups do. It just hosts monthly happy hours for Boston’s biotechnology professionals. A variety of industry professionals attend, including entrepreneurs, investors, attorneys, scientists and journalists.Boston Bar Association
http://www.bostonbar.org
Tracing its beginnings to the late 1700s, the Boston Bar Association provides educational and networking opportunities for attorneys and other legal professionals in the area. It offers fundraisers, volunteer programs, professional development hours and a lawyer referral service.
Use GoinGlobal to find Networking Outlets
GoinGlobal has reliable and current career and employment resources for the U.S. and over 70 other countries – 120 locations worldwide. Contact the career staff at your college or university for support in high-level networking and for getting the most out of GoinGlobal resources.*
- Reference sections on Professional and Personal Networking, Individual Networking, and Networking Online using our country-specific Career Guides.
- Explore country-specific cultural assessment and assimilation tools with CultureWizardTM.
*Access to GoinGlobal’s resource database is provided through subscribing institutions. Contact your college/university’s career center or library for access instructions.
