Building My Network: Lessons from the Marketing Seminar and Beyond
As the semester is wrapping up, I’ve been able to reflect and see that networking has been a major theme for the last few months, whether it was through the marketing seminar series or my co-op experience. While the seminar series had its highs and lows, the lessons I’ve learned have been invaluable in helping me connect with others and advance my career.
What I Learned 🤔
To be transparent, the seminar series wasn’t a standout experience for me. Some of the speakers had incredible backgrounds and provided valuable insights, while others didn’t quite hit the mark. However, one speaker truly left a lasting impression: Daniela Pimental Furtado. Ironically, we share the same name, but that’s not why I found her presentation so impactful! Daniela’s talk on personal branding and search marketing resonated with me deeply. Since I’m planning to start my own UGC freelancing business online, her strategies and advice on building a personal brand were exactly what I needed to hear.
The most important takeaway from the seminar was the emphasis on personal branding, especially for marketers. As someone who wants to grow in marketing, particularly on Instagram and TikTok, I now understand how essential it is to build my brand. Personal branding isn’t just about showcasing your skills, it’s about telling your story in a way that makes you stand out and helps people connect with you on a deeper level. Daniela’s advice about positioning yourself as an expert in your niche resonated with me, and it’s something I plan to focus on moving forward.
Network and Resources 🤝
While I didn’t connect with many people directly from the seminar series, I’ve been prioritizing my networking efforts at my co-op, which has been incredibly rewarding. I’m currently working at Intuit in a Social and Communications role, and the networking opportunities here have been invaluable. I’ve been applying the advice from the seminar speakers in my day-to-day work, particularly when it comes to networking and building relationships.
One of the most significant ways I’ve expanded my network is through coffee chats with colleagues, including the Content Marketing Manager and the Brand Marketing Manager. Both of them have been on a similar career path to mine, and their insights into marketing strategy have been incredibly helpful. Through these chats, I’ve been able to learn more about different marketing functions within the company and how they all interconnect.
In addition to internal networking, I’ve also joined several groups at Intuit, including the Women’s Resource Group, the Latinos Resource Group, and the Accessibility Resource Group. These groups have provided excellent opportunities to meet people in different roles and departments. Being part of these communities has helped me develop my personal brand within the company, and I’ve also been able to connect with others outside of my immediate team.
Volunteering has been another way for me to build my network at Intuit. I participated in a period kit packing drive for International Women’s Month, an experience that allowed me to work alongside other co-ops and employees from various departments. It was a rewarding experience, not just because it supported a great cause, but also because it gave me the chance to interact with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.
In terms of job resources, I didn’t need to explore many during this term since I started my co-op in September, and my contract runs until August. However, I did learn the value of networking early on. Before landing this co-op, I had a referral, and I’ve kept in touch with my network ever since. I’m hopeful that my efforts to network and produce high-quality work will allow me to transition into a full-time role at Intuit after my contract ends.
Networking Tips & Best Practices 💡
Along the way, I’ve picked up some valuable networking tips that I think are worth sharing:
Sell Yourself: Networking is about making an impression. It’s essential to communicate your skills and experience confidently, but it’s just as important to be approachable and likeable. People are more likely to remember you if you leave a positive, lasting impression.
Ask Impactful Questions: When you’re networking, don’t just talk about yourself. Ask thoughtful questions about others’ roles, experiences, and perspectives. This shows you’re genuinely interested in learning and can spark meaningful conversations.
Be Consistent: Networking is an ongoing process. Stay in touch with your contacts and offer value when you can. Whether it’s sharing a helpful article or congratulating someone on a recent achievement, small gestures can go a long way in maintaining strong relationships.
Leverage Your Co-op or Internship: If you’re doing a co-op or internship, use it as an opportunity to network within the company. Attend company events, join groups, and seek out mentors. These connections can provide you with valuable insights into the industry and may lead to future job opportunities.
Follow Up: After meeting someone, make sure to follow up with them. A simple LinkedIn message or email can go a long way in cementing your relationship and keeping the lines of communication open
Moving Forward
As I approach the end of my co-op, I’m excited about the potential opportunities that may come my way. Networking has played a significant role in my journey, and I plan to continue building on the relationships I’ve formed at Intuit. Whether I stay full-time or pursue other opportunities, I know that the connections I’ve made will be invaluable as I continue to grow in my marketing career.
This experience has reinforced the importance of networking and personal branding in today’s competitive job market. By applying what I’ve learned and staying proactive in my networking efforts, I’m confident I’ll be well-prepared for whatever comes next.
