TIPS | Why networking matters in career transitions

Building professional relationships can determine the success of a career shift. Research supports this: LinkedIn’s 2023 Global Talent Trends Report found 85% of jobs are filled through networking, with referrals being the most common way professionals hear about opportunities.

Beyond helping job seekers, networking provides:

• Access to unadvertised roles — Many senior positions and consulting projects are filled through personal recommendations rather than public listings.
• Guidance from experienced professionals — Learning from those who have successfully changed careers can help avoid common mistakes.
• Credibility in a new field — A strong professional reputation in one industry does not always transfer to another, but recommendations from respected individuals can build trust.

A real-world example: From HR to consulting

For illustration, an HR manager with 15 years of corporate experience wanted to transition into HR consulting. While he had the necessary skills, he lacked direct experience in the consulting sector. Recognising this, he reconnected with former colleagues who had made similar career changes, joined industry groups and attended networking events at his business school.

Through these connections, he was introduced to a well-established consulting firm and secured a contract for a high-profile project. His success was not based solely on his experience, it was made possible by professional relationships that gave him credibility and access to opportunities.

Challenges mid-career professionals face

Despite their expertise, professionals making a career change often encounter obstacles, including:

• Assumptions about age or lack of experience in a new field — Many hiring managers prioritise direct industry experience over transferable skills. Professionals making a switch need to clearly demonstrate adaptability and willingness to learn.
• Establishing a professional identity in a new sector — A strong online presence, active participation in industry discussions, and well-crafted communication about skills and experience can improve visibility and credibility.
• Understanding the unspoken rules of a new industry — Every sector has its own way of working, and insider knowledge — gained through networking — can be the difference between success and frustration.

How business schools help professionals build networks

Business schools do more than provide academic training. They create environments where professionals can form relationships that support career progression. The most effective schools offer:

• Industry-specific networking events and conferences — These bring together professionals, recruiters, and experts who can provide career advice and potential job leads.
• Alumni networks and mentorship programmes — Staying connected with former students creates opportunities for introductions, recommendations, and knowledge sharing.
• Guest speakers from relevant industries — Insights from those working in the field offer valuable perspectives on career transitions.
• Partnerships with businesses — Direct connections with companies lead to project opportunities, internships, and full-time roles.
• Online platforms and virtual communities — Digital networking makes it easier to stay in touch with key contacts after in-person events.

The strength of alumni networks

Among these, alumni networks stand out as one of the most effective ways to build professional relationships. Graduates from the same institution are often willing to support one another, whether through mentorship, job referrals, or collaborative projects.

How mid-career professionals can make the most of networking

Networking is not about collecting business cards or sending LinkedIn requests. It requires effort, consistency, and genuine engagement. Here are practical ways to build professional relationships effectively:

• Participate in class discussions and group projects — Classrooms bring together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Engaging in discussions, collaborating on projects, and sharing insights can create lasting professional connections. 
• Join industry-specific clubs and organisations — Many business schools have student-led clubs focused on industries such as consulting, finance and entrepreneurship. These groups provide opportunities to connect with professionals who share similar interests and career goals.
• Volunteer at events and conferences — Helping organise industry events increases visibility and provides direct access to speakers, panellists and industry leaders. Being in these spaces makes it easier to form meaningful relationships.
• Use digital networking to maintain connections — Following up after meetings, engaging with thought leadership content and participating in online discussions help keep relationships active and meaningful.
• Stay in touch and offer value — Networking is about building genuine relationships, not one-time interactions. Reaching out periodically, offering relevant insights, and making introductions for others strengthens professional connections over time.

Theories that support networking as a career strategy

Several well-established theories reinforce the importance of networking during career transitions:

• Social capital theory — This theory highlights how relationships provide access to knowledge, opportunities, and mentorship that can accelerate career changes.
• Network theory — The structure and diversity of your professional network influence access to job opportunities and industry insights.
• Boundaryless career theory — This concept recognises that careers no longer follow a single linear path. Instead, professionals must build connections across industries and geographies to stay competitive.

What this means for HR managers and employers

For HR managers and business owners, networking is not just an individual strategy, it has implications for company growth and talent development. Employers can support networking by:

• Partnering with business schools to provide employees with professional development opportunities
• Establishing internal mentorship programmes
• Encouraging employees to attend industry events and join professional associations

Companies that create environments where employees can build professional relationships are more likely to attract and retain top talent.

Final thoughts: Why relationships drive career success

Networking goes beyond being a tool for finding a job, it is a long-term strategy for career growth. The most successful mid-career professionals are those who take an active role in building and maintaining professional relationships.

Business schools provide structured environments for this, helping individuals expand their networks, gain industry insights and increase their credibility. HR managers and business owners who recognise the value of professional connections can create workplaces where employees are better positioned to grow and adapt to changing demands.

Whether someone is shifting industries, moving into leadership or launching a new venture, relationships often open the right doors. Making the effort to build and maintain professional networks can make or break your career.

• Busani Gumede is a passionate HR academic with 13 years of experience teaching in the field of human resources.

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