The true value of networking by Krysty Wideen

Networking. The word was drilled into my brain from the time I began my Business degree at Simon Fraser University. We held networking events. We held workshops that taught students how to dress, or eat, or behave at networking events. Anytime we wanted to convince students to come out to an event, you would think we would offer free beer or something, but nope, we branded it as an opportunity to network. I have to admit, as a student, I started to hate the word; it wasn’t rational, but I had this strong negative feeling whenever I heard the word networking. I have been with The Refinery for just over six months. It’s the first job where I consider myself to be a professional rather than a student. I can happily report I’ve learned a little since then and have embraced the idea of developing my network wholeheartedly.