“The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work.” 

When you hear the word “networking” it can inspire the desire to meet new people. Or it might seem a strange idea for you to consider that networking is a part of the job for someone in civil construction.

Where ever you are in your life, you can always learn something new. This is a result of how fast our world and work life is changing every single day. You are in a far stronger position surrounded by a supportive network to adapt to the changes.  Getting varied opinions helps you grow professionally and personally.

Networking is about creating relationships that endure and are mutually helpful with the people you meet. It doesn’t matter if this connection happens during the morning coffee or participating in a sports team or in a formal work event. It happens when you invest in people as a natural extension of your self and that creates its own influence.

Where do you start?

Networking starts with the right mindset and an active decision to commit to networking events. It begins with a focussed commitment to creating positive lasting impressions in the minds of the people you meet. The result is it becomes “not who you know, but who knows you”

Secondly, credentials have perceived competency.

Do you remember the feeling of passing your driver's licence test and that first slightly terrifying thrill of knowing you were now qualified to drive a car by yourself? The license was both your permission and proof that you could be trusted on the roads. You now had the skills to drive a car regardless whether that first drive without L plates sent your knees rattling and palms sweating. You could be confident you had passed and have the licence to prove it. You had a basic competency. Many years after passing that driving test and you can see how much more your skills have evolved - you might even consider yourself a "master" after so many years of safe driving. Credentials are part of a process that establishes the proof of competency. The more specific the role, the more companies are looking for proof of particular skills and abilities. Post-nominals are a way of showing how those competencies grow over time and the status, value, and mastery that come with those achievements

“The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity.”
-Keith Ferrazzi

The value of networking happens when there is an understanding that everybody in the room has equal value. And each person should be valued for what they bring to the conversation.  Networks are an investment from you in others, you will discover the reward becomes amplified by the networks you create.

Some quick tips for networking

Begin before you have a “need” to network

Experienced networkers have already established their value well before they have a need to “ask a favour.” People sense when you’re just in it for yourself. By starting before you need anything you already have no other motive than to share value. It is that value that you bring that builds its own rewards.

Know yourself – know what you know now.

Know what you hope to share. The talents, skills, and connections you already have and what understanding you bring.

Know yourself – know what you don’t know and need to learn.

Be open to learn and value the talents and gifts others share with you at networking events. Make it your goal to be open, friendly and honest, and to forge connections between people who may be able to help each other. Generosity is an attractive quality, and it’s something special that people will remember about you.

Everyone is important

You might be passing the person on the way down as you are just rising in your career. It might be the other way around at some point. Make it your goal to find value in every person you meet because favours often work in two directions.

Make the right connections – join the dots.

When you start networking, remember it is enjoying people for who they are and not what they can do for you. It becomes about listening and making connections and figuring out the threads of what others need and connecting those people together. The most successful networkers are often the middleman between everyone else in the room. They have stopped asking the “what is in for me question” and developed an understanding of “how can I help you… and you.”

Follow up and follow through.

Let your “yes” be a yes and no be NO… follow up on your promises. If you promised some information, deliver it. If you said you would make an introduction between two people do it with a with an easy email introduction- they can do the rest. Value your time and theirs while keeping faithful to your commitments. Play the long game.

Why Networking is essential for career development (CPD)

Continuous Professional Development or CPD is the lifelong evolution of your career though extending your competencies and skills. Ideally, organizations would place more emphasis on employee development in the workplace. However, it is more and more apparent the driving force is on you to take control of your career development, hence, the importance of networking and more formalised seminars and learning experiences.

Believe in the power of networking.

When you believe that the real value of networking lies in helping others and you do your part, you’ll soon discover the value it can bring. The best part of learning from the people in your network is what you learn about yourself in the process.

Where can I find an active network in the civil construction Industry to learn and practice and gain value in networking?

The Institute of Civil Infrastructure 

The ICI Learning Program supports you to set goals and pursue career aspirations.

The ICI Learning Program is a continuing professional development (CPD) program that helps the career progression of Civil Infrastructure Managers (CIM). It provides a means to continually learn about technical, people and business management in the civil industry. It gives the flexibility to follow ones’ interests, with the confidence that what is provided is genuinely relevant to the civil sector.

The Program:

Early career people have the opportunity to learn the relevant material and do it within a structure for the more experienced managers, it provides and maintains cutting-edge knowledge and practice for the very experienced and senior person. It facilitates space to consider innovation, future proofing, and dialogue on issues that will look to a sustainable future for the industry.

For all Members, ICI offers a community of industry experts willing to share their knowledge and experience and support your future.

It is a continuing professional development (CPD) program to support the career progression of CIM’s.

Learning Programs

Learning Courses offer small group, classroom-style learning events that are delivered face to face and across the internet. All are undertaken live so the participants can interact with each other and the trainer; and…

Learning Events which include conferences, seminars and topical speakers. These will also give excellent networking opportunities.

Who is it for?

The ICI Learning Program is for all Civil Infrastructure Managers (CIM).

We define these as anyone managing another human (e.g., Leading Hands), first-time supervisors and engineering graduates, right through to the most experienced managers and leaders across the civil construction and maintenance industry.

• Leading Hands and first-time supervisors and managers

• new and recent graduates

• middle management

• experienced managers and leaders

• business owners – small and large

There is flexibility, with a structure

The flexibility of choice in learning for the individual is a key aspect of the ICI Program. People are free to pick and choose the courses they wish to undertake – there are no mandatory learning elements.

Most people supervising and managing recommend structured programs that provide a mix of formal and informal learning environments and build social and networking opportunities with people who share a common interest but have different experiences and viewpoints. This shared environment creates a dynamic environment to grow and develop skills and knowledge.

The Institute is not just about learning – it’s also about connecting people and communicating industry-specific information.

Learning from both your peers and experts through networking events with topical speakers is a fundamental part of an ICI experience. Information about these events and topical industry issues are provided to ICI Members.

So NOW is the time to grow your worth and value in your career through networking events and structured learning at the Institute of Civil Infrastructure