The term “networking” might conjure images of awkward social events rife with bland appetizers and stunted conversations, but that’s an old-school view educators should chuck, experts say.
Instead, networking is about relationships and relationship-building — and teaching that concept doesn’t have to be boring.
For starters, rather than “networking,” the best terms to use are “professional relationship building skills,” or simply, “relationship building skills,” said Sean O’Keefe, founder and partner at Career Launch, which works with higher ed institutions, high schools, non-profit organizations and government agencies to help expand job and internship pathways for students.
