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Networking for Engineers: Building Connections and Personal Growth

Writer's picture: Emily MarschkeEmily Marschke

Over the past two months, the Powerful Women in Leadership program’s monthly mingles have focussed on the critical role of networking. From joining professional committees to attending conferences, we’ve explored how building a community and continuously educating yourself is key to long-term success. Networking is essential for engineers and technical professionals, offering opportunities for personal growth, technical expertise, and career advancement. 


In August at our open meeting, the focus was on the importance of networking, particularly for women in leadership roles. Guest speakers Genevieve Lietz and Stephanie Taylor shared their experiences in organisations like CIGRE, Engineers Australia, and the Australian Computer Society, highlighting the benefits of active involvement in professional communities. 


Genevieve, with 13 years of experience in CIGRE, emphasised how this involvement helped her develop technical expertise and grow her professional network globally. Through participation in technical working groups and conferences, Genevieve not only contributed to her industry but also gained valuable connections and expanded her perspective on her work. Her membership with Engineers Australia further provided professional recognition and a community that supported her growth. 


Similarly, Stephanie Taylor discussed her journey with Engineers Australia and the Australian Computer Society, which she joined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially seeking to expand her network and connect with other engineers, Stephanie's involvement led to leadership opportunities, speaking engagements, and career advancements. She highlighted the importance of aligning your professional goals with the organizations you join to make the most of these experiences. 


Both speakers stressed the need to balance committee work with day jobs. They acknowledged that while committee work is rewarding, managing it alongside professional responsibilities requires time management and employer support.  


In September, we held speed networking sessions with our PWLP community, from this we heard stories of Networking successes and a few hiccups.  Here are a few key take away strategies we put together following the meeting: 


  1. Set Clear Goals: Before attending a networking event or joining a committee, identify what you want to achieve. Are you seeking mentorship, exploring new job opportunities, or developing technical expertise? Having a clear focus will help guide your conversations. 

  2. Be Proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—seek them out. Whether it’s introducing yourself at conferences or volunteering for a leadership role in a committee, taking the initiative is essential for building your network. 

  3. Follow Up: After meeting someone, follow up with a quick email or message to solidify the connection. This step often gets overlooked, but it’s key to nurturing long-term professional relationships. 

  4. Leverage Online Platforms: In addition to in-person events, make use of professional networks like LinkedIn to stay connected, join discussions, and showcase your expertise. 

  5. Balance Quality and Quantity: While it’s important to meet many people, focus on building meaningful relationships rather than just collecting business cards. A few strong connections can be far more beneficial than a large, shallow network. 


Networking also brings significant personal satisfaction. Both Genevieve and Stephanie emphasised how their involvement allowed them to give back to the industry and mentor younger engineers. The personal fulfillment of contributing to the community and fostering the growth of others was a major benefit of their networking efforts. 


Ultimately, networking is about more than exchanging business cards—it's about building lasting relationships that support both your professional journey and personal development. By actively engaging in professional organisations and communities, engineers can enhance their technical skills, gain leadership experience, and grow both personally and professionally. 

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