My ability to efficiently utilise all of my professional networks is something that I have been criticised on in the past and so was glad when I learnt that it was one of the sections that would be investigated in this module. Hopeful I will be able to identify how I can improve. Upon reading the reader I realised that one of the first places I was that my understanding of professional networking was not accurate. I was under the impression that the sole purpose of networking professionally was to use your connections within your profession to further your career, and this was one of the reasons I shied away from the concept. I did not like the idea of using people merely to get ahead. Upon reader the reader I realised that there is a lot more to it then this, and that I was using a lot more networking techniques then I thought. Upon further research it has become clear that the key point of professional networking is to create a community of fellow practitioners, colleagues others within a related field to learn from, be inspired by and of course use their knowledge of the field to further yours. ‘A work related community held together by either close working affiliations or more distant but common work interests or needs’. (The Networked professional reader 2010) There is much more to professional networking then ‘cooperate until maximum benefit then defect’ (Axelrod 1984). I know we live in a highly competitive society and we have been taught that the strongest will survive but I believe you have to be willing to give something back. Perhaps this is why when an individual has reached the top of their professional ladder they continue to pass on their knowledge to others.
The main types of professional networking I use are face to face and the use of technologies such as web 2.0. Personally I am most comfortable networking face to face, being able to see a person’s reactions to what you are saying and getting instant feedback from them, but as discussed in previous blogs the world is shrinking, thanks to web 2.0 technologies we now have the ability to create social and professional networks that may include members who you will never meet. We have already discussed the many advantages of this but, for the purpose of this investigation, the main one being the range of different ways that you can keep in contact with other members of your networking community. The development of these technologies has made it infinitely easier to stay in touch with people. I have a large group of friend from Central St Martins and London College of Fashion, all working in different disciplines ,only a few of which I am in regular contact with. Thanks to such sites as Facebook and Twitter I can keep abreast of what they are doing and contact them if I feel that I can benefit from them or vice versa.
I have found that in the last two weeks I have been using my professional networking skills to try and overcome a problem that I have been faced with. Upon completing this course I would like to go on to do a Graduate Teaching Programme (GTP). I was planning on doing it at my current school and had been discussing the particulars with the head of the art department and everything seamed to be on track until I found out that the headmistress had decided that she no longer wanted to take on GTP. Places are highly competitive and it is much easier to get a place if you already have a school that is willing to hire you as an unqualified teacher while you are completing the course rather then relying on an EBITT to find the school. So I am now using every connection I have to try and convince a school to take me on next January. I am now reaching out to all of you, of any of you know of any schools that take on GTP students in their art departments please contact me. Ideally the placement would either be in London or in and around the Lincolnshire area (my husband and I are contemplating moving up there) but any information you have on the subject would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Stephie. I agree that it is often a misconception that networking is to help us advance in our career. It helps to have a network of people in the same business whether they are there to talk to when things are tough, get advice from or just for the sense on belonging. In your current situation though I can see the true benefits of having a large network. I hope you manage to find a school to take you on. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura, thanks for the comments. Glad to hear that someone else thinks that there is more to professional networking then being selfish and cut throat.
ReplyDeleteStephanie - interestingly enough - the Head might also be a very good person to connect you with another place - have you discussed it? OR I looked up http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/siteach.htm#Routes to find out more - then found this on TDA site
ReplyDeletehttp://www.tda.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/teacher-training-options/gtp/search%20results.aspx?items_per_page=10&start_item=0&location_id=674&distance=10&location=london&phase=2&search_type=2
maybe one of the providers has some ideas...
I just thought - have you asked anyone from Middlesex for information - that is also something that you could do - we have an education department that might have some advice - Are you not with Rosemary - she could perhaps find out some direct numbers - or I can have a look when back in the office.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the advice Paula, I have previously spoken to some of the EBITT providers in my area and they suggested that the best thing to do is find a school willing to take you on then apply for the course. I will speak to Rosemary and my Head and see what they suggest, to be honest i am hoping that my Head will change her mind especially when i tell her that i will probably leave as soon as i find a school willing to take me on. At the moment i am also just taking so time to think about what i want to do, as mentioned in my blog my husband and i are thinking about moving out of London in the near future i guess first we need to decide if and when we want to move then start looking for a school. I have heard that i should start the application process in January to start in January 2012, do you know if this is correct? Thanks for all your help.
ReplyDeleteStephie, thank you so much for this blog. I think you just gave me a 'penny dropping' moment.
ReplyDelete"The key point of professional networking is to create a community of fellow practitioners, colleagues other within a related field to learn from, be inspired by and of course use their knowledge of the field to further yours."
That makes so much sense. Even when I was looking at all the different theories I was still thinking about them in terms of professional advancement in a very obvious way (i.e. getting the next, better job). As you say though it is much less 'cut throat' than that. It may still be about professional advancement but that can mean so many things. Learning a new acting or art style is advancement. Understanding how to deal with a difficult situation through the help of a friend or mentor is advancement. Funnily enough I haven't written about communities of practice yet and I perhaps now should.
Your blog more than anything else I have read has made me understand the need to and want to engage in my various networks. Thank you.