Any professional career — especially those in the world of STEM — thrives on a robust, active network. If you have ever been laid off unexpectedly, a large network probably played a large factor in getting yourself a new position quickly. On the other hand, maybe you suffered through months of unemployment hoping one of your connections from a smaller network might have a lead on an open position?

So, it is easy to see that maintaining a large network helps your career prospects. It is also a good idea to expand your network to those outside your industry.

3 Reasons to Begin Networking Outside Your Industry

Expanding your Customer Base to New Business Sectors
Networking with someone not in your industry raises the hopes for expanding your firm’s customer base. This especially makes sense if your company is involved in IT, as technical firms generally market themselves across all business sectors. A competing IT company probably isn’t interested in your service offerings in the first place.

A Potential Source for Unique References
If you ever get the chance at an opportunity in a different business sector, there are advantages to already having someone from that same sector already in your network. A reference from this source might carry more weight compared to other references from only STEM-related companies.

Providing a Different Perspective when Needed
Members of a professional network from different sectors can offer unique perspectives to any business problems that may arise. Some marketing experts sprinkled amongst a predominately technical network can provide a different take that might make the different between the success and failure of your company’s latest product or service initiative. Seek out insight from as many members of your network as possible, and differing perspectives give added value to that insight.

If you need any additional advice on creating and maintaining a worthwhile professional network, talk to the STEM experts at Scientific Search. Since they are one of the top staffing agencies in the world of STEM, we can offer the right business insight to ensure your career stays on the right path. Contact our team of STEM recruiters today for more information!