Task 3a: Current Networks

When I originally considered the use of networking, I didn't feel like it was a huge part of my professional practice.  As I thought back on the progression of my career (which has been very varied) I actually realised that without networking I probably wouldn't have discovered so many spectrum's to the industry I have been associated with.

I have considered the following questions...

• What are the current and different ways (tools) that you have, or do, engage your professional network?

Diagram showing my current networking tools



I put together this diagram as a visual aid to show the range of different tools I currently use.  Previously as a performer I very often used tools that would act as a network for auditions.  These sites have now become extremely popular and are now in the position where they are making money from subscriptions as opposed to free roaming and the use of setting up your own online CV.

 

Since making the transition into teaching I have found other ways to network which in some cases has led me into employment.  Without the use of these tools I would have not found employment so accessible. 

 

All these tools work in different ways and vary in their professional status.  Sites such as 'linked in' and blogs may be seen as a more professional way to network.  However, I have several Facebook groups to which like-minded dance teachers input posts to find teachers and to even ask for advice.

 

I feel that networking is no longer a professional tool and can now be used as just a simple text from friend to friend, or even a Facebook message through a mutual contact.  I have used different variations of all of these tools and even the more casual of them has been effective in one way or another.

 

 • Are there methods, approaches and technologies that you use socially that might apply and help you develop your professional networking?

 

I have recently joined a teaching agency which I actually connected with through Linked In.  I wanted the opportunity to gain a more varied experience in schools so decided that by joining an established agency I can network whilst working in schools as I continue on this course.  Through this style of work I hope I can develop my professional networking and set myself up for when I have finished my degree. 

 

I have also been using, and will continue to, communicate to mutual friends via Facebook, email and personal meetings.  These professionals are already established within education in similar or the same fields as what I am interested in progressing into.  So far their knowledge has led me to taking on this degree and considering my options for the future.

 

 

 • When you reflect upon current networks, can you think about the motives of others to be in the network and what values and purpose they have in mind?

 

I think anyone who uses networking as a tool is very wise.  There is nothing to lose by communicating with others, especially others who may have an insight or more experience to offer you.  Recently I was in this situation where someone contacted me on Facebook after seeing a post I put on a dance teachers hub group.  This fellow teacher was asking my advise on the degree I am taking and what it involves.

 

I believe that networking is an important tool to use to gain possible contacts for job opportunities.  This has been a very valuable way for me to gain varied work and maintain a relationship with others that I may need to return the favour too.  Luckily I have a large circle of friends who teach which has been helpful to many of us at times to locate someone who is suitable and available to cover classes.

 • What would your ideal network look like and why?  What realistic things could you do to work towards developing your ideal network?

For now the networking I use is suitable for what I need and I have recently been very aware of the fact I have take on this degree and so need to allow free time to focus on that.  I have always been luckily in that I have always managed to fill up my days sufficiently with enough work to gain experience and earn a regular amount. 

 

As I continue in this process I know I will need to expand my current networks and branch out further into education.  At the moment all my experience in teaching has been in Primary Schools and Dance Schools.  To get to where I would like to be, I will eventually need to develop into Secondary education and use a different network of teachers.  

 

I have recently registered myself on the following website http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching to look into options for the future and was sent an email with details on a 'Train to Teach Roadshow'.  Events like these can be a valuable way to network with already established professionals and get an insight into what this line of work involves.

 

'Get into teaching' website

 

    

 • What tools and methods do you need to use? What do you know about your current, and intended networks, and importantly, what do you not know?

I think for the future that I need to stay on top of my current networks and keep online profiles and CVs up to date.  Although I have set up my own Linked In profile I haven't really used this in terms of networking so think this would be a useful tool to help develop new circles of professionals.