It's Not What You Know But Who You Know - Professional Identity

Though not entirely accurate, the old adage of "it's not what you know but who you know" is grounded in truth. Having a network of contacts is a very valuable asset in the professional world. How you are known to that network is your professional identity. It is the space you carve for yourself in the career field. This starts out small, with peers and professors learning your work ethic and academic interests, then grows to include coworkers, collaborators, mentors, and other people in your sphere of influence. 

With the recent increase in technology and communications, having a diverse and extensive network of professional contacts has never been easier, or more complicated. The world of networking is constantly evolving and though it is simple to step into, keeping on top the changes can seem like a daunting task. Finding the right balance between actively networking and allowing your professional work to speak for itself is a skill that will develop over time. A good starting point is to find a few key mentors or connections to start the ball rolling. Take it slowly, build relationships. Follow up with contacts and remember that a few notable conversations can be more impactful than a lot of forgettable pleasantries.