Your School Is a Networking Goldmine (Start Digging).
Michael Stinnett - The Unstuck Coach
I Help Principals and Teachers Build Career Brands that Get Noticed | Resume Writer and Career Development Coach for Teachers and Principals Pivoting to New Careers | Your story could be next.
Hey there,
Do you like people? I mean like, really though?
So far, we've reframed your return to the classroom as a strategic move and pinpointed how to seize leadership opportunities right where you are. You're already transforming your year from a "hold" to a "go"!
The adventure is forming.
Now, let's talk about something many educators overlook when thinking about career transition: networking. You might be picturing fancy corporate events or awkward LinkedIn messages. But what if I told you that your current school environment is actually a hidden networking goldmine? You just have to do the hard work of digging.
Yes, even between grading papers and managing classroom chaos, you're surrounded by potential connections. It's time to leverage the relationships you already have and strategically build new ones, right within your familiar territory.
Today, in our "When the Classroom Calls Back: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive Your Transition Year" series, we're diving into: Network Beyond the Bell: Your School as a Hub for Connections.
Get ready to turn everyday interactions into powerful professional advantages!
Day 3: Network Beyond the Bell: Your School as a Hub for Connections
Think about it: your school is a microcosm of the world outside. You interact daily with parents from diverse professions, community partners, vendors, school board members, and even former colleagues who have moved into new industries. This isn't just about making friends (though that's a nice bonus!); it's about actively, strategically, and authentically building your professional network.
Remember, every person you encounter could be a doorway to an informational interview, a lead on an unadvertised job, or simply a source of valuable insights into a new field. You just have to be intentional about opening those doors.
Adam Grant: "The more I help out, the more opportunities come to me. And I don’t know why, but it’s a universal truth."
As an educator, you are inherently a "giver." You help students, families, and colleagues constantly. Now, apply that same generous spirit to your networking. Offer help, share resources, or simply express genuine interest in what others do. When you approach networking from a place of contribution, opportunities tend to find their way back to you, often from the most unexpected corners of the school community. You'd be surprised who knows who!
Action Step: Identify three different types of individuals connected to your school environment (e.g., a parent in a career you're interested in, an account rep for a school vendor, a community organization partner, a former colleague who transitioned). Choose one and formulate a polite, concise message (or mental script for an in-person conversation) expressing genuine interest in their work and asking for a brief informational chat. Remember, you're not asking for a job – you're asking for knowledge.
Ready to expand your circle and uncover new possibilities? Take that action step today!
Tomorrow, we'll shift gears and focus on ensuring you're capturing all this fantastic growth as we dive into "The Strategic Scribe: Document Everything for Your Next Leap." Get ready to turn your daily efforts into powerful resume builders!
Until then, keep connecting!
Warmly,