There are several ways to increase your network with people in a new industry:
- Research the industry and learn as much as you can about the trends/news/companies, etc. so you will be more knowledgeable when meeting people.
- Join a professional organization in the field you are interested in and attend events or networking programs. Be prepared to introduce yourself to people and present your "elevator" pitch. Be honest about being new and wanting to learn as much as possible. Don't be afraid to ask people for their advise/recommendations on others to reach out to. After the event reach out to people you met and invite them for coffee/chats to learn more.
- Utilize LinkedIn by joining groups in the field you are interested in and getting involved in the groups by posting comments on peoples' posts and sharing articles of interest.
- Search LinkedIn for people who work in companies/fields you are interested in and ask them to connect, but send a short personal note that explains why you want to connect with them. Once they connect you can follow-up with them for more information.
- Join your alma mater on LinkedIn if possible and let classmates know you are searching for new opportunities.
- Search jobs on LinkedIn in the new industry and identify the qualifications they are seeking and then think about the hard and soft skills you already have and how they can be transferred or applied to the new industry and then update your resume.
Good luck!!
