Networking: why you should care

摘要

The waste management sector is very varied, with jobs ranging from waste collection and development of new technologies to contract management in a local authority. It is crucial that individuals and organisations communicate with everyone concerned, and this involves networking. Without effective communication, waste management projects cannot be delivered effectively. Key to networking is having an interest in new developments and the progress of different projects, not just the aspect that you are working on. It is easy to get involved with a single development, but it is important to look at the bigger picture too. It is important to get to know people and maintain relationships, as you are likely to come across them again. At the start of my career in waste management, I spent a few weeks with collection crews and in operational facilities. This has been invaluable to understanding practical issues people face, rather than just being an engineer with ideas on paper. I advise others to take this opportunity wherever possible. I have also gone back to people I met early on to ask for advice. Networking is about being interested in the person you are talking to. Key to this is finding out what the person cares about and asking questions; finding common ground can be a helpful way to start a relationship. Showing you are proactive and trying to achieve things is another important aspect.