Your network isn't exclusive to people you know professionally! Personal connections can serve as professional connections too. It can be hard to conceptualize who makes up your connect network if you're unsure what your connections do or where they work. Don't underestimate your current network! Take a moment to do some discovery, to see if anyone you already know works at a company that has opportunities and roles related to your track.

Discovery is as simple as making a list for yourself with the following information: name, professional title, company name, contact information, and potential roles at their company you could apply for. LinkedIn is a great place to do some of this discovery without having to reach out to every individual in your network.

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Our networks are made of different relationship types. Below is a structured to get you started in evaluating your own network; notice the different types of relationships that can make up your network.

PERSONAL:

Non-work related contacts. This can include friends or acquaintances within communities or circles you are a part of. 

Name:

Contact information I have: 

Profession/Title:

Company: 

Roles at their company I can apply for: 

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Name:

Contact information I have: 

Profession/Title:

Company: 

Roles at their company I can apply for: 

PROFESSIONAL:

Anyone with whom you have worked with, in any job experience, falls under the professional category. Think about current or former co-workers, supervisors, clients, or colleagues in your field. 

Name:

Contact information I have: 

Profession/Title:

Company: 

Roles at their company I can apply for: 

Name:

Contact information I have: 

Profession/Title:

Company: 

Roles at their company I can apply for: 

ACADEMIC:

This encompasses educational experiences you have had, whether it be Lambda School, a certificate program, high school, or previous university, which led you to meet teachers or instructors, mentors/coaches, advisors, or classmates.  

Name:

Contact information I have: 

Profession/Title:

Company: 

Roles at their company I can apply for: 

Name:

Contact information I have: 

Profession/Title:

Company: 

Roles at their company I can apply for: 

FAMILIAL:

Anyone with whom you are related to: aunts or uncles, cousins, parents, siblings, grandparents, stepparents, in-laws, etc. 

Name:

Contact information I have: 

Profession/Title:

Company: 

Roles at their company I can apply for: 

Name:

Contact information I have: 

Profession/Title:

Company: 

Roles at their company I can apply for: 

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