The Art of Networking through Marketing

Stepping into a New World

Starting a new chapter in a foreign country can feel overwhelming. When I arrived in Canada and enrolled in the Marketing Management and Financial Services program at George Brown College, everything seemed unfamiliar—new processes, new expectations, and a completely different approach to education. It wasn’t easy, but one thing quickly stood out as a game changer: Networking.

Networking is not just about exchanging business cards or adding connections on LinkedIn; it’s about building genuine relationships that can shape your career. This semester has been a journey of learning how to connect, build, and grow professionally, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned.

What I Learned: Inspiration That Shaped My Career Mindset

One of the most impactful moments of the semester was attending a seminar led by professor, Katidja Youssouf, MBA, and she introduce Zael Miransky, CFP, President, and CEO. I didn’t know the session would leave such a lasting impression.

Zael spoke passionately about the importance of self-improvement and perseverance. He shared a story about working without pay in the early stages of his career, driven purely by passion and belief in his goals. His words about staying focused on improving yourself rather than comparing yourself to others struck a chord with me.

After the seminar, I connected with him on LinkedIn, where he graciously accepted my request. Following him has been a source of inspiration, as he often shares insights about personal growth and professional resilience.

One of his statements that I’ll never forget is:
"It’s not about what others are doing; it’s about what you’re learning and how you’re growing."

This mindset has been a guiding principle for me, reminding me to focus on the process rather than the outcome.

Building a Network: Small Steps, Big Gains

Networking can be intimidating, especially when you’re new to an industry—or a country. My first significant networking experience outside the classroom was with Tanner Bell, Branch Manager at TD Bank.

I noticed that, Tanner had recently celebrated eight years with TD Bank. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to start a conversation. Although nervous, I reached out to congratulate him. To my surprise, he responded warmly. Over the next few days, we exchanged messages, and he even provided me with a link to submit my resume.

This interaction was a breakthrough for me. It taught me that most professionals are willing to help if you approach them sincerely.

Since then, I’ve made a concerted effort to expand my network by:

  • Connecting with key professionals on LinkedIn.
  • Following corporate pages of companies I admire, like TD, Scotiabank, and BMO.
  • Engaging with posts and articles to stay visible and informed.
  • Joining relevant LinkedIn groups to gain industry insights and connect with peers.

Leveraging Resources for Career Success

As a newcomer, navigating the Canadian job market felt like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces. Networking became my guide. I relied heavily on LinkedIn as my primary job-hunting tool and complemented it with direct career sites of major financial institutions.

Here’s what worked best for me:

  1. LinkedIn:
    • It’s more than just a job board; it’s a platform to showcase your skills, follow industry trends, and connect with professionals.
    • I used LinkedIn to research potential employers, follow companies, and stay updated on job postings.
  2. Career Sites:
    • I regularly checked the careers pages of companies like TD, Scotiabank, and BMO for job openings. These sites often provide more detailed information about roles than job boards.
  3. Peer Recommendations:
    • My peers at George Brown College have been an invaluable resource. Many of them already work in the banking sector, and their insights into workplace culture and hiring practices have been incredibly helpful.

Additionally, I’ve built strong relationships with professors like Katidja Youssouf, Sheri Di Carlo, and Caroline Williams, M.Ed. Their advice and encouragement have been instrumental in boosting my confidence and navigating challenges.

Making Networking a Habit

Here’s how I’m keeping my network engaged:

  • Regular Engagement:
    I like and comment on posts from my connections to stay on their radar without being intrusive.
  • Personalized Messages:
    Whether it’s congratulating someone on a work anniversary or sharing a relevant article, small gestures go a long way.
  • Expanding My Reach:
    I’ve joined LinkedIn groups related to marketing and financial services, where I actively participate in discussions.

Volunteering and Seminars: Expanding My Horizons

While I haven’t volunteered formally, I’ve been proactive in helping classmates navigate LinkedIn and career resources. This collaborative effort has strengthened my relationships and reinforced the importance of supporting others.

Networking Tips: What Worked for Me

  1. Start Small:
    • Networking can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Start with simple interactions, like congratulating someone on a milestone or commenting on a post.
  2. Be Genuine:
    • Authenticity matters. People can tell when you’re genuinely interested in learning from them.
  3. Follow Up:
    • After connecting with someone, don’t let the relationship go cold. Stay in touch through occasional messages or interactions.
  4. Leverage LinkedIn:
    • Beyond job hunting, use LinkedIn to learn, engage, and build your professional brand.
  5. Stay Curious:
    • Attend events, ask questions, and seek out opportunities to learn.

Reflections: A Journey Just Beginning

Looking back on this semester, I feel a profound sense of growth—not just academically but personally. Networking, which once seemed intimidating, has become an empowering tool that’s already shaping my career. From connecting with inspiring leaders like Zael Miransky to building relationships with peers and professors, every interaction has taught me something valuable.

As I prepare for my co-op placement and beyond, I’m excited to continue expanding my network and learning from those around me. To anyone reading this, whether you’re a student or a seasoned professional, remember: every connection is an opportunity. It’s up to us to make it count.

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