Networking a vital skill that comprises personal communication, relationship management and professionalism, as a means of building connections with others to help your career develop. In its early stages, it can involve approaching or reaching out to individuals or organisations that can aid in your professional life. This can be done in person, or virtually using platforms such as LinkedIn, but key to both is being proactive. Having established a connection, this skill can then also mean evolving or strengthening that connection over time.
Employers value networking as a skill since it is a key part of maintaining good workplace relationships, whether between colleagues, collaborators or clients. Even before you enter employment, networking will help you to gather intelligence and direct your career.