The dos and don’ts of professional networking
Professional networking is one of the cornerstones of career development, especially for recent graduates and early-career professionals looking to position themselves for success. It goes way beyond just exchanging business cards: it’s about forming mutually beneficial relationships that offer support, advice, and opportunities.
At Shell Poland, networking is deeply embedded in our organizational culture. The Krakow Supply Chain Hub alone has over 500 professionals connecting daily to drive innovations like AI-powered procurement and sustainable energy solutions.
This guide explores actionable tips for building meaningful professional relationships while avoiding common networking pitfalls. You’ll also learn how to leverage Shell Poland’s inclusive corporate culture to advance your professional growth.
What is professional networking?
Professional networking involves building mutually beneficial relationships with professionals in your industry. At its core, it’s about creating value for both parties, whether through sharing expertise, collaborating on projects, or providing mentorship.
Our networking approach isn’t limited to external events, though. Internal platforms like Women’s Network at Shell (WN@S) and enABLE Network for employees with disabilities, demonstrate how structured communities help foster inclusivity and professional growth.
These networks enable our employees to connect across geographical and functional boundaries, aligning with Shell’s commitment to diversity as a business imperative and belief that we are one team.
Professional networking benefits
Some of the key benefits of professional networking include:
- Career Acceleration: Active participation in industry conferences and contributing insights on platforms like LinkedIn can attract recruiter attention and invitations to exclusive opportunities.
- Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Networking connects early-career professionals with industry veterans who offer guidance on technical competencies and leadership.
- Increased Confidence: Networking can boost your self-confidence by providing opportunities to engage with professionals, participate in events, and receive recognition for your achievements.
Dos of professional networking
Research before attending events
For starters, you should prioritize events that align with your career goals. It’s important to research the event’s agenda, participants, and strategic priorities (e.g., energy transition, Powering Progress strategy). You can use tools like LinkedIn to identify key speakers or potential contacts.
Have a clear goal in mind
Whether you’re seeking mentorship or project collaboration, your objectives need to be well-defined. For example, Shell’s Supply Chain professionals often aim to connect with cross-functional teams to innovate in inventory management.
Be authentic and genuine
Shell values authenticity in its hiring process. After all, people are more likely to connect with someone genuine. So, be yourself, and show a real interest in others. This will help you build trust and long-lasting relationships.
Prepare an elevator pitch
Another do of professional networking is preparing a concise and compelling introduction that highlights your experiences and career aspirations.
Example: “As a recent environmental science graduate, I’m passionate about renewable energy solutions. I’m exploring job openings where I can contribute to Shell’s decarbonization targets while developing expertise in circular economy models.”
Participate actively
Engage in Q&A sessions, volunteer for panel discussions, or join Shell’s employee resource groups (ERGs). At Shell, we have more than 126 ERGs across over 30 countries and regions.
Maintain professional relationships over time
After connecting with industry professionals, you may want to conduct quarterly check-ins with them via email or LinkedIn. You can share relevant articles or congratulate them on promotions to sustain engagement without overwhelming them.
Use social media wisely
It’s also important to optimize your social media, LinkedIn in particular, for discoverability and online professional networking:
- Headline: An example would be “Supply Chain Graduate | Passionate About Sustainable Energy Solutions.”
- About Section: This is where you highlight internships, projects, and values
- Activity: Engage and comment on posts that are relevant to your industry.
Don’ts of professional networking
Avoid being overly aggressive
While enthusiasm is valuable, bombarding your professional contacts with constant requests can alienate them. Instead, you should focus on building rapport through shared interests.
Only talking about yourself
Balancing self-promotion with curiosity is crucial. Talking only about yourself can make you come across as self-absorbed. So, take the time to ask questions about others’ roles (e.g., How did you transition into offshore wind projects at Shell?).
Not following through on promises
If you commit to sharing a resource or making an introduction, always follow through. Reliability is key when it comes to building and maintaining professional relationships, especially in Shell’s culture where teams manage billion-dollar contracts that require strict accountability.
Burning bridges
Even if a role isn’t a good fit for you or if an interaction isn’t immediately fruitful, you should remain courteous. You never know when you might cross paths with someone again. It’s worth noting that Shell’s Krakow Hub often rehires alumni due to its emphasis on long-term relationships.
Using networking solely for personal gain
You should approach networking interactions with a give-first mentality. The whole concept of networking revolves around reciprocity, after all. So, if possible, share job leads or introduce contacts to mutual connections to build goodwill.
Do not overlook peers
Junior colleagues may become future leaders, so don’t overlook your peers just because they’re at the same career stage as you are. They can offer valuable support and collaboration opportunities.
| Networking Strategy | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Attending Events | Face-to-face interaction, immediate connection, and access to a wide range of professionals | Can be time-consuming, may require travel, and there’s a potential for superficial interactions |
| Social Media | Wide reach, high convenience, and the ability to share content and engage in discussions. | Can be impersonal, requires consistent effort, and exposure to misinformation. |
| Mentorship | Guidance from experienced professionals, career advice, and increased confidence. | Requires finding a suitable mentor, may take time to develop a strong relationship, and may encounter conflicting advice. |
Making meaningful connections at Shell
Shell Poland prioritizes diversity and inclusion as the foundation of its networking ethos. Initiatives like the company’s ERGs, which include groups for women, STEM enthusiasts, and more, create safe spaces for underrepresented talent to connect and advocate for systematic change.
Seizing opportunities: Next steps in your journey
Professional networking is a lifelong practice that evolves with your career. Following the dos and don’ts highlighted in this guide will help you build a strong professional network that opens doors to new opportunities.
Ready to elevate your career through professional networking? Join Shell's dynamic community to connect with industry leaders, participate in virtual networking events, and discover exciting career opportunities.
