Description Introduction $($provided by an online source, no author, $2020)$: Networking is an integral part of the business world today. While the concept of building contacts as part of an ongoing network has always had some relevance, shifts in the way many people view the pursuit of a career today makes the task of network building more important than ever. By nurturing and growing a strong business and support network, up$-$and$-$coming professionals can often have access to information about new innovations in the industry and who is and is not hiring, and even make use of those relationships to make lateral or upward moves that in the long run have a positive impact on the ability to achieve career goals. Directions: Using the template provided, find a networking opportunity that would assist your career progression. You will be required to highlight the organization and showcase the features, benefits, and advantages that the organization must help your goals. Your response must include an action plan and a rationale. You are required to submit two networking opportunities as separate files. Remember: Getting a job$/$current position at an organization and their employee platforms are engagement strategies and are not networking opportunities. Again, applying for a job$/$position is NOT networking. Current places of employment are not considered networking opportunities $($for this assignment$).$ Learning events are limited and are not true networking opportunities, therefore they are not permitted to be used for this assignment. Please also review Technical Specifications for additional requirements

Introduction $($provided by the online source, no author, $2020)$:

Networking is an integral part of the business world today. While the concept of building contacts as part of an ongoing network has always had some relevance, shifts in how many people view the pursuit of a career today make network building more important than ever.

By nurturing and growing a solid business and support network, up$-$and$-$coming professionals can often have access to information about innovations in the industry and who is and is not hiring. Relationships help you make lateral or upward moves that in the long run, have a positive impact on your ability to achieve career goals.

Directions:

After reviewing the assignment guidelines and rubric, ensure that you have met all guidelines and rubric requirements. Find a networking opportunity aligned with and supportive of your career goals. Showcase this organization and link its networking initiatives to your career goals by completing the following.

Question $1$: Networking Source

What organization or association did you source that is able to provide you with a networking opportunity? Provide a description of the organization including what its main purpose is$,$ operation parameters, etc. Your response should also showcase why you selected this source. Please include a website hyperlink.

Question $2$: Networking Opportunity

Based on the organization or association that you selected in the previous question, what is the specific networking opportunity that you could attend that would benefit you to build a connection with someone more senior than you that can then promote you within their network? Remember that training events, seminar, or any learning opportunity are not considered networking opportunities. Please highlight the features, benefits, and advantages of this opportunity. $($Attach any supporting documentation and$/$or screenshots to your assignment submission.$)$

Question $3$: Personal Situation

How does this source and opportunity align to your career goals$/$ plans? This response could reference the timeframe of when you would like to achieve these goals, when this networking event would align to your goals, etc. For example, are you thinking of this assignment for the present moment $($now$),$ post$-$graduation, or your end$-$goal position?

Question $4$: Analysis

Based on your current level of experience and education, what are the limitations or disadvantages of this networking opportunity?

Question $5$: Alignment & Rationale

Discuss how this opportunity aligns with your career objectives. At what point in your career progression does this opportunity add value?

Question $6$: Reflection

Now it is time to reflect on what you have learned for this assignment. What does this networking opportunity mean to you? How has your thinking changed about your career goal based on this networking opportunity? Is this networking opportunity feasible for you to do$.$ Why or why not?