Networking

 One of the most important things that I have learned by going back to school for my master's degree is that networking is very important in the world of gerontology.  And that is something that I am going to need to work on.  As much as I love working in senior living, if I want to branch out into something else in senior services it is going to require networking.  Job opportunities come from who you know many times in this business.  And there is nothing wrong with that.  I am just not very good at it....yet.

Several months ago, as part of our career lattice program at work we had to attend the TRLA meeting that was being held at HG. That's the Triad Retirement Living Association.  I had a good time at the event and enjoyed meeting a few people.  We didn't stay for the entire meeting because we were at work but it was good practice for me for future events.  I even talked with my AED about attending future TRLA events.  But there are many ways for me to network.  Our local organization for older LGBT adults, the Triad Aging Association, is always having events.  Most of them are held during the day, but I should be able to start making some of the ones that are after work hours for me.  And once school is done, I will have to some time to volunteer as well.  That never hurts and gets my name out there.

I am going to start building my career network.  Even if I stay in my current position for awhile, I will at least have some contacts and hopefully good resources.  BTW, I love where I work so I absolutely don't mind staying LOL  Anway, it's something that I need to start doing.  It will help my career and my confidence....cue social anxiety.  I'll start looking for more events and see how it goes!

That is all.