The objective of this module is to establish practices to cultivate meaningful, long-term professional relationships.

Answering the following questions will help you determine the relevancy of this module for you at this time.

If you answer No to ONE of these questions, then you are likely to find the module pertinent.
If you answer Yes to these questions, consider a quick scan of this module before moving directly to the next module: Nurturing My Community.

  • Can you identify 10-15 people in your online and offline community, who you could contact today?
  • Can you identify 1-3 professional associations related to your career goals?
  • Can you identify 5-10 professionals from groups that you were involved with (e.g., sports, parent associations….)?  
  • Do you know at least five places or settings where you can meet new people to develop professional relationships? 

Learning Outcome

At the end of this module, you should be able to: 

  • Identify who is currently in your personal and professional circles/network and whose community you’d like to join.

Learning Activities

  • Complete the Mind Map Worksheet to identify new and existing connections.
  • Start the 26-WEEK Challenge, identify up to 26 actions for each week, choose a start and end date, and begin the Challenge.
  • Review the Summary activity to complete the module.

Introduction

Building your community can lead to meaningful professional relationships and unexpected career opportunities. A single conversation—at a conference or over virtual coffee—can shift your path.

If you haven’t yet, take 3 minutes to read the unit introduction—it explains why building a network matters.

We recommend completing the Exploring My Community module first, which prepares you to reach out effectively.

Whether your network is just starting or feels stagnant, now is a chance to grow it. Expanding into new industries or interest areas broadens your perspective and opens doors.

Your resume alone won’t land your dream job. Networking increases your chances significantly by generating referrals, leads, and insights that often lead to job opportunities.

Start with familiar contacts—classmates, professors, or alumni—to build confidence. It’s normal to feel nervous or fear rejection. But rejection isn’t personal—it just may not be the right time for the other person.

Remember, an informational meeting can have a greater impact than submitting dozens of online applications.

This module encourages you to take initiative, assess your current network, and explore where you want to grow it. Once complete, continue to the next module, Nurturing My Community, to learn how to maintain strong, high-quality connections.

“You can't do it alone... Find a group who challenges and inspires you... it will change your life.”
—Amy Poehler, Harvard Commencement, 2011

Next, continue on to Activity: Connecting With Community Mind Map

Last modified: Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 10:20 AM