When we talk about career growth, we often emphasise hard work, upskilling, and staying ahead in your field. But there’s another factor that’s equally as powerful: the communities you build along the way.
Building meaningful connections with colleagues, mentors, and peers can open doors you didn’t even know existed. This isn’t just networking—it’s about cultivating genuine relationships based on trust, shared values, and mutual support.
Here’s how community gives you a career edge:
- Opportunities don’t always go public: Most opportunities are shared privately before they ever hit a job board. A hiring manager might tap their network first, asking for recommendations. If someone in your community trusts you, your name could be at the top of that list before the job is even advertised.
- Your advocates are your secret weapons: When someone believes in your work ethic, skills, and character, they’ll advocate for you in rooms you’ve never even stepped into. That’s how promotions happen. That’s how referrals land your dream roles.
- Workplaces thrive on trust: People don’t recommend others lightly—it’s a reflection of their judgment. When you build trust in a community, you’re signalling to others: “I’m reliable, capable, and someone worth investing in.” And trust will always outweigh a flawless résumé.
Practical tips for building your career community
- Be human: No one likes the person who only reaches out when they need something. Check-in on people. Relationships are built on real conversations, not transaction vibes. It doesn’t have to be daily or even weekly, but drop a message to former colleagues, mentors, or peers once in a while.
- Help before you ask: Do you know someone who is hiring? Share the role with someone who might be perfect for it. Your generosity now can boomerang back in amazing ways later.
- Make yourself visible: This one’s important. Whether it’s through LinkedIn, Twitter, or even a group chat, don’t hesitate to share your work, ideas, or thoughts. You never know who’s watching or who might reach out because of what you’ve shared.
It’s easy to dismiss the role of community in career growth, thinking that hard work alone will get you there. But as we’ve seen time and again, having the right people in your corner can fast-track your journey in ways you can’t do alone.
