Networking

It has now been some 6 weeks since the Promoting Professional Women (PPW) conference, held at the Sofitel, Melbourne on 23 July 2007, a joint conference hosted by Engineers Australia and Association for Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia. The day was a great success, with a total attendance of 307 women from around Australia. With presentations from some prominent women of professional engineering roots, Julie Hammer, Meredith Rogers and Sue Murphy, the day was insightful. A discussion panel raised some contentious issues, such as quota systems (not preferred by many women, citing the importance of promotions on merit). An important aspect not to be forgotten is the networking opportunities which are an inherent in, and valuable aspect of such professional events. And the events aren’t necessarily all about formal presentations and discussions either – indeed social events such as the Gen2X events being held in divisions also facilitate the development of our personal networks, both in the professional and social dimensions.

During the events, many of us will have exchanged contact details and business cards, and even a meaningful conversation or two is thrown into the social exchange. But often, I must admit that I myself have been guilty of noting that I ought to get in touch with my newfound peers, and then getting ‘too busy’. Then, a month or so down the track, feel a little too embarrassed about sending an email with ‘Hi there, you might remember me, we met at the July conference …’.

On the occasions however that we do find the time to meet with a newfound colleague for coffee, we begin to genuinely appreciate the value of sharing our stories, experiences, recent challenges and goals. Recently, I had the opportunity to continue a conversation with one of the women I met at the PPW, and we were able to share some valuable insights without the time pressures of the day.

So I would like to put this challenge to you – at the next networking event, or perhaps following up from a recent event, send an email reintroducing yourself, and make the time to develop a new network of peers.

Peyi Pey Guo
SA Division, National Committee representative

Comments

[aishwarya]

With presentations from some prominent women of professional engineering roots, Julie Hammer, Meredith Rogers and Sue Murphy, the day was insightful. A discussion panel raised some contentious issues, such as quota systems