If you suddenly found yourself alone in a lift with a person of influence in your chosen industry, would you be able to talk to them about current trends? How about the latest innovations or some recent challenges facing your industry?
If you’re a bit sketchy on the details, it might be a good time to develop a few strategies to help you keep up with your industry. After all, nothing stands still for long, and if you make a habit of regularly checking a few trusted sources, it will become a regular part of your routine.
Over time, you’ll develop a good understanding of your industry, where it’s heading and how you fit into it.
Here are three simple ways to keep your knowledge fresh:
- Does your industry have a professional association? Often you can join at a discounted rate as a student or new graduate. You’ll be kept up-to-date with industry news via the web, newsletters or magazines. And you’ll gain access to professional development and networking opportunities.
- Use LinkedIn to follow organisations and people at the cutting edge of your industry. You’ll see whenever they write or share articles relating to issues or developments in your industry. And you could make new connections by sharing the post or participating in the discussion it triggers.
- Listen to podcasts about your industry. Podcasts offer an easy way to gain insight into the issues and people driving your industry. The portable nature of a podcast means you can do this at the gym, while you’re on your way to work or cooking dinner.
We’re running several How Do I Get to Know My Industry workshops for Science & Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities and CBS students. Sign up to attend, and never fear getting into the lift again!
