It's a Small World After All!

The business world puts such a strong emphasis on networking because of the thought the world is a smaller place than we imagine and people are only removed by what we call “six degrees of separation.” I experienced how small the world is this week when I logged on to LinkedIn. This social network has a way of aggressively putting the degrees of separation in perspective. It’s comical to see how many people you are connected to in some way.

A few years ago, I interned at ESPN in the event marketing department. It was an amazing internship! I learned so much about the cable industry, corporate communications and marketing strategy. A member of the company’s College Relations team recruited me. The recruiter helped enrich my intern experience and provided vital opportunities for my professional growth. I’ve made sure to keep in contact with him through LinkedIn over the past few years.

While browsing through my updated profile alerts, it was to my surprise that my former recruiter was my alma mater’s newest career center adviser. It blew my mind! I would have never thought in a million years the recruiter’s next job wouldn’t be in the cable industry.

This goes to show you never know what’s next. I now understand why it is so important to stay connected and take advantage of your network. You never know where a person can come in handy in your future, or where you will have the ability to help them. By staying connected to this former recruiter not only do I have ties to the cable industry, but now I have another connection at the University of Miami (and you can never have too many of those!).

As crazy as it may sound, the world really is a small place. All we can do is embrace it. You never know what the future might bring.