Janaya Hernandez Reveals the Essential Networking Playbook for Aspiring Professionals

 

Here is a 300 word, SEO-optimized summary of the episode in a friendly, casual style: Networking: The Secret Skill That Can Unlock Your Career Success In this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with Janaya Hernandez, author of "The Power of Connections: A Mentee's Guide to Networking Mastery." The two dive deep into the importance of networking and why it's a skill that should be taught in schools. Janaya explains that networking isn't just about finding a job - it's about building genuine, purposeful connections that can benefit you throughout your entire career. She argues that these skills should be introduced as early as middle school, right alongside financial literacy and other essential life lessons. Jed agrees, sharing how the networking skills he learned in high school gave him a huge advantage, both in advocating for students with disabilities and in growing his own business. The two discuss how networking is often misunderstood, with many people viewing it as "sucking up" rather than making meaningful connections. Janaya offers tips for students on how to start building their networks, from reaching out to teachers to expanding their circle of friends. She emphasizes the importance of shifting the mindset from competition to collaboration, as even our "competitors" can become valuable resources and allies. Whether you're a high school student just starting to think about the future or a seasoned professional looking to take your career to the next level, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Janaya shares how her own book came to be, as well as the wealth of networking knowledge and resources available on her website and LinkedIn. So don't wait - start building those connections today. Your future self will thank you!