Career changers: Networking isn’t enough
Networking is a great way to learn about what’s out there; processing with Topknot helps you uncover what’s within.
If you’re considering a career change, you’ve probably done some networking. Talking to others about their roles, especially if you plan to switch fields, is the hallmark of many job searches.
These networking calls or events are a great way to get exposure to what’s out there. Plus, they can lead to introductions, mentorship opportunities, and even job offers themselves.
At Topknot, we respect the role of networking for career changers — and we know it’s insufficient to make your best career moves. So, we offer something entirely different: instead of introducing you to people for the sake of learning about their role, we pair you with an intentional partner who will support you to learn about yourself. There’s no expectation of follow-up or a relationship. It’s not how we normally interact with supporters, and it’s so refreshing.
If networking is giving you glimpses of the external world, Topknot is helping you map what’s within. Together, we help you make the most of your job search and ideally land you in a place that feels aligned and fulfilling.
Below are two real world examples that illustrate why networking alone is not enough.
Making other’s path your own is hard
“Tell me how you got into [field]” is a super common request on a networking call. The thought is that if someone shares their path, it will be instructive to you.
But it’s not that simple. Attempting to layer someone’s story onto your own path can create a frustrating illusion. At many points along the way, there are motivations and emotions that guided that person’s actions that are unique to them. Also, hearing about something and doing it are two different things — imagine if learning to ride a bike was as easy as hearing someone say, “Just straddle the seat, put your feet on the pedals and hands on the handlebars, and push forward.” We don’t learn just from listening to advice.
But knowing how others started or achieved something is a helpful launching point for your own thoughts. For example, take a teacher considering a move from the classroom. She’s heard that teachers are well-suited for product management, but she’d need to learn new skills. She talks to a former educator who attended a 6-month bootcamp to get into tech. From that conversation she emerges with questions like:
- What about this transition excites me?
- Am I willing to invest time and money into more training?
- What is gained or lost by going down this path?
- What would certainty that this is the right decision feel like for me?
This list is a small sample of the types of questions that are part of sensemaking, or making meaning from information. This process takes time and effort, but it’s transformative in turning someone’s advice into a personalized roadmap. Many of us are aided by talking through our thoughts aloud to find clarity — Topknot turbo charges this by giving you a supportive partner to reflect back powerful sound bites they heard and/or emotions they felt behind your words.
It’s hard to explore your emotions when someone else might feel judged
A goal of networking is often to learn from many different people to gain perspective. But after you’ve gotten input, how do you “try roles on”?
Let’s go back to the teacher-turned-techie who’s been told that product management might be up her alley. Since the transition will require a cost of time and upskilling, it’s important for her to deeply consider the move. She should pick the role apart to better understand what is or isn’t attractive to her about the opportunity, and what it might be like to actually take it on. This is hard if the person she’s trying to do that with is the same person who suggested the move in the first place. Critiques are great learning tools, but our social contracts sometimes make them awkward.
Topknot is a judgment-free space to try on certain identities and learn more about yourself in the process. We create a safe space to process your thoughts and show up vulnerably by:
- pairing you with a relatable stranger who matches criteria you say are important,
- matching you with someone different each session,
- letting you control your story and what you share — as much or as little as you like, and
- upholding and enforcing community agreements.
With these guardrails in place, you can safely and openly explore your options to figure out what does and does not work for you — without putting anyone in their feels.
Talk to people, including yourself
Career changes are hard. There are people out there in your corner who want to give you the tips and tricks that will make your next step easier. Bless them. Talking to people is a great way to orient yourself and expand what you think is possible.
But don’t stop there: make time to talk to yourself. You’ll be surprised what insights you unlock when you give a conversation with yourself the same consideration and care as the ones you have with others.
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