markewicken in Networking

Why Networking?

Why should you care about networking?

It is important to learn how to network because networking can be the most effective tool in your job search.

Networking does not come easy for most people, especially new graduate and first- time job-seekers. Networking is a skill that you must learn to be successful not only in your job search but throughout your whole career.

Networking can help you uncover the ‘hidden job market’. It can open up communications with new people, increase your knowledge and most of all, create a positive impression amongst all you meet.

As you move through your career, your personal network will continually help you meet new people, uncover new opportunities and increase your overall effectiveness in whatever job or career you chose.

It is important ‘what you have learn and what you know‘.

It is equally as important, (if not more important) ‘who you know’.

Next Read: A Great First Impression »

Networking tips

markewicken: Mark Wicken is a marketing professional with over 30 years of advertising, communications and strategic planning experience within the retail and packaged goods industries. He has been a senior member of agency management teams with both account and brand management responsibilities. His strengths have always been on innovative thinking, solid organization and strong interpersonal skills. Starting in the advertising agency industry, Mark held senior account management positions at several multinational agencies including Leo Burnett, Foster, Caledon, Vickers & Benson and Saffer Advertising, and has been responsible for the management of accounts like IBM, McDonald’s, Esso and General Motors. Mark moved from his agency roles to the Client side and held the position of Divisional Vice President of Marketing for Domino’s Pizza International and Director of Marketing for KFC, Hardee’s and Sbarro restaurants in the Middle East. In 2002 he established The Mark Wicken Group, a business specializing in executive search, training and consulting within the marketing, advertising and communications industries. In addition to executive search, Mark has devoted much of his lifetime to teaching, education and youth development. He is President of MusicFest Canada ‘The Largest Annual Music Festival in North America’ and has been an instructor at the International Academy of Design and The Toronto Film School since 1998. Mark graduated from The University of Toronto, took post-graduate studies at Northwestern University, and is married with two sons.