Business in this new millennium has completely revolutionised competitiveness.

While up until now, preparation, skill and experience were the main elements on which to build a flourishing career, the social revolution and the phenomenon of connectivity have completely changed the game.

As well as having a good set of technical skills and the mind-set to lead, today it is absolutely crucial to make the most of trust and knowledge, creating a dense network of quality contacts. In jargon, this is known as networking, and it is considered one of the most effective marketing tools, which can simplify professional growth.

Networking involves cultivating long-term and mutually beneficial relationships between professionals, to exchange work opportunities, information and open up doors to companies.

How do you create a strong network of contacts and connections, fundamental for forging the path towards professional growth?

Among the various ways, participating in an MBA course most certainly sticks out.

As well as providing access to information, with teaching sessions and workshops, an MBA gives you access to a valuable network of contacts, allowing you to get in contact with a huge number of alumni from all over the world and boasting a really diverse set of skills.

Sharing your opinions in class, working together as a team for a class project, having a chat over a drink after class: all of this, during an MBA, is part of networking.

This virtuous circle of interpersonal exchange is seen as one of the main reasons for which candidates decide to sign up to a Master in Business Administration. According to a study conducted by the Financial Times, after the lure of potential earnings and training, the opportunity to create a good network is seen as the third most important thing driving people to choose an MBA. Sometimes people make this decision because of the efficiency of an MBA alumni network; unlike what you might think, the network of alumni does not just break up once lessons end, on the contrary its cohesion intensifies, with more meetings between contacts after the degree, which shows the strength of the relationships created.

For those who would like to know more, here are the three types of individual you can do quality networking with, during your MBA.

1. Course mates: friends today, partners tomorrow!

Like in every situation in life, as well as in work, having a network of allies is always a good way of boosting one’s career. It is even more important if, like your trusted friends doing the same MBA, you have passion for business. The young students with whom you might go for a drink or to an extracurricular event might well end up being the manager of your dream company. Stay on your toes!

2. Teachers: professionals at your service

A good level MBA guarantees its students quality training, with esteemed teachers. Make the most of connections with teachers, not only as regards Masters topics, but also to ask advice and for suggestions regarding professional choices.

3. Your dream company within your reach

During an MBA you will come into contact with a number of companies, perhaps in classrooms for workshops, or perhaps they have links to the institution for post-degree professional opportunities. Make the most of these opportunities to create, with the companies that interest you, a direct and personal relationship, which will most certainly be more effective than just a CV when it comes to making applications.