Networking is seen by many business professionals as a key aspect of career success. Now, non-formal education platforms are looking to help children harness their communication skills and take advantage of the growing role of virtual socialization to better equip them for the future.
Over 80% of modern-day professionals see networking as a key aspect of their successful careers. Although the job market is bound to change unrecognizably in the coming years due to the permeation of AI, the fact that networking helps fill 85% of positions shows some skills will be the deciding factor in getting work opportunities in the near future.
For the generations that are currently in the K-12 education system, social media and the increasing role of the internet has opened up an entire world of connections that could be useful for both social development and furthering career prospects, yet many are not aware of this newly-possesed power.
According to Akvilė Bartaševičiūtė — the founder of FRIENDOLAND, an intercontinental non-formal e-school with classes for children aged 6-17 and Chief Scout at Lithuania’s largest scouting organization — parents are now looking for ways to build their children’s network, and non-formal learning seems to be well positioned to deliver the necessary tools.
“Making connections can help kids develop strong communication and other soft skills that could improve their social life, and starting early is the key to inculcating the value of networking in their mindsets. This way, by the time they enroll in college, they will feel secure enough to take advantage of a variety of networking opportunities,” she explained. “Non-formal education has all the tools needed to help children build connections — mainly, a community formed around common interests, teamwork, and inclusivity.”
How could children benefit from networking?
Non-formal education platforms are a great opportunity for children to develop as individuals and to meet others who share their interests — those who have a passion for foreign cultures or sustainability can explore this subject as a group and help each other learn. Building trust and forming deep ties with other students who share their interests is a fantastic method for children to make new friends outside of the confines of the classroom, discover new information, and pique their interests.
“Children can be exposed to various fields of knowledge through meeting new individuals that bring a unique, individual point of view to the conversation. Attending classes on novel topics is also a fantastic opportunity for young people to connect with a teacher who has real-world expertise in their subject of interest and could act as a mentor,” Ms. Bartaševičiūtė noted.
Furthermore, children can meet people from other origins, cultures, and regions by looking into networking opportunities outside of their current social groups. With the growth of virtual socialization — over two-thirds of the world’s internet users are on social media now — people can instantaneously interact with individuals around the world, providing new opportunities for kids to form wholesome friendships. Building a broad network is crucial for improving communication skills and expanding their worldview.
“Above all else, the most effective networking strategy our kids will ever need is without a doubt educating them to be nice and polite to others. No matter what field they want to work in or what position they want to hold, being able to collaborate with people and establish strong connections will be helpful to them along the road,” Ms. Bartaševičiūtė concluded.
www.friendoland.com