Encore Careers: Linkedin Groups You Should Be Joining Right Now
When exploring encore career options, you will likely want to connect and network with people associated with your new area of interest. Knowing how to use LinkedIn to find these connections will make the process easier.
Once you find professionals who share your interests, you'll be able to learn from them and potentially find opportunities for your next career move.
Here's the hard part… there are over 2 million LinkedIn groups. So, you'll need to think strategically to find and join the groups that will be valuable in your mission. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Finding LinkedIn Groups For Your Specific Interest
The best place to start is to think about what you want to gain from virtual networking. Once you have the end in mind, it will be easier to search for relevant groups.
Use the search feature to view lists of groups related to an industry, market sector, or general topic like 'Encore Careers.' Review the group's description and check out the member highlights. Keep your end goal in mind and find the groups that align to your mission.
Follow Thought Leaders Into Groups
What thought leader articles interest you most? Which authors do you intentionally read and follow? The groups those people belong to can be a good clue for where you may benefit most by joining.
Fortunately, LinkedIn makes it easy to see their group membership. Click on their profile, and scroll to the Interest section to view the groups they have joined. Check those groups out and request to join those that seem relevant to your career goals.
LinkedIn Learning Groups
Lesser known, but just as valuable, are LinkedIn learning groups. As you pursue encore career options, you may be treading new waters and educating yourself for your next move. LinkedIn offers many valuable learning pathways, most of which provide access to related Learning Groups.
These learning Groups are communities where learners with similar interests can connect, develop new skills, and network with like-minded professionals. In these groups, you can establish new connections and gain insights from each other's journeys.
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You Joined Some LinkedIn Groups. Now what?
Once you find and join LinkedIn groups, you'll need to invest your time and self to make the most of them. Make time to ask questions, pose ideas and strike up conversations. Seek out thought leaders or individuals associated with organizations that you are interested in pursuing opportunities. By establishing relationships, the group members may be able to provide valuable tips or leads to help you in your career transition.
But first, introduce yourself and show interest, offering you unique perspectives. Give something to the group before you ask something return. Perhaps someday soon, you'll be in a position to help someone else in their pursuit of an encore career.
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Terri Seydel. I'm a learner by nature and believe that all decisions begin with curiosity. When I write, I seek to nurture the reader's curiosity with intriguing content and strive to inspire their next decision. Whether the reader's intent is for education, growth, or a purchasing decision, I will help them along that journey with interesting, meaningful, and high-quality content. You can find me on Linkedin.
