Find your Network
A supportive network is one of the most powerful tools in any career. It’s not just about shaking hands, swapping business cards and setting up calls. True networking means building meaningful professional relationships that deliver access, insight and community.
It should be seen as an essential part of career development, a practical way to rebalance the dynamics of leadership across the global education sector. Numerous studies have shown that a significant number of professionals attribute positive relationship building, career advancements, including promotions and job changes with better pay, to their networks.
In a survey of 751 women in leadership roles, over 80% of women at manager level and above use networking to support their careers forward, including 90% who say it helped them reach board positions and 84% who credit networking with advancing them to the C-Suite positions. These figures underline just how transformative a community can be.
For women in particular, networking provides not only career momentum but also a sense of belonging and validation in environments where representation at senior levels can still be limited. Within the global education sector, where leadership pathways are evolving but not always equitable, these networks are utterly invaluable.
Further research, published in the Academy of Management Journal and highlighted by Harvard Business Review, found that women who form strong professional relationships with a mix of colleagues and high-status connections are 2.5 times more likely to secure a promotion. This is especially true when those connections are made through a third party…like EDI-T Network.
But too often, the voices and experiences of women are overlooked and pushed to the side. EDI-T Network is here to change that conversation through in-depth content, shared insights and a community that supports leadership at every level across global education. At its core, our community exists to open doors and discussions.
By having honest dialogue around equity, diversity and inclusion, we can, together, challenge the systemic barriers that have long shaped global education leadership. Members can draw on collective experience, gain practical tools and connect with others who are navigating similar challenges, all within a supportive space that values authenticity and transparency.
Thinking about being part of EDI-T’s community? Go on, do it. We promise it’s not as awkward as it sounds. There’s no secret handshake, no pitch Olympics, and absolutely no requirement to pretend you “just love networking.”
Joining a network like EDI-T is simply about finding people who get what you do and have shared values and goals to improve situations around them. It’s friendly, supportive and refreshingly real; the kind of space where ideas are shared freely, and everyone’s rooting for you.
But here’s a few tips on how to make the most of networking:
Put yourself out there
If you are heading to a physical event, we get the worries. Walking into a room of strangers and finding a friendly face to talk to can be one of the most daunting aspects of networking. Undoubtedly this is what puts many of us off! But don’t forget, everyone is there to catch up and find new connections. So you’re not alone, it’s just about going for it.Have a strategy
Before you dive in, think about what you can gain from your network, is it mentorship, new opportunities, fresh ideas, or simply support from people who understand your world? Setting clear intentions helps you focus your time and energy, making every interaction more meaningful. Be intentional, but stay open; some of the best connections happen when you least expect them.Keep up the connections
After a long day’s networking it’s important to make sure you’re getting the most out of your efforts. Check in with the people you meet, stay curious about what they are doing and how you can help them, not just in the day following meeting them but continuously. Connection and relationship building takes time and commitment.
