Networking may seem intimidating, but it’s a practical way to seek employment, advance your career and gain professional support.
By Karen M. Wetzel
Networking can be a powerful way to break into a new industry or change your current role. According to the Columbia University Center for Career Education, “Networking connections can provide you with advice and contacts, which can help you make informed career decisions. Networking can even help you find unadvertised jobs/internships.”
Networking may seem intimidating, but it’s something we’ve always done — whether finding jobs through friends or relying on neighbors for recommendations. It’s a practical way to seek employment, advance your career and gain professional support.
Connecting with the right people takes time and commitment. Successful networking is not just transactional. It’s about making genuine connections with people who are open to mutually supportive professional relationships. Here are some recommendations to help you make meaningful connections:
Connect with wine industry pros on LinkedIn
- Use these pro tips from Business.com
- Make connections with intention. Focus on quality connections and you’ll have more time for more productive interactions.
- Go beyond reposting someone else’s article and start writing original content to grab the attention of potential employers. Click here to learn how.
- Use LinkedIn DMs to follow up with people you’ve connected with. If you request to follow someone, always do it with a personalized note.
- Join and interact with LinkedIn’s wine-related groups
Keep up with the wine industry. Selectively follow and/or subscribe to relevant organizations. Here are a few guides and suggestions to help you get started:
- Wine industry networking groups
- Cornell University’s Wine Industry Associations Guide
- Napa Valley College’s Guide to Viticulture & Winery Technology Associations and Organizations
- Register for a free Wine Industry Network account by visiting its official website. Once registered, you’ll receive a twice-daily newsletter featuring wine industry insights, information about top events and access to highly sought-after wine-related job opportunities. This newsletter stands out for its timely updates and unique industry connections. It’s an essential resource for wine industry rookies and pros alike.
Take a class. Studying wine, winemaking or the business of wine can boost your résumé by demonstrating your passion and commitment to the wine industry. It also provides a valuable opportunity to connect with industry professionals. Below are some recommended wine schools and programs in the United States:
- Top-Ranked Wine Schools in America according to SOMM
- Top Wine Certifications & Wine Associations in the USA according to the Wine International Association
- 10 Colleges with Winemaking Programs from US News & World Report
- 38 Most Popular MBAs in Food/Wine Business Management from Find MBA
Make an appearance
Finally, it’s important to be seen at industry events — talking with fellow professionals and making connections with your (intended) peers.
Attend local tastings, wine dinners, wine socials, wine-focused charity events, tasting groups and wine clubs to meet like-minded people and professionals.
Volunteer at local wine-centric fundraising events. Donating your time means you’ll get to rub elbows with wine industry insiders while supporting a good cause.
Work a side-hustle. Work at a wine shop, wine bar or restaurant. It not only helps you learn about wine but also lets you interact with local wine companies and distributors. Let them know you are interested in joining the industry and ask them to keep you posted on any available positions.
As noted earlier, networking requires time and commitment. This list is intended as a starting point. I hope it’s a useful tool to help you follow your passion and find work in wine. You can do this!
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This series is designed to help you find your place in our industry. Please send any ideas, topics or questions you’d like us to address to Karen.wetzel@outlook.com