Washington Lawyer - January/February 2025 - 36

NEWLY MINTED
Making Connections
in D.C.'s Networking Scene
By Julianna Kober
I
n many cities, professional
networks grow organically over
time, rooted in stability and
familiarity. In Washington, D.C.,
however, the transient nature of its
workforce means that your next
connection could be gone before
you've even had a chance to
strengthen that relationship. This
paradox creates both challenges
and opportunities for those looking
to expand their professional circles.
To thrive in this ever-shifting environment, professionals
should try to approach networking
with intention and authenticity. It's not just
about collecting business cards and followers
on LinkedIn; it's about fostering genuine connections
that can endure. Here are some strategies
to consider.
1. Leverage alumni networks. Whether your
alma mater is near or far, you are likely to find a
connection. Many universities have active
alumni associations that host events, workshops,
and networking functions. As an alumna
of the University of Rochester, Elon University
School of Law, and Georgetown University Law
Center, I get a rush of nostalgia every time I
connect with fellow alums. Only a classmate
can understand the shared experiences of dining
hall foods, dorm drama, and " where were
you? " moments. Connecting with alumni provides
a sense of camaraderie and opens doors
to industry- and non-industry-specific contacts
that can lead to new opportunities. Engaging
with individuals outside of your immediate industry
can enrich your understanding of different
sectors and expand your network in unexpected
ways.
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* JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
2. Attend professional events regularly.
The District abounds with professional events,
from conferences and workshops to informal
meetups and networking nights. Make it a
point to attend these events regularly, as they
provide excellent opportunities to meet new
people while reconnecting with those you may
have lost touch with. The best part of " becoming
a regular " at these networking events is
that over time you recognize more and more
familiar faces, and showing up becomes less
overwhelming and more fun.
3. Follow up and stay in touch. One of the
most critical aspects of maintaining a professional
network is the follow-up. Making a
monthly reminder in my calendar has changed
my networking game. It's easy to forget to network
when you're in the wash cycle of long
workdays and busy life commitments. Some
months that pesky reminder is deleted with
swiftness. Other months, it's just the motivation
I need to remind myself to connect with
someone I haven't linked with in a while. A
monthly reminder to follow up with your network
can help keep the lines of communication
open, even if the follow-up is just a quick
message.
4. Embrace the transience. While the transient
nature of D.C. workers can be daunting, it
also offers a unique opportunity to meet a diverse
array of individuals from different backgrounds.
Embrace the fluidity of your network.
Chances are when one of your connections
leaves the city, they are leaving behind a network
of their own. Before your connection
leaves, ask them to connect you to someone
else in their network. This strengthens the
bond with one person and opens the door for
new contacts that may share similar interests
and experiences. You never know when you
might be the one to enter the revolving door.
5. Balance remote work with social interactions.
Given the varying degrees of remote
work policies, the challenge of maintaining social
interactions has become even more pronounced.
While working from home offers flexibility
and comfort, it can also lead to feelings
of isolation, making it easy to miss out on
meaningful social connections. To counter this,
prioritize social interactions by scheduling regular
happy hours, coffee meetups, or informal
lunches with colleagues or contacts. Consider
designating specific days for social activities or
joining coworking spaces that host community
events. These interactions can provide a muchneeded
balance, allowing you to foster relationships
that can benefit both your personal
and professional life.
6. Be authentic. In this fast-paced city, authenticity
stands out. Professionals often
gravitate toward genuine interactions, seeking
connections that go beyond surface-level exchanges.
When networking, embrace your true
self; share your passions, experiences, and even
your challenges. This openness fosters trust
and can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships.
People are more likely to remember
and connect with you if they sense your authenticity.
In
conclusion, living and working in Washington,
D.C., undoubtedly presents its share of
challenges when it comes to maintaining a
professional network. However, by approaching
networking with intention, leveraging your
existing connections, embracing the unique
opportunities the city offers, and being true to
yourself, you can create a robust and supportive
professional community.
Julianna Kober earned her JD at Elon University
School of Law and her LLM at Georgetown
University Law Center. After graduation, she
clerked at D.C. Superior Court under Judge
Deborah J. Israel. She is currently a trial attorney
at the U.S. Department of Justice. The views expressed
in this article are her own and do not
represent the views of the Department of Justice
or the United States government.
Washington Lawyer - January/February 2025

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