When I graduated from Washburn Institute of Technology in May 2010, the term "networking" had a very well-defined explanation to it. Networking was the skills a person had to complete an electronic circuit from Point A to Point B. That "networking" could consist of routers, serial cables, hops, and switches. I could look at a network rack with cables strewn everywhere and trace from Point A to Point B and isolate a problem and slowly re-trace the problem so it could move from hop to hop and complete the circuit.
Years later when I applied for my job at Sedgwick Public Schools, the term "networking" was on my application as I had the skills to work on networks and maintain them and that I had the qualifications to do so. I had studied hard while in school and my "networking" skills paid off as I landed my job with the school district.
As I enter my third year as Technology Director for Sedgwick USD 439, my knowledge of the term "networking" has VASTLY expanded this summer. I have wanted to expand my knowledge and skill set and also to attend several professional development seminars.
PodStock. People this event is the real deal! I met so many new connections and learned so much over the course of just two days. From amazing people like Kevin Honeycutt to Ginger Lewman to John Martin to Anibal Pacheco to even my own co-worker Nick Krahn. The knowledge that is distributed and shared at this conference is amazing. This year my "networking" changed from a physical set of tools and skills to expanding my connections and levels of knowledge. To develop strong connections leads to amazing collaboration and shared ideas. The power of knowledge is amazing and incredible.
My goal for this year is to continue to expand my "network"!
