The benefits of networking

From the age of five to 18, I was fortunate enough to attend a school that is part of a group of 26 schools throughout the UK. The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) was founded in 1872, a time when there was a deficiency in good quality education for girls, and by 1895 more than 20 schools had been established, providing a safe environment in which girls could learn and develop.

Over 140 years later the GDST model is still a relevant one; the GDST now educates nearly 20,000 pupils a year and has an impressive list of notable alumnae, including Enid Blyton, Judge Frances Kirkham, Emma Bridgewater, Susanna Reid, Mary Berry and Dame Stella Rimington. The extensive reach of the group means that wherever I go, I can invariably find a fellow GDST girl if I look hard enough. The girl in the room next door at university, who went on to be one of my very best friends – a GDST girl. The training principal at the firm I trained with – a GDST girl. I could go on.

This ready-made network of generations of confident, ambitious and successful women, scattered all over the globe, is invaluable. And the instant common ground of having the same education and sharing an ethos immediately breaks down the usual barriers you face when meeting people for the first time.

It was, therefore, with high hopes that a few weeks ago I attended a newly-launched GDST alumnae law networking group. On my arrival there were two things which struck me. First, there were fewer girls in attendance than I had expected. But, in hindsight, that was not surprising given that the group was only launched in the autumn. Second, I immediately saw a familiar face – a classmate from law school who until then I had no idea was a GDST girl. And then the next morning, when waiting for my train, I looked down the platform and saw one of the girls I had met for the first time the evening before – it turns out she lives on the road next to mine. It’s a small world, which only gets smaller the more people you get to know.

The relatively small size of the group facilitated a fascinating discussion about its purpose and future. Inevitably, there were differences in opinion over what those in attendance hoped to contribute to or get from the group. Some were looking for mentors and guidance on training contract applications or promotions, and others were hoping to develop business opportunities. But, in equal measure, there were conversations on tips for balancing a successful career with having a family and recommendations for nannies. After much discussion, it was agreed that the group would benefit its members in so many ways that it could have no single purpose.

The dictionary defines a ‘network’ as “a group of people who exchange information and contacts for professional or social purposes”, and that is exactly what this and all other network groups achieve. There is no shortage of network groups, legal or otherwise, which is arguably the best testament to their success and value.

These groups bring together people who share some common ground but might not otherwise meet and get to know each other. They provide a welcoming environment and a safe forum for discussions. But perhaps most importantly of all, they help us to build our support networks, be it professionally, personally or, in many cases, both.

However, the key to the success of any group is gaining a critical mass of active members. So, if you are a GDST alumna, I would urge you to sign up to the law networking group on the GDST alumnae website. And if you are not an alumna, you probably know someone who is, even if you don’t realise it – she might be sitting next to you right now.SJ

Kate Davies is a solicitor at Wedlake Bell