Bosses, Coworkers, and Building Great Work Relationships (HBR Work Smart Series)

17 Networking Skills for Professionals from Underrepresented Backgrounds

by AiLun Ku and Ray Reyes

Professionals from historically underrepresented backgrounds (including BIPOC professionals, first-generation college graduates and white-collar workers, and those from low-income households) are often told by well-meaning advisers to “network for opportunities” without further guidance. But without understanding how to navigate the hidden rules of engagement—the “cheat codes” that are passed down generationally among predominantly represented groups—many of these professionals are unable to gain entry to the majority white and privileged networks that control access to quality jobs, projects, and resources. For underrepresented professionals, ...