When I was studying journalism at uni, our tutors often told us that getting into media is about who you know, not what you know. To say hearing that was a little disheartening would be a massive understatement. “What are we doing here, then?” I wanted to yell. The answer to this soon became clear when I did an internship at a magazine for a uni subject. My two month stint turned into a year long internship and eventually lead to me working full-time at the company. I quickly learned that yes, getting into a competitive industry like media is partially about who you know. But more so, it’s about impressing the right people with your skills, so that they’ll remember you when an opportunity comes along.
For this reason, building connections is absolutely essential when it comes to nabbing your dream job and advancing your career. But to really do it well, you need to look outside your immediate social circle, workplace and LinkedIn connections. That’s where networking events and workshops come in! They’re a great opportunity to meet people in your industry that you wouldn’t normally cross paths with. However, these types of events aren’t always created equal. They can often be too ‘university lecture’ style (with the speakers talking at you, rather than with you), or depending on what industry you’re in, a bit of a boy’s club. So, to save you hours (and dollars) trying to sort the snoozefests from the super inspiring, we’ve rounded up the best upcoming events Australia has to offer. They’re collaborative, female-focused and span across multiple industries — so there’s something for every budding girlboss!
Business Chicks International Women’s Day Lunch
International Women’s Day is coming up on 8th March. And while there will be events happening all over the country to celebrate the occasion, this lunch by the legends at Business Chicks is definitely worth going to if you live in Sydney or Melbourne. Not only will you get to tuck into a delicious meal and hear from three inspiring female speakers, proceeds from all of the tickets goes to UN Women!
Sydney: Wednesday 8th March — 12 to 2:30 pm at Centennial Homestead, Centennial Park, Sydney.
Melbourne: Friday 10th March — 12 to 2:30 pm at The Park, Albert Park, Melbourne.
Visit Business Chicks for more info.
Women In Media Networking Nights
Working in media, it can be easy to see other women as the enemy — as you’re often all competing for the same jobs! But for that very reason, we need to stick together and lift each other up. That’s what’s so great about the Women in Media networking events put on by the MEAA. They’re held all over he country and are a great opportunity to mingle with other women in media and hear from some industry veterans. The best part is, they’re held in the evening— so you won’t even need to take time off work!
Events held Australia-wide, visit Women in Media for more info.
The Confident Career Woman Program
This two-day intensive is more of a program, rather than just a networking event. However, it’s an absolute must-do for anyone who wants to learn to be a confident, capable leader. Held by image consultant experts Gillian Fox and Janette Ishiyama, the program is a masterclass in accelerating your career and being taken seriously in the workplace. No doubt you’ll meet some pretty amazing, like-minded people along the way, too!
Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th February 2017 — 9 am to 5 pm at Sydney Westfield Styling Suite.
Visit Image Consultants for more info.
#Mindfulbiz Workshop
Thinking of starting (or already run) your own health and wellness business? This event from Alison Morgan at Relauncher is definitely worth marking on your calendar. The workshop is all about identifying your business goals and using cost and time effective marketing strategies to get you there. It’s also a great opportunity to network in a super relaxed and informal environment (you’ll be sitting on yoga mats!). Oh, and don’t worry if you can’t make it to this one in Melbourne — Alison runs workshops and networking events all over the country so there’s bound to be more.
Sunday 2nd April — 1:30 to 4 pm at S3 Studio, South Melbourne.
Visit Relauncher for more info.
Business Chicks Professional Networking Nights
Can’t get to the Woman’s Day Lunch in Sydney or Melbourne? Not to worry, Business Chicks runs networking nights all over Australia. You’ll get to chat with local ladies over some canapes and wines, as well as pick up networking tips from some amazing experts.
Events held Australia-wide, visit Business Chicks for more info.
Run the World Conference
Calling all tech girls — this is one event you won’t want to miss! Run The World is set to be Australia’s first all day women in tech conference. The event held by League of Extraordinary Women will allow you to hear from and connect with Aussie ladies doing some extraordinary things in the technology. Prepare to leave feeling seriously inspired!
Saturday 11th March — 9 am to 5 pm at Deakin Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne.
Visit Run The World for more info.
Her Drum Meet-Up and Mingle
Her Drum is an online community designed to support female business owners. They also run IRL events for business babes in Sydney and Melbourne! Their meet-ups have more of a ‘casual outing with the girls’ vibe than some of the others in this list, making them perfect for anyone who cringes at the thought of super formal networking events (read: introverts!)
Held in Sydney and Melbourne, visit Her Drum for more info.
