On 7 May, students gathered at Massey University for the Build Your Network | Master of Management event, hosted by Dr Loren Stangl and Dr Kazunori Kobayashi and organised by Massey Business School. 

The evening brought together a panel of professionals and student representatives from a range of industries and organisations to share insights on networking, career growth, and building professional relationships. The speakers were chosen for their strong experience and success in building professional networks. 

Opening the discussion, Dr Loren Stangl introduced the speakers, which included Kevin O’Leary, General Manager of Business North Harbour; Danit Friedman, Student Ambassador for HRNZ; Christopher Burman from the Sustainable Business Network; Jaspreet Kandhari from the NZ Indian Business Association; Ashwin Manalil from The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport; and Charlie Chen, student representative for the Marketing Association. 

After the panel introduced themselves, Dr Kazunori Kobayashi opened the discussion by asking: How important are your networks in getting a job or a job interview, and what’s your personal experience?  

The panel explored the importance of professional connections, sharing personal experiences of how networking had led to interviews, opportunities, and long-term career growth. 

Key takeaways from the panellists 

Christopher Burman from the Sustainable Business Network encouraged students to be intentional when reaching out to people online. “I think networking is hugely, hugely important. I’m a big fan of LinkedIn,” he said, adding that many people in New Zealand are open to connecting, even with those they have not met before. However, he stressed the importance of researching people properly rather than simply sending large numbers of connection requests.  

He also encouraged students to respect people’s time when arranging meetings. “You will be surprised that people are generous with their time, as long as you’re relevant and willing to learn,” he said. “But respect their time… and pay for the coffee.” 

Ashwin Manalil from The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport echoed Burman’s comments about the importance of reaching out and building trust, “If you go and reach out to people, you’ll be surprised how leaders are willing to give you their time,” he said. “Show what value you are going to offer, and they will give the trust back.” 

Kevin O’Leary, General Manager of Business North Harbour, spoke candidly about his own experiences, admitting that networking had not always come naturally to him. “I would encourage you to attend as many different networking events as you can,” he said. “It really gets you used to talking to people you don’t know.” 

Drawing on his experience working in the UK prison service and professional football sector before moving to New Zealand, O’Leary explained that many career opportunities had come from relationships built over time rather than formal networking strategies. “It’s not specific networking that I’ve done. It’s just relationships that I’ve built up,” he said. 

Student representative Charlie Chen described himself as “a walking example of networking,” explaining how a connection made through a guest speaker during his studies eventually led to both a job opportunity and his current role. “I started networking without any purpose,” he said. “It’s all about how willing you are to express yourself.” 

He encouraged students to back themselves and start building connections early, “You’ve got your story, you’ve got your fantastic personality. Just show yourself,” he said. 

Jaspreet Kandhari from the NZ Indian Business Association reflected on how networking has changed over the past three decades. Having arrived in New Zealand 32 years ago, he explained that job searching once meant physically delivering CVs door to door. He encouraged students not to become discouraged by rejection either. “Employers or businesses are always looking for very specific skills or requirements,” he said. “If you get rejected, it doesn’t mean you should undervalue yourself.” 

Danit Friedman, Student Ambassador for HRNZ, spoke directly to students about the importance of visibility alongside academic capability, “It’s not enough that we’re experts in whichever domain we’re studying,” she said. “We also need to think about how we make ourselves visible.” 

She encouraged students to approach networking with curiosity rather than focusing purely on job opportunities. “Don’t be transactional when networking,” she said. “Come open-minded and curious to actually learn about the person that you’re meeting.” 

Friedman also compared networking to building strength at the gym. “At the beginning, it can feel uncomfortable, but the more you practice, the easier it becomes,” she said. 

After the panellists concluded, the students were asked to network among themselves and with the panellists, with many confidently approaching and speaking with the panellists, connecting students with the industry professionals. 

The event reinforced the value of networking not only as a professional skill but as a way of building confidence, relationships, and future opportunities. Through personal stories and practical advice, the panel encouraged students to start building meaningful connections early and to approach networking with authenticity and curiosity. 

Michelle Beard – Author – BNH Ambassador