How can connecting with your most trusted network inspire new opportunities?

Tapping into a trusted network can open up a whole new world of possibilities, both professionally and personally.

In brief

• The pandemic has shown us that now more than ever, connections matter. There is immense value to be found in more human, purposeful conversations.
• As we emerge from the disruption caused by COVID-19, the opportunity to renew relationships and forge new ones is a priority.
• Having a global network at your fingertips that are happy to offer insights and give advice is an invaluable asset.

The benefits of expanding our networks and strengthening existing relationships are well documented – they advance careers, provide new perspectives, spark ideas, reduce stress and improve our overall well-being. However, even in the best of circumstances, professional networking can be demanding.

Being part of a community, like an alumni network, where you share the same values, trust, and experiences can make the experience much easier. EY’s global network of over 1,000,000 alumni offers an opportunity to connect with other like-minded people. It provides a starting point for conversation and a culture which is less about ‘networking’ and more about building relationships.

Fabienne Prevoo, Head of Internal Control, Philips, and EY alumnus explains, “What draws me to the alumni network is the shared values. I feel that people within EY have very different backgrounds and cultures, but still share the same mindset, so that's what keeps me very attached to them.

Relationships built on trust

Feedback from EY’s 2021 Global Alumni Survey found that 74% of members feel EY continues to build strong relationships with them. Sanjeev Agarwal, Head of Tax at BMW India and EY alumnus, says, “There was a tremendous amount of trust developed working together, and that has always given me a confidence that, even after I left EY, I can contact them any time.” Trust has long been a key asset for any relationship, but in a hyper-connected, increasingly online environment, it matters more than ever.

The survey also found that 78% of alumni believe a recommendation from colleagues or peers was the number one factor influencing their perception of a service provider’s ability to deliver. Again, the reassurance that comes from trusted relationships is critical to decision-making.

Access to insight and ideas

Many EY alumni are now in leadership roles across the globe, growth industries and influential organizations around the world. They, like all of us, have experienced the impact of the pandemic on their businesses, their communities and their families. Having other entrepreneurs or leaders to share some of that burden with has been a lifeline. Carmine di Sibio, EY Global Chairman and CEO, describes them as, “a powerful source of advice and insight into the global business environment.”

Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Manager of AirBnB India and SE Asia, and EY alumnus, says he was delighted to help a fellow alumnus, “an ex-colleague from EY called up and said, 'I just want to spend two hours with you.' I invited him to our office, and he just wanted to understand, how do we see business evolving in this new nascent space? In those two hours, I shared everything I could, in terms of our understanding of that business.”

For others, a trusted network is not only about professional input, but also about friendship. Working at EY holds special memories for many – celebrating wins together as a team or sharing the news of a first promotion and building authentic relationships. It is important to stay in touch with people who have been alongside you through life’s ups and downs. Kath Carter, EY Global Markets Leader, explains that, “Once you become a part of EY, you become a part of our family.”

This is true for Mark Weinberger, Former EY Global Chairman and CEO, who left EY three times during his career. “Every time I left it was with the full support of my colleagues who made the effort to stay in touch with me,” he says, adding “When I left the organization, I never left the people – we continued sharing insights and opportunities, which is why I ended up joining EY more times than I left!”