Guanxi, pronounced (gwan-shee), is the Chinese word for ‘relationships’ and embodies the process of building connections & networks. Guanxi is a multi-faceted term that numerous scholarly excerpts & studies have attempted to decode as Western businesses begin to expand into Asian markets. The term Guanxi primarily embodies three characteristics including, but not limited to: trustworthiness, reputation & the preservation of ‘face”…when combined together lead toward opening the doors of opportunity. We at ‘The Guanxi Connection’ embrace it as a way of life.
Let’s face it. In today’s environment it’s not only WHAT you know but WHO you know that helps college grads locate their dream job and get ahead in the business world. Despite the negative connotations sometimes associated with the word ‘networking’, we at The Guanxi Connection firmly believe that, when used in the right context, building connections proves to be favorable in the long run for both parties involved.
If you were suddenly put in charge of running & hiring the staff for a multi-million dollar business venture with your reputation at stake, would you rather hire a group of trusted colleagues whom you’ve worked with in the past or search for random candidates where you only know their names through a resume? Why should it be any different in hiring college candidates for entry-level jobs? Companies trust others whom they know to have a solid reputation based on past experiences. It’s the reason why top schools like Harvard & Yale start conditioning their students from day one for top investment banking jobs – from teachers recommending their top students in class, fellow alumni meeting regularly with students starting as early as freshmen year & continuing to build relationships until the day students interview for a full-time position. While other university students are just getting started in their job search, these students have already secured their positions from the get-go and are experts once interview season comes around.
Today’s economy and environment hasn’t helped the situation, either. While the demand for Accounting & Finance jobs post-graduation has reached an all-time high and the supply keeps on decreasing because of the economy, the law of supply & demand has proven that an increase in competition (price) must follow. A simple glance in the classifieds section of the newspaper, visit to your career planning office for job postings, nor a 4.0 GPA just won’t cut it anymore…neither will you waiting until the last few months of your graduation. Quite honestly, the ‘game’ has changed and today’s business majors need to start being PROACTIVE as soon as possible.
Utilizing our established network of business professionals and executives in the business world, The Guanxi Connection helps you build a network from the very beginning. Our consultants’ resumes span from top I-Banks to Big 4 Accounting firms to prestigious Corporate Finance leadership programs…both in and outside of the U.S. The majority of our consultants are business professionals are currently working full-time in their field and offer their services on the side…not only do they KNOW what they are talking about but they actually DO it on a daily basis.
Whether a freshman in college, undeclared business major, or a senior approaching graduation, it’s never too early or late to start the search for the ‘perfect job’ with The Guanxi Connection. From Day 1 we set you with an action plan to SUCCEED. We teach you the basics from the get-go: how to market yourself effectively, build an impeccable resume, participate in scholastic & volunteer activities that will give you an edge, create a world-class network of alumni & business professionals, and continue to foster your relationships throughout your professional career. And much more!
We are NOT simply a group of recruiters of headhunters trying to find you a job last minute. Rather, we ARE a group of highly-motivated individuals who will be your ‘career coach’ guiding you step by step toward landing your dream job…from the very beginning. Consider us your own, personal career planning office…solely focused on YOU.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, we’re here to help. We hope this blog will provide helpful networking & career advice along your journey. Most of all, we hope it’s a showcase of our talents & experience and ultimately a prelude toward enjoying our services down the road!
-The Guanxi Connection
