Networking 101: Wisdom Beyond Degrees

AuthorAuthor

YoungBlackProfessional Network & Jarry Ngandjui
July 15, 2024

More than a hobby

Building on networking series and the value of mentor-mentee relationships, let's explore a concept that challenges traditional notions of wisdom and mentorship.

Everyday HOBBYIST can become valuable guides on your path to success.

While formal education and professional credentials undoubtedly have their place, there's a wealth of knowledge and experience that exists in competitively pursuing hobbies.

A HOBBYIST is someone who pursues an activity (hobby) in their spare time for leisure, pleasure or relaxation, rather than their main occupation. Imagine two people who both enjoy posting on social media as a hobby. The first person, let's call her Jasmine, posts whenever she feels like it, sharing random thoughts about her day. The second person, Marcus, takes his hobby more seriously. He posts every day, studies his page analytics, and has even started earning money from sponsorships – all while keeping his regular job.

While both Jasmine and Marcus are hobbyists, Marcus's approach offers a valuable lesson. His dedication and strategy have turned a simple hobby into a potential goldmine of knowledge. For young professionals like you, people like Marcus can be unexpected mentors, offering real-world experience and practical skills that you might not find in a traditional mentor.

Wisdom Beyond Degrees

You don't always need a fancy degree to become an expert. Sometimes, all it takes is passion and dedication to a subject. Think about your favorite YouTuber who breaks down complex topics in easy-to-understand ways. They might not have a Ph.D., but their hours of research and practice have made them incredibly knowledgeable.

Each of us engage in one or multiple hobbies. Research shows that individuals who engage in hobbies unrelated to their work show stronger signs of resilience and confidence enabling them to perform better at work. (Ciara M. Kelly et al). Taken seriously, hobbies have the ability to be a resource generating activity outside of work.

These self-taught experts can be great mentors because they understand the journey of learning from scratch. They've likely faced challenges similar to yours and can offer practical advice on how to overcome them. Plus, they often speak in a way that's easier to understand than traditional "experts."

Hidden Sages

Your next great mentor could be hiding right under your nose! Start paying attention to the hobbies of your family members, friends, and coworkers. You might be surprised by the depth of knowledge they've developed.

For example:

  • Your uncle who spends every weekend working on cars might have valuable insights on problem-solving and attention to detail.

  • Your friend who's always planning amazing trips could teach you a lot about organization and budgeting.

  • Your coworker who runs a small online shop in their spare time could share tips on time management and customer service.

To uncover these hidden sages, start asking questions like: 

  • "What do you like to do in your free time?"

  • "How long have you been interested in that hobby?"

  • "What's the most challenging part of your hobby?"

  • "What's the most interesting thing you've learned recently related to your hobby?"

  • "What's a common misconception people have about your hobby?"

  • "Can you share a memorable experience or achievement related to your hobby?"

Remember, mentorship doesn't always have to be formal. By learning from the passionate hobbyists around you, you can gain valuable skills and insights that will help you succeed in your professional life. So keep your eyes open – your next great mentor might be the person sitting next to you at the family barbecue!

Sources

The relationship between leisure activities and psychological resources that support sustainable career: The role of leisure seriousness and work-leisure similarity. - Ciara M. Kelly et al 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001879119301125