Networking a must?

I never really used to think much about networking until recently.

I always heard it was important but never really felt the need. Since I left my long time job at Electronic Arts Canada (EAC)I found that it has become more important than ever. I made a lot of friends at both Radical Entertainment and EAC and keeping in touch with them was the best thing I could have done.

Why? Well people move on to other companies just like I have. They all have different priorities and skills. This means that they head to various companies where their skills are needed. The bonus for me is that now I know people in many different companies and have insight to how each company is handled and how their environment is. I also now have someone on the inside that may be able to help me out.

Most recently I was talking to a recruiter who recruited me for a previous job who is now at a new company and the friendship we have forged will hopefully find me a job in the insdustry again soon.

So in closing be sure to keep tabs on your firends in the games industry because you never know when you will meet them again. I found a pretty good site to use is www.linkedin.com I have connected with hundreds of past colleagues and bosses and I am sure this will be invaluable.