by: Deborah S. Hildebrand

If you’ve been in the job market for any length of time, you’ve likely heard about the importance of networking. In fact, ask any expert on the subject and they will tell you that networking is something you should do all the time.

That’s where career support/networking groups come in. Career support and networking groups provide practical and emotional support to those who are unemployed, underemployed (part-time workers, who need to work full) or misemployed (workers whose current job is unrelated to their career choice) by offering encouragement, empowerment, networking as well as career support and guidance.

How Do Career Support and Networking Groups Work?

There are career support and networking groups all across the U.S. that have sprung up in response to employment hardships. Generally brought together a common bond such as profession, industry, location or by personal characteristics such as age, ethnicity or religion, career support/networking groups meet on a regular to network, discuss career disappointments, success stories, offer suggestions, set goals or provide assistance.

While the long-term goal of career support and networking groups is to assist all members find gainful employment, the short-term goals are to provide a supportive environment and job-loss coping skills. Many of these groups also offer employment assistance services through affiliate programs (i.e. alumni as