Social capital
Social capital recognizes the value of the relationships you build throughout your personal and career life. These connections are valuable not only for the opportunities they offer but also for the support and guidance they provide along the way.
What is Capital?
In sociology, “capital” refers to a person’s assets or what you have that is of value and can be used or traded in social settings. Capital is an essential aspect of your career journey.
- Cultural Capital – What you know
- Social Capital – Who you know
- Economic Capital – Financial resources
- Symbolic Capital – Prestige or recognition
The different capital that you have collaboratively affects your personal, financial and career success. For example: A person with a large network of friends and family (social capital) has a lot of support getting into and succeeding in college to earn a degree (cultural capital). Their social capital will also increase their cultural capital in the workplace. A person can share and gain cultural capital with their network. Their job will increase their economic capital. Having a prestigious position at work also increases their symbolic capital and social capital.
Understanding Social Capital
Social capital recognizes the value of the relationships you build throughout your personal and career life. These connections are valuable not only for the opportunities they offer but also for the support and guidance they provide along the way.
Resources (information, influence or status) available to an individual as a result of their social capital include:
- Wisdom about how to advance educationally or economically
- Social contacts that facilitate advancement
- Referrals for academic, community and career opportunities
- Knowledge about how to work within institutional and social systems
Thinking about social capital can be stressful. Here are things to ease concerns:
- You already have it! Every person you know and who knows you is a valued part of your network and adds to your social capital.
- You accumulate social capital from daily interactions. Relationships start with a “hello.” The people you talk with in class, participate in student activities with, and hang out with are part of your network – and you are part of theirs.
- Everyone feels intimidated from time to time. It’s common to feel like you don’t belong in a new social situation, or to think that you are the least qualified person in the room. Don’t let those negative thoughts stop you. You do belong and your presence adds value to every class, group and workplace you are a part of. Learn more about imposter syndrome and how to overcome it.
Types of Social Capital
Bonding: Your close connections where trust and shared experiences strengthen relationships.
- Strong ties with each other
- Family, friends and neighbors
- Often people with similar social backgrounds
- Sense of belonging and security
- Common sense of identity
- Comfortable reaching out to each other
Bridging: Expands your network beyond your immediate circle to gain access to more resources and opportunities
- People you don’t know well but your close ties/bonding connections know
- Distant acquaintances, classmates, co-workers
- Less likely to share identities
- Members of organizations, occupations or communities we don’t regularly engage with
- Reaching out to them exposes you to diverse perspectives and opportunities
Practical Tips for Building Your Social Capital
How to Make Introductions
- Connect with people with different social and career backgrounds. Build relationships with people with a variety of knowledge of academic and career areas that you are curious about.
- Focus on building relationships with people you like instead of only connecting with people who you think can do something for you. Be authentic and genuine, show interest in others, and foster relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
- Share your knowledge. Offer help, advice, or insights to others in your network. Being generous helps create positive connections and makes your relationships stronger.
Where to Make Connections
- Attend CEHD career events to meet other students, alumni, recruiters and hiring managers. Be proactive in initiating conversations and exchanging contact information.
- Join student clubs and organizations that are interesting and fun.
- Work part-time jobs and/or internships to develop relationships with experienced workers in your career area.
- Use social media, especially LinkedIn, to engage with people in the career areas you are curious about. Engage in discussions, share relevant content, and establish yourself as a knowledgeable resource.