Think you’ve done everything to network as an engineer with nothing to show for it? Discover why most engineers network wrong and how to fix it.
By Isqil Najim
“I’m not here to tell you to network more. I’m here to show you why most engineers network wrong — and how to fix it so it actually brings you projects, roles, and partnerships.”
Those were the words of Engr. Dr. Ndifon Agbiji at a public webinar hosted by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Ikeja Branch Technical Committee led by Engr. Akinboboye, held in May 2026 where he sparked a conversation on a subject that is silently stalling the careers of many engineers.
He was speaking on the theme “Mastering Networking and Relationships for Personal and Professional Growth.”
Agbiji pointed out that the engineering profession has a weaker side: the very training that makes engineers technically excellent is the very training that leaves them poorly equipped to navigate human relationships, build influence, and secure opportunities.
“We are trained to solve problems with mathematics, codes, and standards,” Dr. Agbiji said. “But the fastest way to apply those solutions is to get hired first — to secure projects, to get mentored, to get promoted. And all of this is achieved through people.”
He suggested that over-reliance on CVs and certificates in a world that has moved on could be one of the culprits.
“Who gets called for any project or any startup role is who is known by the decision-makers. Your network is your shortcut.”
He identified the core barriers holding engineers back, among which is the inability to cultivate sustainable relationships beyond technical competence. “Over 85% of opportunities come through people, and through referrals,” he said.
Most project openings, he noted from personal experience, are never advertised. “Just this morning, I woke up to a message on my chat — someone seeking to hire a number of engineers on a high-profile project. That was not advertised. I quickly forwarded it to a number of civil engineers I know.”
Dr. Agbiji, who is well known for his profound thoughts, revealed that the very concept of “networking,” as engineers typically practice it, is the problem.
He lamented the practices of some younger engineers misusing networking opportunities by randomly dropping calls for help in engineering platforms, or at a first meeting, without first building relationships. Often, many of these are either silent members or just drop messages when in need.
“What can you do for me?” “Sir, I need a job.”
“That doesn’t work. It doesn’t really grant us the results we expect,” he said.
He emphasized that engineers must build relationships and trust before making requests.
Agbiji, however, acknowledged that this skill doesn’t come naturally to engineers. “Engineers are trained to solve problems, not manage people. So most often, it’s not our fault. But we need to build our soft skills.”
To address situations like this, Dr. Agbiji offered guides that can be deployed regardless of where an engineer stands in their career.
The foundation of effective networking, he said, is the understanding that “people help people they feel indebted to.” Value must come before any ask.
He pointed out that every engineer already possesses four currencies that could be of use to him, regardless of seniority: knowledge, time, connections, and feedback. “You don’t need money to give value. What you need is attention.”
For a young engineer with limited connections, offering time or sharing technical knowledge is enough to begin. For a mid-career professional, leveraging one’s connections on behalf of others builds reciprocal goodwill.
“When you do this, you become the solution — not the beggar,” he said.
Dr. Agbiji urged engineers not to overlook opportunities that the NSE already offers them. He pointed directly at the NSE Ikeja Branch with over 2000 members, many of them senior engineers, contractors, consultants, and decision-makers and called it “a great gold mine.”
“Don’t waste this. After every meeting, pick a minimum of three people and connect with them in their areas of practice. Offer to present a solution or ignite a discussion in their field.”
“If you meet someone, follow up within 48 hours. ‘Great pleasure meeting you.’ Ninety percent of people never do this. That is why we meet barriers in cultivating meaningful networks.”
The follow-up, he emphasized, does not need to be elaborate. The act of reaching out itself signals seriousness and sincerity.
He urged engineers to engage with technical content online and not generic commentary, but meaningful, substantive contributions to industry discussions.
But he warned against letting digital visibility become a substitute for physical presence. “We must also make ourselves available in physical meetings. This affords in-depth communication, in-depth relationships, and in-depth interactions.”
“You don’t need 500 contacts to reach your preferred destination. That’s a crowd. What you need is about 10 people who know your name and trust you.”
He explained the ideal composition of what he called a Power Circle of no more than 10.
Two mentors comprising senior professionals 10 to 15 years ahead on the career ladder who can guide and vouch for you; three peers comprising colleagues at roughly the same career stage, on the journey alongside you; three clients or customers comprising people who can pay your bills and sustain your income; and two influencers comprising highly placed senior colleagues who can open doors that ordinary networking cannot.
The Power Circle, he said, is not just a personal career tool — it is what engineers need to exercise real influence on national policy.
Dr. Agbiji challenged engineers to set goals. “We are getting into the second half of the year; most of us had goals written for 2026. Between you and your goals is a bridge — and that bridge is good relationships.”
Comment on three industry posts relevant to your engineering discipline — technical commentary that adds something to the conversation.
Attend at least one NSE meeting this month. Follow up with one old contact — a university colleague, a former boss, or someone from a shared project.
“Your skills get you noticed. Your relationships get you chosen. Build the network now, and your future self won’t have to beg for the opportunities you could have earned with one real conversation today. Engineers build bridges, roads, power plants. But the most important thing you will build is relationships. That’s what gets those projects to you,” he said.
Earlier in her address, the NSE Ikeja Branch Chairman, Engr. Nimot Mulli, explained that the topic was chosen to bridge a critical gap. “Beyond what we normally focus on at events, we should recognize that it is important that we network — and that we network meaningfully,”
“You are just going into your career and you find yourself at various places. You need to know the importance of networking. It has worked for some of us and it is still working. I trust you will get some new insights — either as reminders or new nuggets. Make sure you take every bit of it,” she said.
Isqil Najim can be reached on LinkedIn HERE