How can you maintain relationships with colleagues after changing jobs?

1 Why stay connected

Staying connected with your former colleagues can offer many advantages, such as expanding your professional network and gaining access to new opportunities, referrals, and recommendations. You can learn from their experiences and insights, as well as keep up with the latest trends and best practices in engineering design. Furthermore, staying in touch with colleagues can enhance your reputation and credibility, as well as nurture friendships that can enrich your personal life and reduce stress.

2 How to communicate

Communication is essential for sustaining relationships with your former colleagues after changing jobs. You can keep in touch by sending regular emails or messages to update them on your new role, achievements, and challenges, as well as asking them how they are doing and what they are working on. Additionally, scheduling phone calls or video chats is a great way to catch up on a more personal level, share ideas and advice, and celebrate successes and milestones. Inviting them to join online groups or platforms where you can exchange information, resources, and opinions on topics related to engineering design is also beneficial. Moreover, following them on social media and engaging with their posts, comments, and stories is a great way to stay connected. Finally, sending them cards, gifts, or tokens of appreciation on special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or work anniversaries can show that you still care.

3 How to network

Networking is another way to maintain relationships with your colleagues after changing jobs. You can attend events, workshops, seminars, or conferences where they are participating or presenting, and introduce yourself to their contacts and peers. Joining professional associations, clubs, or communities where they are members or leaders, and contributing to their activities and initiatives is also beneficial. Furthermore, collaborating with them on projects, publications, or research that are relevant to your field of engineering design can help you acknowledge their contributions and expertise. You can also recommend them to your new employer, clients, or partners, and endorse their skills and achievements. Additionally, ask them for referrals, testimonials, or introductions to potential employers, clients, or partners; offering to do the same for them is a great way of networking.

4 How to balance

Balancing your relationships with your former and current colleagues can be challenging, but it is not impossible. It is important to respect the boundaries and policies of both employers and avoid sharing confidential or sensitive information that could harm their interests or reputation. Additionally, you should be respectful and courteous to both parties, being honest and transparent about your intentions and expectations. It is also important to be flexible and adaptable to the different styles, preferences, and cultures of each party. Finally, be grateful for the value and support that both your former and current colleagues provide, rather than taking them for granted or neglecting them.

5 How to grow

Growing your relationships with your former colleagues after changing jobs can be rewarding and fulfilling. To do this, set goals and plans for your career development and share them with your former colleagues, asking for their feedback and guidance. Additionally, seek new challenges and opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge in engineering design, inviting your former colleagues to join or support you. Explore new areas of engineering design that interest you or match your passions, and ask your former colleagues to recommend sources, mentors, or projects. Moreover, give back to the engineering design community and society by involving your former colleagues in social or environmental causes or initiatives. Finally, celebrate your achievements and accomplishments while acknowledging the role of your former colleagues in your journey.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?