Career Advice
Beyond the Surface: How to Go Deeper with Your Networking Conversations

Networking is a crucial aspect of building professional relationships and advancing your career. However, many people approach networking conversations as a superficial exchange of business cards and small talk. But effective networking requires going beyond the surface level and building meaningful connections with others. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of deepening your networking conversations and provide tips on how to do so.
The Benefits of Deepening Your Networking Conversations
Build Stronger Relationships
When you take the time to get to know someone on a deeper level, you can build stronger, more meaningful relationships. This is because you’re not just focused on what they can do for you, but on who they are as a person. You’re more likely to find common ground and build a connection that goes beyond a simple business transaction.
Gain a Deeper Understanding of Others
When you ask open-ended questions and listen actively, you gain a deeper understanding of others’ goals, challenges, and values. This helps you to better understand their perspectives and find ways to support them. It also helps you to identify potential partners, collaborators, or mentors.
Increase Your Chances of Success
When you build strong, meaningful relationships with others, you increase your chances of success. You’re more likely to receive referrals, get introduced to important contacts, and have access to valuable resources. You’re also more likely to be remembered and sought out as a valuable partner or expert in your field.
Tips for Going Deeper in Your Networking Conversations
Ask Open-Ended Questions
One of the easiest ways to go deeper in your networking conversations is to ask open-ended questions. Instead of asking yes or no questions, ask questions that encourage the other person to share more about themselves. For example, instead of asking “What do you do?” ask “Can you tell me more about your work?” or “What inspired you to get into this field?”
Listen Actively
When the other person is speaking, make sure to listen actively. This means giving them your undivided attention, maintaining eye contact, and nodding along to show that you’re engaged. It also means asking follow-up questions and seeking clarification to ensure you understand what they’re saying.
Find Common Ground
Finding common ground with others can help you build a connection and go deeper in your conversations. This can be a shared experience, a common interest, or a similar challenge. When you find common ground, you can use it as a conversation starter and build from there.
Be Authentic and Vulnerable
Finally, be authentic and vulnerable in your networking conversations. This means being yourself, sharing your genuine interests and passions, and being willing to be open and honest. When you’re authentic, you’re more likely to build a connection with others and have deeper, more meaningful conversations.
Putting it All Together
Going deeper in your networking conversations requires a combination of the tips we’ve discussed. It’s about asking open-ended questions, listening actively, finding common ground, and being authentic and vulnerable. By doing so, you can build stronger relationships, gain a deeper understanding of others, and increase your chances of success. Remember, networking is about building connections and fostering relationships, not just collecting business cards and contacts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, going deeper in your networking conversations is crucial for building strong, meaningful relationships and achieving success in your career. By asking open-ended questions, listening actively, finding common ground, and being authentic and vulnerable, you can build connections that go beyond the surface level and last a lifetime. Remember, networking is a two-way street, and by focusing on building relationships rather than just collecting contacts, you can achieve greater success and fulfillment in your career.
FAQs
Q: What are some good open-ended questions to ask in a networking conversation?
A: Some good open-ended questions to ask in a networking conversation include “Can you tell me more about your work?”, “What inspired you to get into this field?”, and “What are your goals and aspirations?”
Q: How do I know if I’m coming across as superficial in my networking conversations?
A: If you’re only talking about yourself, your work, or your industry, you may be coming across as superficial. Make sure to ask questions, listen actively, and show genuine interest in the other person.
Q: Can I use technology to deepen my networking conversations?
A: Yes, technology can be a useful tool for deepening your networking conversations. Use social media to connect with others, join online communities and forums related to your industry, and use video conferencing to conduct virtual meetings.
Q: How do I balance the need to build relationships with the need to achieve my career goals?
A: Building relationships and achieving your career goals are not mutually exclusive. In fact, building strong relationships can often help you achieve your goals faster and more effectively. Focus on building relationships with people who share your values and goals, and prioritize those relationships over superficial networking.
Career Advice
What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?

If you’ve earned a psychology degree—or you’re working toward one—you’ve probably heard this question more times than you can count: “Are you going to be a therapist?”
The truth is, psychology opens doors far beyond counseling or clinical roles. In 2025, psychology grads are building thriving careers in business, healthcare, education, tech, and beyond—often using their people skills, analytical thinking, and behavioral insight in creative and unexpected ways.
So if you’re wondering how to make the most of your psychology degree (without going back to grad school just yet), here’s a breakdown of top career paths that are both fulfilling and in demand.
Human Resources & Talent Development
One of the most natural fits for psychology majors is HR. Your background in understanding motivation, personality, and group dynamics makes you a strong candidate for roles in recruitment, employee engagement, and organizational development. You might find yourself:
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Designing training programs
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Supporting conflict resolution
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Analyzing employee satisfaction data
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Helping teams improve communication
Common job titles: HR Generalist, Talent Development Coordinator, Learning & Development Specialist, People Operations Associate
Behavioral Data & Research Roles
Psychology grads are trained to ask thoughtful questions, conduct research, and analyze human behavior—skills that are highly valued in market research and user experience (UX) fields.
In UX research, you’ll test products, apps, or websites to understand how users think, feel, and interact. In market research, you might analyze consumer preferences, run focus groups, and help companies shape campaigns based on psychological insights.
Common job titles: UX Researcher, Market Research Analyst, Behavioral Scientist, Research Assistant
Mental Health & Social Services (No Master’s Required)
While becoming a licensed psychologist or counselor typically requires advanced degrees, there are still meaningful entry points in the mental health field.
You could support licensed therapists, work in case management, or provide services in community programs, group homes, or correctional facilities. These roles are essential—and can give you hands-on experience if you’re planning to pursue graduate study later.
Common job titles: Mental Health Technician, Case Manager, Behavioral Health Support Specialist, Youth Advocate
Coaching & Career Services
Psychology grads are well-suited to work in life coaching, career services, and academic advising. These roles allow you to support people through transitions, help them set goals, and develop strategies for personal growth.
As career coaching grows in popularity, more psychology grads are entering this space—especially with certifications in areas like coaching, workforce development, or resume writing.
Common job titles: Career Coach, Academic Advisor, Life Coach, Employment Specialist
Marketing, Content, & Brand Strategy
Yes, you read that right—psych majors make great marketers. Why? Because marketing is all about behavior. Understanding what makes people click, buy, engage, and trust a brand gives you a major advantage.
With additional experience or training, you could work in social media, copywriting, customer insights, or even advertising psychology.
Common job titles: Content Strategist, Marketing Assistant, Consumer Behavior Analyst, Brand Manager
Healthcare & Wellness Support Roles
In the healthcare world, your degree gives you a unique lens to support patients and improve systems—especially in roles focused on advocacy, patient navigation, or program coordination.
These roles are often found in hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, and even insurance companies—where you may not be providing therapy, but you are making a real impact.
Common job titles: Patient Advocate, Health Educator, Wellness Coordinator, Clinical Program Assistant
Tech & Product Development
Believe it or not, tech companies are actively hiring psychology grads—especially in roles that combine behavioral science with product innovation.
You might be involved in testing features for behavior change apps, building gamified learning tools, or studying user behavior to improve product adoption. Some psychology grads even move into product management after gaining experience.
Common job titles: Behavioral Product Analyst, Human Factors Specialist, Product Associate, Tech Project Coordinator
Do You Need More School?
Not necessarily. While certain career paths (like clinical psychology or therapy) require a master’s or doctorate, many of the roles above are accessible with a bachelor’s degree—especially if you complement your education with hands-on experience, certifications, or online courses.
Look into:
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UX research bootcamps
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HR and coaching certifications
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Behavioral data analysis tools (SPSS, Tableau)
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Digital marketing or content strategy courses
Building a bridge between what you learned in school and what the job market needs is the key.
Final Word
A psychology degree isn’t a narrow path—it’s a flexible launchpad. Your ability to analyze human behavior, think critically, and communicate with empathy makes you an asset across industries.
So don’t box yourself in. Think beyond the question “What are you going to do with that degree?” and start asking “Where can I make the biggest impact with how I think?”
Because chances are, that impact could reach far beyond the therapist’s couch.
Career Advice
The Best Jobs that Don’t Feel Like Work

If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming about a job that feels more like play than work—you’re not alone. In 2025, more professionals are prioritizing joy and fulfillment just as much as they do salary. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.
There’s a growing list of “fun jobs” that also offer solid income potential. And with flexible work structures, digital platforms, and growing niche industries, landing one of these roles might be more within reach than you think.
Here Are Some of the Best Fun Jobs That Pay Well in 2025:
1. Voice Actor
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Average Pay: $75,000–$150,000+ per year
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Why It’s Fun: You get to bring characters to life, narrate audiobooks, or record commercial ads—all from a studio or even your home.
2. Travel Content Creator
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Average Pay: Varies widely ($50K to $200K+ with partnerships)
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Why It’s Fun: Explore new places and cultures while building a following. Brands often pay for partnerships, and YouTube or TikTok monetization adds extra income streams.
3. User Experience (UX) Designer
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Average Pay: $90,000–$140,000 per year
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Why It’s Fun: You design interfaces and experiences that users love, combining creativity with problem-solving in tech, gaming, or mobile apps.
4. Theme Park Designer or Imagineer
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Average Pay: $70,000–$120,000+ per year
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Why It’s Fun: You’re designing rides, attractions, or immersive experiences for some of the world’s most exciting environments. A dream for creatives and engineers alike.
5. Video Game Tester or Developer
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Average Pay: $60,000–$130,000 per year (depending on role)
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Why It’s Fun: Working with new titles before they’re released and giving feedback sounds like a gamer’s dream—and it can be a stepping stone into the broader gaming industry.
6. Event or Experience Curator
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Average Pay: $50,000–$100,000+ per year
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Why It’s Fun: You get paid to plan themed pop-ups, retreats, or immersive brand events. It’s a career for detail-oriented creatives with big imaginations.
7. Food Stylist or Culinary Content Creator
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Average Pay: $60,000–$90,000+ per year
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Why It’s Fun: Think of it as the perfect blend of food, photography, and storytelling. Plus, it often comes with delicious perks.
Thinking of Making the Shift?
Here’s a quick reality check: “fun” doesn’t mean “effortless.” Every career takes work—but the difference is, these roles tend to fuel your energy rather than drain it. Many of them also allow for freelance or remote options, giving you more control over your time and creativity.
If you’re feeling burnt out or boxed in, that might be your signal. You don’t have to choose between passion and paycheck. In fact, the best career moves in 2025 are the ones that let you have both.
So ask yourself: what kind of work would make you lose track of time—and can you make a living doing it? The answer might surprise you.
Career Advice
What is a Good Salary in 2025?

The question comes up in job interviews, performance reviews, and late-night Google searches: What’s considered a good salary in 2025?
The short answer? It depends.
The longer answer involves inflation, location, industry, lifestyle, and even the kind of flexibility you want from your job. In today’s job market, a “good salary” is no longer one-size-fits-all—it’s a moving target shaped by individual needs and economic realities.
Understanding the Baseline
According to the latest reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median household income in the U.S. is approximately $78,000 in 2025, with individual full-time workers earning a median of around $61,000 annually. But that number only tells part of the story.
In high-cost cities like San Francisco or New York, a six-figure salary may barely cover the basics. In lower-cost areas like the Midwest or parts of the South, the same salary can stretch much further.
Cost of living remains one of the biggest variables in defining what’s “good.” Tools like MIT’s Living Wage Calculator or SmartAsset’s salary comparison tools can help jobseekers and professionals get a more grounded view of what they need—not just what looks good on paper.
Beyond Base Pay: Total Compensation Matters
In 2025, a good salary is about more than just the paycheck.
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Does the company offer strong health benefits, including mental health support?
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Are there 401(k) matches or equity options?
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Is there flexibility—remote work, four-day weeks, generous leave policies?
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Are there professional development stipends or tuition reimbursement?
Professionals today are evaluating offers with a more holistic lens. A slightly lower base salary might be more appealing if it comes with great benefits, stability, or career growth.
Industry and Role Make a Big Difference
Some industries are offering premium salaries in response to demand and talent shortages:
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Tech and AI roles remain among the highest-paying, with roles like machine learning engineer, data scientist, and cybersecurity lead earning between $120,000 and $190,000.
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Healthcare professionals, especially nurse practitioners and physician assistants, are seeing strong salary growth amid ongoing shortages.
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Skilled trades like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians are seeing a resurgence, with experienced workers earning $70,000–$100,000 depending on location.
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Creative and nonprofit roles, while often paying less, are beginning to offer more competitive compensation as demand for mission-driven work increases.
Redefining What “Good” Looks Like
A good salary is not just about beating the national average—it’s about sustainability. Can it support your lifestyle without burnout? Can it offer breathing room, not just survival?
More professionals are setting their own definition of “enough,” based on:
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Financial goals (homeownership, debt repayment, travel)
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Time freedom (how much you’re working for what you earn)
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Alignment (do you feel valued and fairly compensated?)
If the answer is yes across the board, you might be closer to a good salary than you think.
Final Thought:
In 2025, a good salary is both a number and a feeling. It’s the number that lets you live comfortably, save steadily, and work with purpose. And it’s the confidence that you’re being paid what you’re worth in a market that respects your contribution. If you’re not sure where you stand, now is the time to do the research, ask the questions, and advocate for your value.
Stay tuned to WORxK Global News for more salary insights, negotiation strategies, and career growth resources.
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