Career Development Centre

Networking Skills Help Sheet

MIND MAPPING
The origins of Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping is a creative way of recording ideas that was popularised by the author and
psychologist Tony Buzan in the early 1970s. Buzan pointed out that the normal linear methods of
taking notes and recording ideas do not make efficient use of the brain’s powers. The Mind Map is
a method of recording information or ideas in a dynamic way that mirrors the brain’s processes.

Basic principles of the Mind Map

The Mind Map has four essential characteristics:
• The main topic of the Mind Map is summarised as a central image, word or phrase.
• The main themes of the subject radiate from the central image as branches.
• Branches comprise of a key word, image or topic presented on an associated line – they divide
out into further higher level sub branches.
• The branches and sub-branches form a connected structure.

To aid the process of memory and recall, a Mind Map makes use of:
• Colour - this is used to differentiate areas of the Mind Map
• Visual images - these are used throughout to illustrate different themes and topics

Advantages of using Mind Maps to record information and ideas

Compared with linear methods of taking notes and recording ideas (i.e. listing text ideas down the
page) Mind Maps have the following advantages:
• They allow a large number of complex ideas to be compressed into a single page.
• Mind Maps are created in an organic and flexible way - links can be drawn between any items
or sections. New ideas can be added in any direction, so they are good for brainstorming.
• Because it mirrors the way in which the brain works and incorporates colour, visual images and
compressed ideas, a Mind Map is much easier to memorise and recall than a linear list.

Applying Mind Maps to career planning and job hunting

Mind maps present an excellent way of organising your own ideas about yourself on paper. This
can be useful at all stages of the career planning or job hunting process.

Mind Maps can be used to do the following:

• Brainstorm lists of potential networks and contacts you can use for researching options.
• Brainstorm evidence of your competencies, when preparing CVs and Application Forms.
• Map out the structure of a CV, Covering Letter or section of an Application Form.
• Prepare an overall picture of yourself - this is particularly useful in preparing for interviews.
• Prepare answers to specific questions you might expect in interview (e.g.: "tell me about your
strengths/weaknesses", "Why are you applying this job?"). After memorising the Mind Maps
you will find it easier to recall information/answers in the interview.

Finding out more about Mind Mapping

The web site – http://www.mind-mapping.co.uk – contains a thorough range of Mind Mapping
resources. All of these titles, along with other books by Tony Buzan, are available in the University
of Derby library. Most of them cover the concept of mind mapping although some focus on other
ways of making better use of your brain.
• The mind map book -- Tony Buzan with Barry Buzan
• Use your head – Tony Buzan
• Make the most of your mind -- Tony Buzan, illustrated by Richard Fowler
• Use your memory - Tony Buzan, illustrations by Mikki Rain, diagrams by Tony Spaul

Jonathan Wolff, CDC, University of Derby, 04.08.04

 EXAMPLE MIND-MAP DEMONSTRATING ROUTES TO
INDENTIFYING POTENTIAL NETWORKING CONTACTS
• The map identifies networks leading to contacts who could give advice and information on business careers (marketing, HR, finance etc.)
• The map only shows starting points for this fictitious person’s networking activities – each contact could lead to further contacts
• The starting points and categories of contact used are just suggestions – you must use your own ideas in developing your mind maps