Networking is very important on various levels in CRM. At the field level, you will find out about numerous jobs through the coworkers and friends you encounter on various projects. Often times these people will recommend you for a job if they know there is an opening. There have been occasions where I got a job and found out they were looking for more people and so I would recommend people I knew that were looking. Going to conferences is a big part of networking both in academia and CRM. At a conference people often see you as someone to mentor or as a colleague rather than some temp field worker they hired to shovel test. These connections can go a long way if you end up applying to grad school or for a job.

This is a small community and, unless you never leave a certain area, you will cross paths with the same people over and over again. That field tech beside you today may be your boss 5 years from now and that beer you shared at a conference with Dr. So and So may be a first step toward a promising career or a graduate degree.