We view it as a stage or as a step to something better. A good part of networking is finding a mentor. A mentor can be a co-worker or supervisor. Or someone who has been there - or works in the job or department you wish to work in. You learn about most employment in this country via word of mouth - not by classified ads.
Resumes mean little.
Rather, a phone call from a friend to someone else helps. But to get mentors, you need to approach a mentor as a friend. That is very important. When you seek to network, please keep that in mind. That is the true art of networking.