Networking is a potent professional skill that can get you ahead in your career. University is a great place to start building your network, especially when you’re moving abroad.
Effective networking can open up many doors for life-changing opportunities. Whether you’re aspiring towards a dream job or internship, seeking career guidance, or learning about your industry, having a solid network helps; even if they can’t help directly, they can probably point you to someone who can.
Here are five essential career-building networking tips to know as an international student:
Talk to your lecturers
Apart from doing well in your studies, you should also build a good rapport with your lecturers. Strike up a conversation and get to know them. We understand that breaking the ice is hard, but with time, you’ll get more comfortable and will be able to start a conversation, hesitation-free.
Your lecturers are experts in their fields and may have connections within the industry. Besides helping you with academic matters, they can connect you with the right people, boosting your employability and enhancing your network.
Use social media
Social media is a powerful platform and can work wonders when utilised correctly. So instead of sitting inside your student accommodation in Durham, Bournemouth, or anywhere else and hopping between social media platforms, you use your time proactively to expand your network.
Start with LinkedIn, a platform to build, grow and maintain your professional relationships. Connect with relevant people from your industry and engage with their posts. Provide a meaningful insight or opinion, or compliment their work.
You can also post helpful information for your connections to see. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people via message either; if they respond, then that is the start of a new professional relationship.
Apart from LinkedIn, there are also professional groups on Facebook, such as your college alumni group. You can use these to communicate with your seniors and ask them questions. These alumni groups will often share job vacancies for roles you may be interested in.
Join clubs and societies
Socialising is a crucial element of networking. What better way to start than by joining a club or society at your university?
Societies and clubs allow you to spend more time exploring areas you’re passionate about. You’ll meet like-minded individuals who can expand your knowledge, improve your skills, and share upcoming opportunities with you.
It’s a good idea to join at least one club or society at your university. Chat with the people around you to form new relationships.
Seek help from your university’s career centre
Your university’s career hub is an excellent place to boost your employability. Attend any career guidance workshops they have available, as they can help you develop your professional skills.
Furthermore, you can ask their team for career-related advice, such as finding an internship. Sometimes, they can even connect you with relevant industry leaders. Such offices maintain connections with alumni and often keep a record of what they are currently doing.
Attend networking events
Many networking events happen throughout the year, both on and off-campus, such as career fairs, webinars, and panels. Try to attend as many as you can. Many companies even host their own networking events, which they announce via their social media accounts. Follow some companies from within your chosen field to keep up to date with such events.
These events are an excellent place to meet people outside your university network. You can make a lasting impression by researching the event beforehand, preparing a greeting, and smiling politely. Most importantly, follow up by reaching out to people you meet after the event.
Final thoughts: Networking is everywhere!
The scope of networking is broad. From interacting with your neighbours near your student accommodation in London to people you’ve met in student rooms at Manchester Uni. The possibilities are limitless, and each person you meet can help you in more ways than you can imagine.
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