Lana Oconnell
Networking is an essential skill for international students to develop, as it can open doors to future career opportunities, provide support during their time abroad, and enrich their personal and professional lives. International students can network by attending events, workshops, and seminars hosted by their university or local organisations, joining clubs and organisations, leveraging social media platforms, and connecting with professors, classmates, alumni, and potential employers. Networking goals may shift over time, with first-year students focusing on relationship-building, and seniors leveraging relationships for job opportunities. International students should also consider virtual networking, which has become more common and allows them to connect with professionals globally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Networking goals | Shift with time; first- and second-year students may focus on relationship-building, while juniors and seniors may leverage relationships for work |
| Knowing yourself and your goals | Knowing your interests, values, skills, and goals helps you have valuable conversations about your career path |
| Finding common ground | Reach out to other international students, alumni, and contacts from the same country or with shared experiences |
| In-person networking events | Career fairs, workshops, panels, industry conferences, and topic-specific groups and forums |
| Online networking | LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and other social media platforms |
| Online groups | Join groups related to your professional interests, read and comment on relevant articles, and interact with online professional groups related to your field or interests |
| Student organizations | Campus clubs, cultural clubs, interest groups, and organizations |
| Maintaining connections | Follow up with people you meet through email, social media, or in person |
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What You'll Learn
Attend networking events, workshops, and seminars
Networking events, workshops, and seminars are excellent opportunities to connect with professionals, alumni, and potential employers. They provide valuable opportunities to practice your networking skills and make important connections. Here are some tips to make the most of these events:
- Be proactive in seeking out events: Keep an eye out for networking events, workshops, and seminars hosted by your university or local organizations. These events are designed to help students connect with the right people and make valuable connections.
- Prepare in advance: Before attending a networking event, ensure you have a clear understanding of your interests, values, skills, and goals. Consider what you hope to achieve from the event and the specific industry or career path you are interested in. Having a business card and an updated resume or CV can also be helpful.
- Engage and be curious: During the event, actively engage with others and be curious about their journeys. Ask meaningful questions and show genuine interest in maintaining the relationship. Be open to learning from others and seek to understand their perspectives.
- Stand out and be memorable: Look for ways to stand out from other students. Highlight any unique experiences or skills you possess and don't be afraid to showcase your multicultural perspective as an international student. This can make you more memorable to the people you meet.
- Follow up: Networking is not just about making initial connections but also about nurturing them over time. Be sure to follow up with the people you meet, whether through email, social media, or in person. Keep the lines of communication open and demonstrate your genuine interest in maintaining the relationship.
By actively participating in networking events, workshops, and seminars, you will improve your networking skills and build valuable connections that can support your academic and professional journey.
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Join clubs, societies, and online groups
Joining clubs, societies, and online groups is an excellent way to meet like-minded individuals and expand your network within the academic community. It can also help you make friends and settle into university life, especially as an international student.
When choosing which clubs, societies, or groups to join, consider your goals and interests. If you're studying a specific field, look for academic clubs and honor societies related to your course or major. For instance, if you're studying business, you might want to join Delta Mu Delta or the Idaho Entrepreneurs Network (IEN). If you're studying psychology, consider Psi Chi. Many international students in the US may also benefit from joining their college's International Students Association (ISA) to help with culture shock.
Collegiate honor societies like Golden Key have chapters around the globe and offer access to professional development webinars, online networking, and virtual service projects. You can also seek out local chapters through your school, as some honor societies require a minimum GPA for membership. Academic clubs can offer career exploration opportunities, peer mentoring, and experience in topics you're passionate about.
Student-run organizations offer a range of focuses, including academics, leadership opportunities, career development, cultural events, and community service projects. For example, the University of Idaho's Amateur Radio Club creates a fun environment for learning amateur radio, while the Colorado State University Advertising Club helps members develop their advertising portfolios. Joining a sports club or society can also be a great way to meet people and stay active.
Online groups and social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram can also be powerful tools for networking. Create a professional profile on LinkedIn to connect with professors, classmates, and potential employers. Join groups related to your professional interests, read and comment on relevant articles, and reach out to new contacts.
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Connect with international alumni
As an international student, connecting with alumni from your chosen school can be extremely beneficial. Alumni can provide mentorship and guidance on adjusting to life in a new country, offer advice on academics and career decisions, and even provide professional connections and opportunities.
Utilize Alumni Associations and Networks
Many universities have alumni associations or networks that organize events and networking opportunities for former and current students. These associations are a great way to connect with alumni and leverage their insights and connections. Alumni associations often have online platforms or directories that can help you identify and connect with international alumni.
Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for networking events, workshops, and seminars hosted by your university or local organizations. These events often provide opportunities to connect with alumni, and they are excellent venues to practice your networking skills. International student orientations, cultural activities, and social gatherings are also great places to meet fellow international students and alumni who have been through similar experiences.
Tap into Social Media and Online Platforms
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram can be powerful tools for connecting with alumni. Create a professional profile on LinkedIn, join relevant groups, and follow industry influencers. You can also use LinkedIn to connect with professors and classmates, who may have alumni connections. Other platforms like ExchangeAlumni offer opportunities to connect with fellow alumni and access resources.
Seek Mentorship Opportunities
Alumni can be excellent mentors, offering guidance and support throughout your student journey and even after graduation. Reach out to alumni who work in your industry of interest or have a career path that you admire. Many alumni are willing to pay it forward and provide mentorship to current students. By month 12 of your time at university, aim to have at least 2-3 mentors, including alumni mentors, to guide you in your career search process.
Leverage Common Interests and Backgrounds
When connecting with alumni, look for commonalities that can help forge stronger connections. For example, you may share the same home country, have studied the same course or participated in the same university societies. These shared experiences can make alumni more receptive to your outreach and can provide a foundation for meaningful conversations and mentorship.
Building connections with international alumni can be incredibly valuable, so don't hesitate to reach out, attend networking events, and utilize online platforms to expand your network.
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Utilise social media and LinkedIn
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be powerful tools for networking. As an international student, you can use these platforms to connect with other students, alumni, professors, and potential employers.
To start, create a professional profile on LinkedIn that showcases your skills, experiences, and goals. Join groups and follow influencers in your industry to stay updated on trends and job opportunities. Engage in discussions and reach out to connections to learn about their career journeys and gain valuable insights. LinkedIn also has thousands of job postings, so keep an eye out for relevant opportunities.
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can also be utilised for networking. Join groups and follow pages related to your interests and university. Engage with sports teams, societies, and cultural groups to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your network. These platforms are great for keeping in touch with friends and family back home, but they can also help you make new connections and stay updated on university news and graduate offers.
Additionally, social media allows you to connect with a global community. As an international student, this can be especially beneficial as you can network with people from your home country and those who have studied or are working abroad. This can provide valuable mentorship and support during your time as an international student.
Remember, networking is about nurturing relationships over time. Follow up with your connections and demonstrate your genuine interest in maintaining the relationship. Social media and LinkedIn provide excellent opportunities to stay connected and build a strong network that can support your academic and professional journey.
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Seek mentors and maintain relationships
As an international student, seeking mentors and maintaining relationships can be a valuable part of your academic and personal journey. Here are some ways to seek mentors and build lasting connections:
Seek Mentors:
Many universities have mentorship programs that pair international students with mentors. These mentors can provide invaluable support and guidance, helping you navigate the challenges of studying in a new country. They can offer practical advice, cultural understanding, and even become your first friend on campus. Reach out to your university's international student services or academic advisors to inquire about mentorship programs.
Build Meaningful Connections:
Developing genuine connections with mentors is essential. Be open and authentic when interacting with your mentors. Share your doubts, concerns, and goals. Show your appreciation for their support and guidance. Whether it's through email, social media, or in-person meetings, maintain regular communication and demonstrate your commitment to the relationship.
Explore Networking Opportunities:
University campuses offer a variety of networking opportunities to connect with potential mentors and expand your professional network. Attend career fairs, workshops, alumni events, and industry-specific conferences. Join student organisations or clubs related to your interests and passions, as these provide a great platform to meet like-minded individuals and potential mentors.
Leverage Online Platforms:
Utilise social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to create professional profiles and connect with professors, classmates, alumni, and potential employers. Join relevant groups, follow industry influencers, and stay updated on industry trends and job opportunities.
Nurture Relationships:
Building relationships is a gradual process, so focus on nurturing these connections over time. Stay in touch with your mentors and peers, even after the mentorship program ends. Continue to seek their guidance, share your achievements, and offer support whenever possible. Remember that maintaining meaningful relationships is a two-way street, and your mentors will appreciate your efforts to stay connected.
By seeking mentors and cultivating meaningful relationships, you will not only enhance your university experience but also gain valuable guidance, support, and insights that will benefit your personal and professional growth.
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Frequently asked questions
A strong network can open doors to future career opportunities, provide support during your time abroad, and enrich your personal and professional life.
Networking is a skill that improves with practice. Start by setting clear goals and understanding your interests, values, skills and strengths. Then, attend networking events, workshops, seminars, and social gatherings to meet fellow students, professionals, alumni, and potential employers.
Your university will likely host networking events, career fairs, and workshops throughout the academic year. Keep an eye on your university's website and social media for these. You can also search for online groups, forums, and events related to your field of study.
Before the event, prepare and understand your rights as an international student. During the event, practice your career-building communication skills and showcase your technical and professional skills. After the event, follow up with the people you met through email or social media to nurture your connections.
Join online groups, forums, and social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Discord to connect with professors, classmates, alumni, and potential employers. You can also reach out to academic advisors, career services, and international student services at your university.
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