Are you one of those students who are stacking business cards in a drawer? Let’s be honest, is it really going to land you your dream job? The short answer is NO. Networking isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about building a meaningful network. Do you remember how Emily from Emily in Paris would just show up at random events, meetings, and parties and start pitching her ideas? That’s exactly how networking works.
You will have to come out of your comfort zone and sell your skills to build a meaningful network. And trust us, once you start networking, things will fall into your lap. But the question is, how to start? That’s why in this guide, we have compiled the top 8 tips on networking for international students. It will answer all your questions, like how to behave, how to approach, where to go, where to find, and the benefits of networking.
Top 8 Practical Networking Tips for International Students
Do you know that networking starts as soon as you step onto campus? We will show you how in this section.
Join campus clubs and student organisations
You might have heard this a thousand times that “College life is more than books,” and that’s actually true. Books do teach you technical skills, but that teaching is limited to technicality; it doesn’t teach you about how the world keeps changing, how humans are complicated and how important it is to learn beyond books. That’s why it’s important to come out of your shell and join clubs and student organisations that align with your career goals. For example, if you want to make a career in marketing or open your own business, then join a group that supports your goals, like the Marketing Society or a Business Club. These clubs and organisations will help you build contacts with seniors, industry professionals and professors. But keep in mind that being in the club isn’t enough; you will have to converse as well.
Attend career fairs and networking events
What is more frustrating: not hearing back from HR or not knowing the reason for the rejection? Well, for international students, it’s both. When you are in a new country, finding an internship becomes an impossible task, because for international students, it’s not easy to know where to start. Which is why career fairs and networking events are being held. These events are the best for networking. You will get to communicate directly with hiring departments and managers, and even ask a few questions, like what they look for in a role you want to apply for. Also, insider tip: take a look at their LinkedIn profile, so when the opportunity comes, you can message them directly.
Connect with professors and academic advisors
Don’t we all despise the teacher’s pet? But trust us, being the teacher’s pet helps them excel in their career. But don’t worry, you don’t have to go extreme by asking them how their date was. All you have to do is attend their lecture regularly, focus when they are teaching and ask questions when you don’t understand something. It shows sincerity and commitment towards your subject. Professors would always help students who genuinely want to grow. You can discuss your long-term goals with them, request recommendation letters, ask for tips to clear interviewe and get information about the industry. You can also ask for a reference.
Leverage alumni networks
Isn’t it cool to be friends with seniors? It used to be when we were kids, and it seems like it hasn’t changed much. But the question is, where will you find alumni? It’s easy, you don’t have to sweat it out so much. You can get their contacts from the university directory or search your university’s alumni on LinkedIn. But you know what is better? Attending a university reunion event. Introduce yourself and keep in touch with them, so when the time comes, you can approach them.
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🏠 Explore UK Student AccommodationBuild a strong LinkedIn profile
I know some of y’all are scrolling LinkedIn even more than Instagram and Twitter. But scrolling isn’t enough if your inbox isn’t filled with 10+ messages from HR, managers, and executives. The world keeps changing, and now LinkedIn has taken centre stage; all the big opportunities are being shared there, and at the same time, competition is rising. That’s why it’s important to create a strong LinkedIn profile. But, trust us, it’s no Sherlock task. All you have to do is share your career goals regularly, but please don’t use ChatGPT for that; that will just lower your credibility. The easy formula is be consistent and be authentic.
How do I make my LinkedIn look amazing? – r/linkedin from r/linkedin
Join online professional communities
How would you feel if we told you that being chronically online is not really a bad thing? You just need to revisit how you use your social media apps. There are so many professional groups and communities on social media apps; you just need to find your niche and join them. Once you join those groups, you can ask your questions, ask for references, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, strike a good professional conversation with a manager or an HR person, and then initiate a one-on-one conversation. But remember, these platforms and groups are strictly for professional help. Now, the question is, where do you find these communities? Don’t worry, it’s easy. You can find it on LinkedIn, Slack, Reddit, and even on Discord Servers.
Develop a clear elevator pitch
What’s the point of knowing so much but not being able to communicate properly? After the conversation ends, do you ever say, “Wait, I should have said that,” and don’t worry, we all have been there and made a big fool of ourselves. Which is why it’s important to develop a clever elevator pitch. But the question is, how do you develop an elevator pitch? It’s easy, we will guide you through that. Keep the pitch 30-60 seconds long, not more than that, because people’s attention span is dying nowadays. Start with your name, what you are studying, your expertise, and then your goal, but remember to customise it for the person you are talking to. For example, if you are talking to an editor, introduce yourself something like this – “Hi, I’m Rose. I study Literature at XYZ University, and I love writing human-interest stories. I recently did a feature for XYZ Print Media, and now I’m looking to get more experience in that space.” Your elevator pitch should sound casual, and also shouldn’t have a lot of technical jargon, because let’s be honest, who’s saying “result-driven” in casual conversation?
Practice cross-cultural communication
Imagine someone coming up to you for help, but instead of speaking their first language, they speak your first language. Wouldn’t that instantly make you feel more comfortable? That’s exactly how knowing cross-cultural communication works. But don’t worry, you don’t have to learn a new language; you have to learn their culture. Every culture is different; for example, in Asia, greetings are different from those in America. Knowing how to behave will help you avoid coming off as too aggressive or too rude. This also helps build genuine connections and prevents misunderstandings.
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🔑 Explore Student Housing in LondonBenefits of Networking for International Students
Access to hidden job opportunities
Do you know there are so many industries which don’t post their job online? For example, journalism, teaching, healthcare and a few more. That’s why networking is very important, because it gives you access to opportunities which are not being shared online. Also, the good thing is that competition will also be lower.
Internship and referral opportunities
Don’t you dread applying to 20+ internship job postings and not getting any response? That’s why networking is important, because you can skip this part if you know the hiring department personally. It will save your time and energy.
Mentorship and career guidance
Do you ever feel like things are not working out for you? Or you want to change the field but don’t know who to go to? That’s when this networking can help you. You can call back your professors and your university alumni for career guidance.
Industry insights
Have you ever realised how tasks become easy once you understand them? That’s exactly why networking matters, because it helps you gain insight into the industry you are about to enter.
Improved communication skills
Sometimes we miss an opportunity because we say something we shouldn’t. But once you start networking, your communication skills improve. And that’s why networking is very important, it’s like playing in your homeground before going international.
Stronger professional and social support system
Have you ever been to your friend’s house and felt like a part of their family? It’s because you already know how things work at his/her home, and you talk to his/her mom regularly. That’s exactly how networking can benefit you. Because of constant contact with industry experts, you won’t feel left out, and people will even back you up, because you understand professionalism.
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To conclude, Networking is more than just saving random contacts on your phone. You can build meaningful networks by joining online events, campus society and developing a clear elevator pitch. Remember, networking becomes easy when you set your goal, stop stressing out and start being your authentic self.
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