Networking While Studying Abroad

Networking is one of the most important things you can do in college. Having a strong and broad network is essential to your success in the West. You’ve probably heard the word “networking” a lot, but let me define it for you just to be clear.

Networking is any action you take to make friends and build relationships with people who can add value to your career. Networking is what we call a “two-way street”, which means you need to be helping the people in your network in addition to receiving help from people in your network. What you will find is that you will receive much more help than you ever give, so it’s definitely worth your time .Top education consultants in Mumbai also suggest that networking is the best way for you to land a good job.

Professional Networking         

In terms of the long-term professional benefits networking, while studying abroad may provide, there is a synergy of forces at work in favor of the international student that is quite unique: networking as a student is easy, natural, fast, and, most importantly, relationships amongst students are harvested without any material interests attached.

If we understand the concept of networking for professional purposes as the act of selectively cultivating interest-based relationships to further one’s career or business, clearly, a student who broadens his or her relationships in social and academic settings will have an easier time tapping into those relationships for professional gain later in life. 

Building good relationships with people you meet overseas can be of great advantage when you have to start job hunting. In many cases, “it’s not what you know, but who you know” that can help you put your best foot forward. Here are a few tips for successful networking:

Start with your own network

The people you already know in school can be a great tool for expanding your connections. Start creating meaningful relationships with your classmates, club mates, and peers. If you find yourself struggling to meet different people, a simple act of introducing yourself to the person sitting next to you in class can help improve your confidence. You can also try moving around during the semester and taking different seats in the classroom.

Build good relationships with your professors

Your professors, teachers or tutors are likely to have great industry connections. With years of experience under their belt, they know the ins and outs of a particular area that could be of interest to you. They can also provide access to networking events, first-hand information about internship opportunities, or career updates in the line of work you want to pursue. Plus, your lecturers are a great source of advice and guidance, so make sure you take advantage of their assistance.

Join student clubs

Most universities and schools have student activity clubs catering to several interests and hobbies. Take up leadership and engagement responsibilities in such communities to increase your network. For instance, if journalism interests you, being a part of the student newspaper is a great way to connect with several faculties and departments. You can also reach out to people from your home country or ethnicity by joining cultural groups and international student hubs. (study abroad consultant in mumbai)

Participate in networking events

Networking events, seminars and workshops are excellent opportunities to widen your connections, so keep an eye out for any invitations and announcements from your university’s student career centre. First encounters are normally awkward, but with continuous participation, speaking with new people will, in time, become easy and natural. You can also volunteer for various causes to meet and interact with more people and increase your circle of contacts.

Take advantage of social media

The easiest way to start networking is through social media. Networking sites like LinkedIn and Twitter are great platforms to connect with professionals in a more casual way. So be proactive and take the initiative to engage with organizations and industry leaders in your chosen field, as they are likely to share trends and updates that might be useful to the path you wish to take. Also, be on the lookout for any networking functions, job openings or career events on your newsfeed.

Connect with your alumni

Try reaching out to your university’s alumni through direct contact or social channels.  You may reach out to your department or university student help centre to get their contact details. You can also get help from top overseas college admission consultant in Mumbai

Don’t Be Afraid To Talk To People

Some countries have a reputation for disliking foreigners, but this is largely untrue. The locals are people just like you, and they’re often happy to chat with people and make new friends. While you should observe the usual courtesies when meeting new people, don’t be afraid to say hello to a stranger and get to know some interesting new contacts.

Have A Purpose

Networking isn’t all about making friends and having fun. You should have a purpose, whether it’s seeking contacts for career advancement or looking for a mentor in your industry. While you shouldn’t snub people who don’t suit your purpose, when you find those who do, you should be prepared.

Know the questions you want to ask, and try to let the conversation flow naturally toward your goals. While forcing it can feel awkward, you can still gently steer the conversation – or set up the opportunity for future contacts to further discuss your goals.

Show Interest In The Local Customs And History

Networking isn’t just about talking about yourself. If you show interest in the locals, they’ll also be interested in what you have to say. People love to talk about their home city, history, and traditions. Let the people you meet know you’re interested, and they’ll open up to you in ways that will create opportunities for long-lasting relationships that can benefit you on both the professional and personal level.

Ask For Contact Information

Even if you’ll be gone by morning, that doesn’t mean you have to lose touch. Always be ready to exchange contact information. You can exchange email and phone information, or business cards if you have them. Always be ready to exchange contact information in the medium the other person prefers.

Meet Other Travelers

Lastly, don’t confine your networking efforts to just the locals. You never know who you’ll meet as you pass through various cities. Other international travelers, particularly students, may be seeking the same sort of connections you are, and can be extremely valuable in your efforts to build an international professional network. Get to know your fellow travelers. You never know – one might just turn out to be the person who launches the next great stage of your academic career.

However, networking cannot be viewed as an automatic study-abroad benefit, as it is more of an opportunity that requires effort on the part of the student. One of the biggest mistakes international students abroad make is to solely socialize with kids from their home country. This not only limits their capacity to learn foreign languages and blend with the local culture, but it also adds restrictions to their networking potential.

Similarly, networking is not just about meeting people, but it is also about keeping in touch with people. Fortunately, the advent of Internet social networking technologies makes nourishing those relationships made abroad not only easy but also fun.

If you are a master’s aspirant you can take advice from top overseas college admission consultant in Mumbai who will assist you with the admission and visa processes.