iApply News

/ Blogs / importance of networking while studying abroad

Importance Of Networking While Studying Abroad

Thu March 12, 2020     1190

Like a lot of international students, I was solely focused on improving the academic side of my student life. During my first junior year of study abroad, I felt a need to concentrate on getting job opportunities for myself. As my first language wasn’t English and who didn’t understand the rules for getting a job in Canada, plus having no prior job experience, my career prospects were not very bright.

communication

Due to this ongoing job search, I realized how important it is to network with other people to enhance your career.
According to studies, networking is three times more effective than an online job search for students to improve their chances of landing in their dream job.
Networking is highly beneficial for people looking for jobs in the following way:

•    It grants you access to the hidden job market, which you will not be able to tap into otherwise.
•    Networking allows you to gather information about the careers you want to explore, acquire knowledge of the industry you want to enter, and finally, it is extremely helpful in preparing you for the selection process.
•    It lets you get in touch with experienced industry professionals and learn about the various areas and fields, which allows you to transition smoothly from a student to being a full-fledged professional.

How can you network?

There are a few ways in which you can come out of your shell and network in a better and effective manner.

•    Ask known friends and acquaintances about their career paths, and also send invitations to professionals whom you would like to get in touch with. One should always keep in mind that phone calls or having a chat in person is the best way to connect with people whom you do not know that well.

•    When you study abroad, keep in mind to be earnest while you get in touch with people, and they should under no circumstances, feel that you are connecting with them to ask for a job. Be thankful to people who respond positively to you getting in touch with them, and be understanding of people who give a less than favorable response to your initiative of getting in touch with them.

•    It’s never too late to socialize within your campus and try to join the organizations of your interest to expand your social circle.

•    Be outgoing and friendly, and try your best to be extroverted with people who are quiet as it is appreciated in countries like the United States of America and Canada. It would help if you did not worry about making any mistakes in your English grammar and vocabulary as people will understand that English isn’t your first language.

•    Create references starting with your faculty and professors, and even if you don’t have fantastic grades, still you can impress them with your hard work and desire to your field of study.

•    Learn to follow up with the people you have connected with, and you can invite people for face to face chats over coffee or lunch during your study abroad. Please send them to follow up emails and always keeps them brief and to the point. Remember to keep the contact information of all the people who you have connected with, so you can follow up with them and thank them in the near future.