Students who want to pursue higher education abroad face numerous challenges during their educational journey. From finding housing and adapting to the new environment to looking for opportunities, there are many obstacles.
Universities conduct various workshops for students, such as CV workshops, mock interviews and seminars. (Blast)
In addition to these challenges, students also face the difficulty of managing their finances and coming to terms with leaving their families behind. At such a time, students understand the importance of networking and how expanding their own network can help them immensely.
Importance of networking:
Networking can help students expand their reach and find opportunities that can be helpful in climbing the career ladder. With the help of connections, students can get a broader view of job market trends, advice from experienced people, and leads on insider jobs that can help them advance their careers.
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Here are some ways students can expand their network while studying abroad:
The power of social media
Social media is a powerful tool that students can use and reap the benefits from. Networking with people through social media can help tap into various opportunities that will positively benefit students.
“As you pursue higher education, you can expand your network online by joining virtual groups and communities. To ensure you meet like-minded people, and that these groups are targeted, you should always join groups that have been verified and authenticated by social media organizations,” says Soumya Krishnamurthy, Content Marketing Associate at a leading Irish technology company.
Explore career fairs and workshops
Universities conduct various workshops for students, such as CV workshops, mock interviews and seminars. Attending such workshops can help students meet and greet people, create a connection, and engage in insightful conversations. Such workshops help students gain a broader view of the possibilities and prepare them for them.
“It’s a great way to explore the different companies in our field and we can understand how this can be aligned with our interests. Building a connection in such workshops has benefited me a lot,” says Mary Parimala Dass, a graduate student from Monash University, Australia.
Joining student organizations
It can be a good option for students to actively participate in various student clubs, organizations and associations within and outside the university. Active participation in such organizations will lead to involvement between different people in different social gatherings. Here you can meet professionals and colleagues from your field who will help you expand your network.
“As someone who just moved abroad with no connections, organizing student groups are extremely important. When I chose to do my master’s, I wanted more financial freedom and that is not possible without the certain network that the university where you study offers. Student groups allow international students to connect with other students, teachers and professionals in their respective fields. This can help you find jobs, internships or referrals. Student organization groups also provide leadership roles that allow students to build skills that will serve them in the future. Apart from these reasons, I think student groups usually involve people from different backgrounds, which helps international students understand and adapt to cultural differences,” says Aishani Saha, a recent graduate from Goldsmiths University of London.
Volunteer work
Volunteering for various events that are industry-related and otherwise brings individuals together where students can get to know them and gain more information that will be useful in expanding your network. Students can also meet and engage with industry experts at such events to create a connection.
“Volunteering is a good opportunity for international students to build a network. This often involves working with professionals and community members. Some volunteer roles also involve students connecting with industry leaders, either through direct participation in events or networking with those who support the organization. These connections can open doors to job opportunities and recommendations,” says Arpita Shah, a recent graduate from Goldsmiths University of London.
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