Students face many challenges when they begin to leave their home country to find their way in another country. First, they must overcome financial issues, including tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, or financial aid. Second, in addition to the emotions and challenges of separation from their families and support, they also face the daunting task of establishing independence and personal fulfillment in their new environment.
Among all these tasks, the most important thing when entering a new country is to build your network. Although it may seem simple, there are many steps to take. The main purpose of social media is to establish good relationships and communication between people, regardless of geographic location. International students can connect with friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances, as well as meet new people with similar interests or backgrounds.
Why should you be networking?
Networking is when you connect with people who can help you find and work in Canada. These connections are people you can trust to provide advice and opinions about your business. As an international student, opportunities in the Canadian workplace may be new to you, and your connections may provide you with job opportunities.
In fact, your negotiation skills can help you when opening a business. Since the people you connect with are already part of the business, they can also help you uncover hidden business and introduce you to other professionals. Also, remember that communication is a two-way street. Don’t forget to help those who support you and always be willing to help them.
What is the correct time to start building your network?
It’s great to start talking early. When students decide to study in Canada, they often do so because they have family or friends already living in Canada or have already researched their future careers in education. So, you should start building your network from the moment you decide to study in Canada as an international student.
How to network while studying in Canada
Here are some great tips to expand your network while studying in Canada:
Research networking opportunities:
Check out networking events, conferences, workshops, and meetings hosted by your school, trade association, or professional association. Check online platforms and campus communications for upcoming events.
Join student organisations: Join student organizations, clubs, and groups related to your interests or studies. These groups often include discussions, speakers, and networking events where you can meet peers and professionals.
Attend career services workshops: Take advantage of career services offered by your university, such as resume workshops, mock interviews, and networking seminars. These resources can provide valuable tips and strategies for successful networking.
Utilise social media:
Create a professional profile on LinkedIn and connect with classmates, professors, students, and professionals in your industry. Join the conversation, share important content, and follow companies and organizations that interest you.
Attend industry events:
Take part in special conferences, trade fairs and networking events in your area. These events provide opportunities to meet professionals, learn about industry trends and explore career opportunities.
Seek informational interviews: Reach out to professionals in your field to request informational interviews. Prepare thoughtful questions about their career journey, industry insights, and advice for international students. Be respectful of their time and express appreciation for their guidance.
Volunteer:
Volunteer for community organizations, school events, or work-related projects. Volunteering not only allows you to give back to your community, it also helps you expand your network, gain experience, and develop valuable skills.
Attend alumni events: Attend alumni networking events organised by your university or alumni associations. Alumni can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help you navigate your career path.
Stay connected:
Maintain regular communication with your connections by sending follow-up emails, staying in touch on social media, and attending regular networking events. Keep your employees informed about your educational achievements, career goals, and career development.
Offer value: Networking is a two-way street. Be willing to offer support, advice, or assistance to your connections whenever possible. Building genuine relationships based on mutual respect and reciprocity is key to successful networking.
By attending these networking events, international students can expand their professional networks, gain insights, and increase their employability in Canada. have the ability. It helps them get good grades, find good jobs, and make friends. By connecting with people from all over the world, international students can learn new things, find opportunities, get help when they need it, and develop important critical skills. Strengthening your network in Canada can make a big difference for international students, making their time here great and setting them up for success after graduation. For information about studying in Canada, please contact IDP’s international education experts. They will help you through the admissions process from start to finish.