Networking is one of the most important things for any student. International students, however, may have a harder time at finding resources and places to network, especially living in a new country where they don’t know a lot of people.
A good way to make valuable and lasting professional connections is by volunteering, joining professional organizations, finding other students with similar interests, and engaging in conversation. These activities will help you feel more at home and help you network with other international students while also learning more about the United States.
One of the main benefits of networking is that you can gain professional connections that may lead to a job opportunity after you graduate, and it’s also a great way of practicing professional and social skills that can help you meet more people with similar careers and interests. The benefits of knowing more people are numerous. You have access to a wider network of resources, and opportunities can arise from some of these connections.
There are some great online tools for networking with other students and professionals:
- LinkedIn is perhaps the most popular one, and it’s a great way of connecting to people, following companies you’re interested in, and even finding job opportunities. Having a LinkedIn profile is a must, especially for college students.
- Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter can help you find relevant events and hashtags. You’d be surprised at how often you can find professionals sharing insights on their social media profiles!
- Meetup is a tool that focuses on connecting people with similar interests online, to later meet in person.Â
- Slack is an online platform that serves as a virtual workspace, but it is also used to create groups based on specific interests and they are open for anyone to join.
- My Opportunity is another website that is dedicated to help both employers and professionals find opportunities in working and professional relationships.
As an international student, it’s important to make sure you’re taking advantage of all the networking opportunities available to you. Here are a few more ways that students can network professionally:
The most obvious place to find networking opportunities is at school. Take advantage of the career center on your campus, they will have resources for finding internships, jobs and volunteer work that could help you gain experience and make connections with potential employers.
-  Join clubs and organizations on campus. It’s important to join a student group on campus that focuses on your major or area of interest. There may already be one available—if not, feel free to start one yourself! These groups can be great places for making professional connections that could help launch your career after graduation.
Professional networking is an essential part of any study abroad experience, and is something that F-1 students may not be aware of until it’s too late. But if you dedicate some time to networking, and plan out your next steps, you’ll be much more likely to get the exposure that you need for your job search when you graduate.