As an international student, if you're looking for new ways to tap into professional networks in Australia and around the world, networking can help you get a job now or after graduation.Here are a few helpful tips you can use to build your professional network online.
When it comes to online networking, social media is very powerful. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter help you to showcase your skills and make new connections. Much like traditional marketing agencies for major companies, social media can be your own marketing tool. These platforms can help you develop your own ‘brand’.
Let’s take a closer look.
LinkedIn is the most popular professional networking website, with users in over 200 countries. It’s no surprise that employers have seen the value of this platform. In fact, more than 57 million companies have LinkedIn profiles.Since employers are also on LinkedIn, and you should be too. Be sure to create a profile and update it regularly. This gives recruiters an up-to-date view of your work experience and skills. Plus, it could boost your chances of finding employment.
With approximately 2.8 billion global monthly users (as of December 2020), Facebook has so many professional networking opportunities. For instance, there are plenty of groups you can join to connect with people in your field from all over the world.Join Facebook groups where potential employers might be and leave helpful comments for others in the group and start valuable discussions.
Twitter is another amazing social media tool for online networking. So many business owners and companies have their own public Twitter account. You can follow these accounts to see what they’re working on and what’s important to them. This will give you some great talking points to bring up in your interactions with them.You can also use your own Twitter account to showcase some of your biggest professional accomplishments. Doing this can help catch the eye of potential employers and colleagues.
With any public-facing social media tool, it’s wise to practice some good behaviours so that your profile (and you, as the person behind the profile) are not overlooked by potential employers.
It's important to:
In the world of online networking, don’t underestimate the value of direct communication.Did you love an article written and published by a CEO in your field? Tweet at them or send them a private message to pass on the compliment.Did a former colleague post a job advertisement on LinkedIn that you’d be perfect for? Send them a message to let them know you’re applying so they can keep an eye out for your application when they receive it.
You may have an amazing online portfolio or social media presence but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re making real connections. When you engage directly with people, you’re more likely to get a response and create new professional relationships.
If they see that you’re keen to join their network and can add value to an employer or industry, you’ll be called on more quickly than someone who has merely submitted an application among the many other applicants who have also applied for the same job.
Online groups and communities allow you to build your professional network from anywhere. For example, XING is a great addition to your online networking toolkit. Once you create a profile, you can join groups with like-minded professionals to expand your network.
Your education provider may also have its own careers and employment forum or online community where you can network with fellow students and careers advisors.
As we move into a more digital world, event organisers are holding more virtual and hybrid events, such as webinars, that provide access to innovative thinkers and leading industry experts in a very inexpensive yet highly accessible way.
Take advantage of these opportunities when they arise and get actively involved. If there’s an opportunity to ask or submit a question period, do it! If there’s a discussion platform as part of the virtual event, share an interesting observation of your own. If there’s an option to use your webcam during the event, turn it on.
These strategies are great for ensuring you get your name, voice and face out to networks you may not be a part of.
When it comes to online networking, reaching out to industry leaders and senior professionals is great. But, you should also remember to cultivate your relationships with peers as well. After all, one of your classmates could turn out to be your future colleague, supervisor or even business partner.
And let’s not forget, some of your connections have the potential to become your closest friends throughout your life.
