Building your professional network will provide you with the support you need during your job search and as you progress through your career as an international student who plans to work in Canada after graduation.
Networking can seem exciting or overwhelming depending on your personality. No matter how you feel about it, networking is important in the professional environment of Canada, and the information and connections you gain from it will be crucial to your career success.
In this piece:
How exactly does networking operate?
When should international students in Canada begin networking?
advantages of networking as a Canadian international student
How to begin networking as a foreign student
how to get around career fairs and networking events
How to ask for coffee chats with networking people
How international students can prepare for a coffee conversation
how to keep your international student network alive
how to network effectively online
Here are ten things you should avoid while networking
How exactly does networking operate?
When you engage in professional networking, you purposefully seek out connections who can assist you in your job search and career development in Canada. You will turn to these people for guidance and insight into your field. Your network can help you prepare for what to expect because you are an international student and may not be familiar with how things work in the Canadian workplace, both culturally and from a hiring perspective.
When a job opportunity arises, a networking connection should be your advocate and advocate for you. In addition, because they are already a part of the industry, they can assist you in finding employment in Canada’s underserved sector and introduce you to others.
It is essential to keep in mind that networking ought to be a partnership. You don’t just connect with someone to take advantage of job opportunities or get advice from them. You must bring something to the partnership that will benefit both parties. You may not be able to provide the same access and support as they do if you have not yet entered the job market; however, this does not mean that your skills and talents will not be an asset to them as well.
Abstain from taking a gander at systems administration as a value-based movement. It takes more than just sending out LinkedIn connection requests and getting them accepted to connect with professionals. The goal is to build meaningful relationships with other professionals that will last a long time. Therefore, after meeting someone or connecting with them on LinkedIn, try to continue the conversation.
When should international students in Canada begin networking?
You are already behind if you have begun your studies in Canada but have not connected with other students. When compared to your domestic classmates, who have lived in Canada their entire lives, you are at a slight disadvantage as an international student in Canada. When it comes time to look for their first job, they can rely on the connections of their parents as well as their existing network of classmates, teachers, and alumni.
The majority of Canadians network throughout their work lives, even when they aren’t looking for opportunities, and networking can give you a significant advantage in your career. You can meet people who can help you navigate various career stages if you begin your networking journey while you are still in college or university. For instance, international students entering the job market in Canada frequently lack familiarity with the workplace culture, hiring procedures, and even the appropriate resume format. You will likely make fewer mistakes in your job search if you have a network to guide you, and you will likely be introduced to opportunities you wouldn’t have found on your own.
Continue building your network once you begin. As you advance in your career, continue to look for opportunities to expand your network and nurture the connections you are currently making. Organizing isn’t something that stops when you arrive at a specific position; You will rise in unexpected ways through ongoing work. Whether you’re looking to advance in your career, switch industries, or even acquire new skills, your network will always be useful in any career-related situation.
advantages of networking as a Canadian international student
In the professional environment of Canada, how far you go is influenced by who you know. As a result, establishing connections while you are still in school will assist you in your career advancement. Consider the following advantages as you plan ways to expand your network:
- exposure to information and concepts
You get to know new people and learn about new ideas. You can learn a lot from people in your network who have been through things you haven’t, and they can help you think differently and approach different situations. You might not be familiar with the workings of a particular industry or the job market in Canada as an international student. You can gain a better understanding of how your academic knowledge could be put into practice by speaking with experienced professionals.
2. receiving advice from experts
It’s time to write your resume and elevator pitch if you’re graduating soon and looking for work. As an international student who may be creating a resume in the Canadian style for the first time, any advice from seasoned professionals will be beneficial. Also, networking events are a great place to practice your elevator pitch and get advice on how to make it better. To increase your chances of getting a job, you can also seek feedback on other things, like your blog and work portfolio.
3. securing untapped employment opportunities
The vast majority of job openings in Canada are “hidden” and never made public. Your network is the only way to get into this hidden job market. Opportunities that you might not have known about or could not have obtained on your own can be made available to you through your connections. The best part is that your network can make sure the door is already open when you get there by referring you to a job or telling the hiring manager how great you are.
4. Professional development and advancement in one’s career
You are at the very beginning of your career as a student. You will be following in the footsteps of a network that has already accomplished your goals and may be able to remove some roadblocks along the way. Your network’s suggestions will be extremely helpful to your professional growth. Your professional journey can be smoother if you learn about their career path, the mistakes they made, and the things that worked for them.
5. Mentorship
A mentor is someone who can serve as an example for you and provide you with the knowledge, direction, and guidance you need to start or advance in your career.
Every person in your network doesn’t need to serve as a mentor. Someone in your network who wants to see you succeed would make a great mentor. They will not only direct you, but they will also be willing to put in the time to help you reach your objectives.
6. establishing relationships that will last forever
The great thing about growing your network is that you end up making friendships and partnerships that will last a lifetime. The closer you become to someone, the longer you stay connected to them. It is not uncommon for professional connections to become invested in your career success, and what begins as a relationship based on professional value can evolve into a genuine bond.
How to begin networking as a foreign student
You need to know where to look to reach the right people before you can start networking.
Even if you’re an international student, you should start by contacting people you already know. You may have friends and family in Canada, as well as alumni from your previous school with whom you haven’t kept in touch. Here, make a list of your current connections and learn about their jobs and places of employment. Additionally, don’t overlook your current classmates. Through part-time jobs, internships, or cooperatives, some of them may have established professional connections. In addition, keeping in touch with your classmates is always a good idea because they probably have jobs that are similar to yours.
Consider online platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Ten Thousand Coffees, and Lunchclub after going through your family and friends. Connecting with industry hiring managers, mentors, and professionals you admire is a great idea in these settings.
Networking need not always be done online. In addition, it’s a good idea to attend in-person events like school or alumni events, meetups for professional networking, and sports or social clubs. Informal team events at your workplace can be a great place to connect if you’re working part-time while studying in Canada. It’s possible to meet new people at even family-hosted parties or community events.
how to get around career fairs and networking events
If you don’t know much about professional networking events, they can be intimidating. Having said that, you will find that you are calmer and more focused if you go into these events with specific objectives and a plan. Preparation can help you get through these events with the results you need to help advance your career and alleviate some of your anxiety.
If you are still a few years away from graduating, you might be tempted to stick with networking events rather than attending career fairs. However, going to job fairs early in your studies will give you more chances and more time to impress recruiters and hiring managers in your field.
Offer to assist your contacts
Always keep in mind that networking involves two parties. When you offer assistance rather than asking for it, you increase your chances of being remembered. In addition, helping your connections is an opportunity to showcase your skills and subtly position yourself as a potential candidate for jobs if your objective is to utilize your network to find a suitable job in Canada after graduation.
Keep in mind that if someone opens a door that helps your career, you should eventually be able to ask how you can help. Although they may say no, demonstrating that you care and are willing to assist will go a long way.
Pay attention to their “real life”
Being aware of the person’s non-professional life is one way to demonstrate care. Reach out to them and convey your congratulations if they announce their engagement on social media. Send them a quick note and inquire about how or why they started a new company or position. Being genuine and remaining attentive to both their personal and professional lives is the objective.
However, keep in mind that personal space is highly prized in Canada. Make sure you don’t act like a stalker and respect these limits. Avoid discussing topics like religion, relationships, or finances, and avoid personal inquiries.
How to network effectively online
With many professionals now working remotely or in a hybrid setting, virtual communication is here to stay. Virtual networking is typically quicker and more convenient than in-person networking. If you don’t have to drive to a location, you might be able to fit in more coffee chats as a student. Similarly, requests for meetings that don’t require a lot of extra effort are more likely to be accepted by professionals.
Technology has a significant impact on virtual networking. When you communicate virtually in a professional setting, it’s critical to keep these points in mind:
Choose a peaceful and comfortable location.
Verify that your camera, microphone, and wifi are functioning properly.
Inform your roommates that you will be on a crucial call.
Dress professionally but comfortably.
Be aware of how you are looking.
Here are ten things you should avoid while networking
Building long-term connections that you can rely on in the future of your career is the goal of networking. You want to present yourself in the best light possible without appearing phony, just like you would in any other relationship. When you are networking, you should avoid the following behaviors:
Don’t ask for a job right away. To begin with, invest energy in building trust and showing for what reason you’re a decent competitor. Requesting a referral should only be done after you have given your relationship enough attention.
Don’t approach it lightly. Always maintain a professional demeanor and keep in mind that this individual may later assist you in your job search.
Don’t just show up without a plan or a clear idea of what you want to get out of the conversation.
Don’t let them talk all the time; instead, pay close attention to what they have to say. It’s acceptable to take notes, but it’s polite to ask if you can.
Maintain eye contact and don’t fidget. Pay attention to your body language.
Don’t ask anything you can find on Google. That wastes everyone’s time and may give the impression to your connection that you aren’t interested in learning from them.
Don’t downplay your achievements. Demonstrate the expertise, qualifications, and skills you bring to the table.
Also, don’t boast. Find a compromise.
Do not disparage others. This kind of behavior hurts your image and makes it hard for people to trust you.
Avoid forcing it. It’s normal for some connections to fail or be of little use. Allow your gut to tell you whether or not things are going well. If the first few conversations you have with the person seem forced or if they seem reluctant to share information, it might be time to concentrate on making other connections.
