Importance of Connection Building in Career Success for International Students

 

Have you ever thought about why people or educational speakers give importance to the strategy of building connections? If yes then well and good and if not then let me tell you that building networks during your college or university is a game changer when it comes to your career. While you study in Australia, the network building goes beyond a specific boundary that is you connect with people of different cultures, traditions and languages. These out-of-bound connections tend to be essential for an international student studying in Australia as they are the ladder to career success. And yes if you think that you need to go and ask people to be friends with you in professional terms then that idea of yours isn’t approved at all. The world is so interconnected in today’s environment that even our careers solely is determined by academic achievement or technical skills. In this blog, let us delve into the intricacies of connection building for international students aiming for career success and chart a successful career path in a globalized world.
 

What’s the need to build strong professional connections for career advancement?

Alongside dealing with university chores there is an important aspect of building connections during and after university life. Your academia and other achievements do matter when selecting you against the others during the job interview. But nowadays, your connection be it social or outcast helps you to showcase your credibility and strong set of skills to the potential recruiters. 

An international student aims at seeking full-time employment opportunities in Australia, and the strong indispensable tool in their arsenal is the art of building strong professional connections. These connections not only serve as a midway to access various job openings but also give an insight into various useful information, help you find mentors, and offer you a pathway to develop valuable skills for your future aspect. 
 

Look into the abundant possibilities offered while you build a strong professional connection

1. Access to new job opportunities: If you are someone who is looking for internships, part-time jobs, or any other level of employment then these connections help you in taking your primary step in your growth years. Whether you connect with professionals offline or online, the resources and information they provide in touch with you are forever and lasting. An increase in several connections means an increase in many career opportunities. When pursuing a career change or stepping into entry-level, you can reach out to your connections and enquire about any potential opportunities. Additionally, your connections can offer recommendations or serve as a reference during the application process, making them even more valuable.

2. Build industrial connect: Through the concept of building an online network you can narrow down your connections based on your skills and educational degrees. For eg. if you are learning any computer language in your university program, then you must connect with professionals who are either working in the same area or the company where you want to seek employment. There are other ways too where students can build connections such as through seminars, university career pages, or other industrial programs taking place in your university. LinkedIn is indeed a platform where industrial professionals share their ideas, job postings, etc with their connections. Being consistent on LinkedIn or other platforms can help university students enter the industry of their interest.

3. Skill development and learning opportunities: Connection with industrial-level professionals provides opportunities to students to develop skills and learn beyond the sophisticated territories of the classroom. Interacting with the connections built online helps students face the intricacies of their chosen field, providing insights into real-world challenges, best practices, and professional standards. Avenues such as internships, informational interviews, and networking events, students can acquire practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership which are essential for thriving in any professional environment.

4. Enhanced Visibility and Credibility: Nowadays, an individual needs to be visible in a huge community or a group of people. With the increase in several connections, the credibility of an individual too increases and yes it is considered to be a good element in the alumni of a university student. Through participating in networking events, industry conferences, and professional associations, students make themselves known to key stakeholders and decision-makers. Building visibility not only enhances their reputation but also positions their credibility and trustworthiness amongst industrial professionals. You can establish a positive personal brand through networking and garner attention from recruiters and employers.

5. Sustained professional development: The best part of building connections is that you can give and offer advice and receive abundant support. Through the online presence of various professionals university students can reach out to them during their hard times. These long-term professional connections roots to foster career development and advancement. At the end of the semester, a student becomes ready to face the real-world scenarios of the industries. To achieve a solid foundation for ongoing professional development a student must build connections with his/her peers, mentors, alumni, and industry professionals. Not just university students are favoured from these connections, but other professionals who want to switch their jobs or for advancement opportunities, ensuring sustainable career growth and success. 

Building strong professional connections is essential for university students to access career opportunities, gain industry insights, develop skills, enhance credibility, and foster long-term career growth. Networking allows students to expand their professional circle, tap into hidden job markets, and position themselves for success in their chosen field.
 

How can university students build a professional connection?

As such there are no specific criteria or a particular path which can be chosen by individuals to build professional connections, instead, there are numerous ways to do so. By including proactive strategies and initiatives university students can build professional connections. An individual must understand that these connections are mandatory except for the grades and degree. Here are some effective ways for students to establish and nurture their professional networks:

1. Attend Networking Events: Participate in networking events, career fairs, industry conferences, and alumni gatherings both on and off campus. These events provide opportunities to meet professionals in your field, make meaningful connections, and learn about job opportunities and industry trends.

2. Join Professional Associations: Joining relevant professional associations related to your field of study or career interests can offer access to networking opportunities, conferences, workshops, and online forums where you can connect with peers and seasoned professionals.

3. Utilize University Resources: Take advantage of university resources such as career centres, alumni networks, and mentorship programs. Attend workshops, seminars, and networking sessions organized by the university to enhance your networking skills and connect with alumni and industry professionals.

4. Leverage Social Media: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to create a professional profile, connect with professionals in your field, join industry-specific groups, and engage in discussions. Share your academic achievements, projects, and career goals to attract the attention of potential mentors and employers.

5. Informational Interviews: Request informational interviews with professionals in your field to learn about their career paths, experiences, and industry insights. Approach professionals respectfully and express genuine interest in learning from their expertise. These conversations can provide valuable advice, mentorship, and potential networking opportunities.

6. Participate in Internships and Externships: Seek out internship or externship opportunities related to your field of study. These experiences not only provide hands-on learning but also allow you to network with professionals within the organization and industry. Build relationships with supervisors, colleagues, and mentors during your internship to expand your network.

7. Volunteer and Get Involved: Volunteer for campus organizations, community events, or professional projects relevant to your interests. Volunteering not only demonstrates your commitment and leadership skills but also provides opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and professionals who share your passions.

8. Follow Up and Maintain Relationships: After meeting professionals at networking events or informational interviews, follow up with a thank-you email expressing appreciation for their time and insights. Stay in touch periodically by sharing updates on your academic or professional endeavours and offering assistance or support when appropriate.
 

Conclusion: 

There is no doubt that an individual faces a lot of challenges in building connections. While online connections are easy to build, in-person connections are a bit different and difficult to build. Why so, these do not involve clicking at a tab rather involve an individual to set up effective communication and display skills during the onset of the prevailing communication. International students, despite facing challenges, possess unique strengths such as diversity, adaptability, and a global perspective. By proactively engaging in connection-building activities, they can leverage these strengths to create meaningful relationships and opportunities. Amidst the importance of connection building the sources to build connections are numerous and a student must approach these ways effectively. As international students, you must actively build connections to unlock a world of opportunities and pave the way for fulfilling and successful careers.

Read More

1.  Building a Personal Development Plan: Where to Start
2.  Is Australia a Good Choice for International Students?
3.  Importance of Networking for International students in Australia to get a Job
4.  Opening Bank Account in Australia: 5 Things to Consider