Building a robust professional network is essential for international students in Canada to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Navigating a new country and educational environment can be challenging. However, by strategically networking, you can unlock numerous opportunities and resources that will support your growth and success. This guide will provide practical strategies and insights on how to network as an international student in Canada. It will also cover tips for effectively maintaining your network. Hence, helping you to connect with peers, professors, industry professionals, and alumni.
When Should You Start Networking?
If you are already an international student in Canada, the best time to start networking was yesterday. Another best time is today. It is important to make connections as early as possible because as someone new to the environment, you are far behind the local students who have been there all their lives in terms of network and connections.
So, to build your network fast, you may start even before your arrival. You can start networking virtually as your arrival date approaches. We will talk about how to network virtually as an international student later in this article. When you arrive in Canada, continue networking religiously. Maintain old connections and build new ones until you are done with school and even after school. These connections may be helpful to you during and after school when you start looking for jobs.
Who You Should Network With As an International Student in Canada
As an international student in Canada, there are four key groups of people that it will benefit you to connect with:
Professors and Academic Staff
Build relationships with your professors and academic advisors. They can provide more than just classroom knowledge. Professors can provide academic and career guidance, helping you navigate your studies and make informed decisions about your future. They can also recommend opportunities, and serve as references. Besides, professors often lead research projects and can involve you in their work. This will provide you with hands-on experience and enhance your academic credentials.
Current Students and Peers
Engaging with your classmates and other students in your program is an important part of how to network as an international student in Canada.. Among many benefits, studying with peers can enhance your learning experience through group study sessions, sharing notes, and collaborative projects. Peers can help clarify difficult concepts and offer different perspectives on academic topics. Besides, working with peers on group projects and extracurricular activities can help you develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
Additionally, peers can provide emotional and social support. They can help you adjust to your new environment and cope with the challenges of being an international student. Also, they can offer practical advice on everyday issues, such as navigating campus facilities, finding housing, and understanding local customs. The friendships and connections you make with peers can lead to lifelong relationships, both personally and professionally.
Alumni
Connect with alumni from your university, especially those who are in your desired industry or profession. One of the most important benefits of connecting with alumni is mentorship. Some alumni bodies may offer mentorship programs for students. Through this, they can provide valuable insights into career paths and industries, offering advice based on their experiences. Moreover, alumni often have knowledge of job openings and can refer you to positions within their organisations after you graduate. They can provide recommendations and introductions to hiring managers, increasing your chances of securing a job.
Industry Professionals
Industry professionals often have up-to-date information on industry trends, best practices, and future developments. This can be of importance to you as a future professional. They will help you understand the specific skills and qualifications that are in demand in your field. They may also share professional development opportunities such as workshops, seminars, and certifications that can enhance your skills and knowledge. Additionally, networking with industry professionals may earn you access to job openings and internship opportunities that may not be advertised publicly. You may also receive referrals and recommendations from them to hiring managers and recruiters.
Places to Build Your Network As an International Student in Canada
Locations and events are important when considering how to network as an international student in Canada. There are no restrictions as to where you can build your network as an international student in Canada. However, there are places you want to take advantage of. Below are some of the important places and events that are perfect for networking as an international student in Canada.
University and Campus Events
University and college campuses often organise different forms of events that offer career opportunities for international students. Some of these events include:
- Orientation Programs: Attend events organised for new students to meet peers and faculty.
- Career Services: Participate in workshops, job fairs, and networking events hosted by your university’s career centre.
- Student Clubs and Organisations: Join clubs, societies, and student government groups related to your interests and field of study.
- Academic Conferences and Seminars: Attend lectures, presentations, and research symposiums.
Professional Associations and Industry Groups
Join professional associations and organisations related to your field (e.g., IEEE for engineering, CMA for marketing). You should also Participate in industry conferences, trade shows and other events where you can meet and interact with professionals from your industry.
Community and Cultural organisations
Think beyond the academic environments. Get involved with cultural or nationality-based student groups or community organisations. Also, volunteer for local non-profits and community events to meet people and give back to the community. This can serve as a great opportunity to meet people of like minds.
Networking Events and Meetups
Attend networking events and career fairs Canada. Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find local professional networking events and social gatherings. You should also attend alumni association events to connect with graduates from your university.
Social Media and Online Platforms
The online space is also a great place to build connections. You may meet people whom you will eventually get to meet in real life someday. Create and maintain a professional profile, join industry groups, and connect with professionals and alumni.
Preparing For Networking Events
One of the most important parts of how to network as an international student in Canada is preparing for major networking events. These events may be within or outside your school. They are opportunities to build professional connections and it is important that you prepare for it.
Research the Event and Attendees: Firstly, know the purpose of the event, the agenda, and the types of professionals who will be attending. If possible, find out who will be there, especially speakers or industry leaders you want to meet. Learn enough about them to guide your interaction with them.
Set Clear Goals: Decide what you want to achieve, whether it’s learning about job opportunities, meeting potential mentors, or gaining industry insights. Think of relevant questions you can ask attendees to show your interest and knowledge in the field.
Update Your Professional Materials: Have an updated and polished resume ready. Bring a few copies with you. Since you are a student and may not have a business card yet, consider creating some with your contact information. You should also update your LinkedIn profile and any other relevant social media account. Also, prepare an elevator pitch. It should include a brief introduction about yourself, your background, and your career goals. Aim for about 30 seconds.
Dress Appropriately: Professional Attire: Dress in business casual or business professional attire, depending on the event’s nature. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed. Do not forget to also carry a bag or folder containing essential supplies like a notepad and a pen to jot down information.
Practice Your Communication Skills: Prepare some conversation starters to break the ice with new contacts. Also, practice active listening skills to engage fully in conversations and show genuine interest in others.
5 Networking Questions to Keep in Mind
When considering how to network as an international student in Canada, it is important to think about possible questions you can ask when trying to connect with someone. In case you are unsure about what kind of questions you can ask to keep the conversation going during your networking session, below are 5 question examples for you. Feel free to tweak them as you wish, but try to maintain the main essence of the question.
1. “Can you tell me about your career path and how you got to where you are today?”
This question shows genuine interest in the person’s background and can provide valuable insights into career trajectories and industry opportunities.
2. “What skills or qualifications do you think are most important for someone entering this field?”
Asking this helps you understand the key competencies needed for success and can guide your own skill development.
3. “Are there any industry trends or developments that you find particularly exciting right now?”
This demonstrates your interest in staying current with industry trends and can lead to a meaningful discussion about the field’s future.
4. “Can you recommend any resources, such as books, websites, or professional groups, that would be helpful for someone looking to advance in this industry?”
Seeking advice on resources shows your commitment to learning and professional growth.
5. “Do you know of any networking events, conferences, or groups that are particularly good for someone in my position?”
This question can help you identify additional opportunities to expand your network and get involved in the industry.
5 Questions to Never Ask While Networking
Just like we have important questions to ask, there are questions you should never ask if you are thinking about how to network as an international student in Canada. These questions will portray you as unprofessional and ruin your chances of building real connections. Below are some of them.
1. “What is your salary?”
Asking about personal financial details is considered inappropriate and intrusive. It can make the person uncomfortable and damage your professional image.
2. “Can you get me a job?”
Directly asking for a job can come across as too forward and may put the person on the spot. It’s better to build a relationship first and express interest in opportunities indirectly.
3. “Why did you leave your last job?”
This can be a sensitive topic and may not be appropriate for a networking event. Focus on positive aspects of their current role or industry instead.
4. “Do you know anyone here who can help me?”
This can seem presumptuous and self-serving. It’s better to engage in meaningful conversations and naturally expand your network through introductions.
5. “What do you think of our current political situation?”
Avoid controversial or potentially divisive topics like politics or religion, as they can lead to uncomfortable conversations and detract from professional networking.
Networking Virtually As an International Student in Canada
As an international student in Canada, you may not be able to attend all networking events physically. However, since some events may be available virtually as well, it is up to you to join online so that you do not miss out totally on the experience. From webinars and online workshops to virtual conferences and online career fairs. All these are events where you can still get to meet professionals in your industry without stepping out of your room.
Beyond the events, you can still get to connect with people by leveraging your online presence. For instance, you can join online groups and networks for your school or professional organisation. You can also initiate one-on-one connections and schedule virtual coffee chats with classmates, professors, and industry professionals to build relationships.
How to Maintain Your Network
Building connections is only one part of how to network as an international student in Canada. The other part is maintaining the connections that you make along the way. Whether it’s your connection with your fellow students, professors or professionals, meeting someone is not always enough. You need to find ways to stay on their mind if you want to build a long-lasting relationship. Below are some tips on maintaining networks.
Regular Communication: After meeting someone, send a thank-you note or follow-up email expressing your appreciation for their time and insights. Keep in touch with your contacts regularly. Send a friendly email or message to catch up or share relevant news. Also, like, comment, and share posts from your connections on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to stay visible and engaged.
Provide Value: Share articles, resources, or opportunities that might be of interest to your contacts. Be willing to assist your contacts with their needs. Whether it’s sharing your knowledge, providing recommendations, or offering support on projects.
Attend Events and Stay Involved: Continue attending networking events, conferences, webinars, and workshops to meet new people and reconnect with existing contacts.
Share Your Updates: If necessary, share significant milestones, such as new projects, job changes, or academic achievements, with your network to keep them informed about your progress.
Be Consistent and Reliable: Always follow through on promises and commitments to build trust and reliability. Make yourself available to your contacts, whether they need advice, support, or simply a conversation.
Show Appreciation: Send thank-you notes to express your gratitude for any assistance or support you receive. Also, publicly acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of your contacts on social media or in group settings.
Benefits of Networking As an International Student in Canada
- Networking can help you as an international student to discover job openings and internships through personal recommendations and industry connections.
- Building relationships with experienced professionals enhances your skills and provides mentorship for career advancement.
- Networking facilitates the formation of study groups and access to research opportunities. Thereby, improving your academic performance.
- Regular networking develops strong communication skills, boosts confidence, and promotes cultural exchange.
- Networking also provides valuable information about local resources and advice on adapting to life in Canada.
- Forming lasting connections with peers, mentors, and alumni offers ongoing support and opportunities throughout your career.
- Active networking builds a strong personal brand and increases visibility to potential employers and collaborators.
Wrapping Up
Networking is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your experience as an international student in Canada. This guide on how to network as an international student in Canada has provided a detailed explanation of everything you need to know. By actively engaging in networking opportunities, you can access valuable career prospects, professional development resources, academic support, and personal growth opportunities. Remember to be proactive, genuine, and consistent in your efforts to build and maintain relationships. With a strong and supportive network, you will be well-equipped to navigate the challenges of studying abroad and achieve your academic and career goals.
