Networking - the act of connecting with others and maintaining those relationships - is a key ingredient in advancing your professional success as well as building positive wellbeing. As a result, it is important to be proactive in building a personal and professional network as an international student in Victoria.
Study Melbourne has a number of dedicated programs designed to help international students build their personal and professional networks. Be sure to check out our free and regular career, leadership and transition events.
In this guide, we detail everything you need to know about building professional contacts in Victoria and offer practical networking tips.
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[Two speakers in large room with event in background, people talking, eating, listening to speakers, meeting people]
Speaker 1, Alexis: Hey everyone. My name is Alexis and we're in one of the amazing Career Catalyst events by Study Melbourne.
With me today, we have a very special guest with us.
Speaker 2, Dickie Currer: Thank you so much, Alexis. I'm Dickie Currer and I'm on a mission to help Australia be the best it can be in this tech and innovation space.
Tonight I'll be talking about how to build a network here.
Speaker 1, Alexis: Maybe give us the first tip on how to build a network. Actually, as an international student.
Speaker 2, Dickie Currer: I think it's really about building your people and finding your community.
Like so and it's about getting yourself out there, get an exposure, meeting people, following out.
Speaker 1, Alexis: So there's magic in the follow up. Yeah?
Speaker 2, Dickie Currer: Definitely. And I just kind of follow up. These for me it's about building relationships, right? And most of them don't happen on that night.
Most people when you actually reach out and be kind and show you want to connect, we'll do the same back.
Speaker 1, Alexis: What do you think international friends can expect from this event today?
Speaker 2, Dickie Currer: Well, firstly, we're in a really unconventional space, right? So we're at Melbourne Zoo, which is amazing.
I think it takes people out of their comfort zone, and hopefully they'll take away some amazing relationships from it and come out really confident for the next networking engagement they have.
Speaker 3, Yasmina: My name is Yasmina. I'm a student doing my Master's in Business Administration at Victoria University.
I enjoy coming to these events because I meet a lot of people. I've met some good friends.
Speaker 1, Alexis: So if you are going to speak to someone who's never been at a Study Melbourne event, what is one thing that you would tell them about Study Melbourne about?
Speaker 3, Yasmina: I just tell them to come and connect with other people and it’s amazing. Coming here and just make some good connection, like exchanging information. We just learn a lot from other people.
[Study Melbourne logo]
Why is networking important?
There are several reasons why a strong network is one of the most valuable assets you can have throughout your career.
Networking can help you build transferable skills like interpersonal communication, relationship management and professionalism, which are vital to success in any field.
Having industry connections also means you will have people to turn to with questions about your role, career or sector. You may even find someone willing to mentor you; having this level of guidance can help you feel more confident navigating your industry and exploring new professional pathways.
Networking is also one of the best ways to open doors for yourself. Through your professional connections, you are likely to hear about jobs, internships and other opportunities that you may not have learned about otherwise.
Benefits of networking
Immersing yourself in Australian culture
Every country has its own workplace culture, and Australia is no different. In the Australian workplace, people tend to be less formal with one another - even those at different levels of seniority. For instance, it’s common for colleagues to share jokes and to address supervisors by their first names rather than formal titles (such as sir or madam).
As an international student, networking is a great way to be exposed to Australian workplace culture.
Improving your wellbeing
Networking is not just helpful for your career, but it is also a useful way to make friends and build a support system in your new home. This can aid in combating feelings of isolation and loneliness, and in turn, boost your overall wellbeing.
Enhancing the overall student experience
Networking can help you make the most of your time in Victoria. By meeting new people, building relationships, and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you will advance both your professional and personal growth and become a more well-rounded individual.
Boost your job opportunities
Professional networking can be very helpful in learning about potential job opportunities, connecting with potential employers and enhancing your job prospects.
Networking styles
In Australia, there are various networking styles, meaning you are sure to find one that suits you.
One popular style of networking involves attending formal networking events, such as industry seminars, conferences or roundtable discussions. Such events provide an opportunity for you to meet and mingle with like-minded professionals, typically in a professional setting.
Attending formal networking events in Melbourne is a great option for you if you are outgoing and enjoy meeting many people in a relatively short period. Attend one of Study Melbourne’s regular networking events, which are often held in fun and interesting locations with interesting and engaging industry speakers.
However, there are other networking styles better suited to those who prefer more casual or quieter environments. For example, you may opt to meet with someone for a coffee one-on-one to chat about their career journey and insights.
Networking can even take place online. Many professionals use LinkedIn to keep in touch, follow industry leaders and stay up to date on important trends. Study Melbourne runs free events on building your LinkedIn profile and how to professionally reach out to other people on LinkedIn.
Tips for networking effectively
Bring a friend
Going to an industry event or networking session can be a little intimidating, especially if it is your first time.
Bringing someone with you, such as a friend or classmate, is a great way to feel more relaxed and confident. However, ensure you do not spend all of your time speaking only to your friend, and be sure to interact with the other attendees as well.
Ask questions and practise active listening
If you are not sure how to start a conversation, try asking the other person about themselves.
Some easy questions could include:
- How has your day been?
- What company do you work for?
- What’s your role?
- How long have you been with your company?
- How did you hear about this event?
Try to be an active listener by nodding, smiling and maintaining eye contact while they speak. Doing so will show them you are interested in what they are saying and encourage them to share even more.
Get contact details
After you have met someone new, it is important to stay in touch. You might want to ask them for their work email address or phone number or invite them to connect on LinkedIn.
Follow up and maintain the relationship
Remember: networking is not just about making relationships, but maintaining them.
Follow up with your new contact within a few days of meeting them. In most cases, it’s appropriate to send them a brief message or email to say that you enjoyed meeting them and you look forward to staying in touch.
In the future, you can keep in touch by commenting on their LinkedIn posts, congratulating them on new roles or professional successes, or periodically sharing interesting news relating to your role or industry.
Networking in Melbourne
As an international student, there are many places you can go to start building your connections.
A great place to start is with your education provider. Many institutions hold regular professional development and networking events in Melbourne.
Study Melbourne's employability and social programs all present fantastic opportunities for personal and professional networking. Career Catalyst specifically offers webinars and workshops to build key skills, and networking events where you can practice your skills and build your network. Make new friends while discovering the best that Melbourne has to offer with Everyday Heroes, delivered by Insider Guides.
You can also find and attend events hosted by industry groups and professional bodies, like Engineers Australia, the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and the Pharmaceutical Guild of Australia.
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