Last week we wanted to highlight the
importance of multiculturalism and the achievements of Ontario's international
student community. This week, we're talking about how the International Students Festival can be a great place to network not only with your fellow students, but also
with civic and corporate leaders who will have their own information centres
during the event at David Pecaut Square. Your post-secondary years are the
perfect time to start network in and out of the fields you're studying, and
here's how you can start building a professional network while still in school.
4
Networking Tactics for Post-Secondary Students
1. Using your Resources
You're often
sitting in classrooms full of people that could be using the same degree you're
working toward to do something very different. Your classes are often taught by
professors who are people at the top of their fields. Most disciplines often
notify students of seminars, workshops, and other events that are
industry-specific. Take advantage of all these opportunities by introducing
yourself to your peers, making sure your professor can single you out in a
lecture hall of 500 students, and personally thank event speakers and
participants to make yourself stand out.
2. Get Involved
Networking is
about more than just exchanging handshakes and business cards after you've
asked about an opportunity. Engage yourself by pursuing volunteer opportunities
and finding out how you can get involved or learn more about the things you're
interested in doing. Taking a more active role lets you meet people who are
actively involved in your interests and goals. Be proactive and get onto the
frontlines!
3.
Turn Time-killers into Engagement Opportunities
Facebook.
Twitter. Blogging. Let's not kid ourselves – all those things are happening at
the same time papers are being written and exams are being studied for. You can
use social media to engage professionals in your fields and interests online as
easily as communicating with them regularly. Can't volunteer? Keep track of an
event's official hashtag to stay on top of news and participate off-site. You
can participate in online content sharing at the International Student Festival
using the official event hashtag #ISFTO.
4.
Attend
the International Students Festival
This year's
festival is host to info-booths and information centres for a variety of
schools, organizations, civic leaders and corporations, making it the perfect
place to put your networking skills to great use while expanding your options
both locally and internationally. You'll have the opportunity to speak with
representatives throughout the festival, but they aren't the only people you
can network with—don't pass up the chance to network with your peers! You'll
all be moving forward into new careers and interests together, so make the most
of getting to know each other personally and professionally now!
Let the International Students Festival
be one of your first steps toward more effective networking. After all, it
presents several opportunities to meet a great variety of people from a variety
of places for free, so don't miss it!
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