In school, students are not limited to academic activities, they are also opportune to engage in extracurricular activities. Through these activities, they learn to build valuable networks with other students, professors, and other members of the academic community. These college networks can be instrumental in helping international students find jobs.
Here’s a brief overview of how this works.
- College networks furnish you with diverse contacts
- They are your open ticket to getting referrals
- These networks make you privy to information that’s not open to the public
- Personal job offers
Now let’s look at each point in detail.
1. College networks furnish you with diverse contacts
College networks furnish you with diverse contacts which you’d find very beneficial when you go job hunting. Staying in touch with your networks exposes you to information about various job opportunities in different organizations and countries.
2. They are your open ticket to getting Referrals
Having studied and worked with you for the period of your study, your college contacts know you considerably. They know what you like, are good at, your personality, etc. So, when they are aware of opportunities that suit your interests, personality and strengths, they’d be happy to refer you. Call it your open ticket to referrals and you’d be correct.
3. These networks make you privy to information that’s not open to the public
When there’s a job opening in an organization, your network lets you in on that information. But beyond that, your network can advise you on how to make your application, CV/resume, cover letter stand out and your interview successful. This is because s/he knows the house style and how best you can impress the employer. This, of course, is done within ethical and professional limits.
4. Personal job offers
Some of your college networks will set up their own businesses, companies or organizations. Having known you from college and the value you can bring to the table, they can reach out to you personally. This is one of the ways international students find jobs through college networks.
Now you know how valuable it is to build networks while in school. Without a doubt,