https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/best-networking-practices-students-acs-professional-year-bhardwaj?trk=mp-reader-card

As an international student, I can understand the challenges one may face in building a professional network in a foreign country. Initially, I was also not confident in talking to industry professionals at networking events, but now my networking skills have thrived, thanks to my experienced trainer of Professional Year (PY) Program at NIT Australia.  

I would like to share my experiences, what I have learned so far from my trainer and the best practices I found for all those international students who are either struggling to build their professional network or are unaware of the benefits of networking. I believe that everyone usually has their well-developed social networks; therefore, I am going to focus only on professional networks in this post. 

Firstly, never underestimate the importance of professional networking events. I am glad that ACS has made it mandatory to attend at least three networking events for the students of PY program. Take such events as an opportunity to develop your confidence as well as networking skills. Don’t stop after attending three events as just a few events or get-togethers are not enough to grasp everything such opportunities have. 

Some of the immediate benefits of building a professional network for graduates are: 

• The more you network the more you will learn. 
• You may perhaps find some people over there who are at the position of your dream job and this can be the best opportunity to ask them how they reach there.
• You may come across the employees of your dream company and there you can ask about the current tools or technologies they are using, which can further help you in developing your own skills in a right direction.
• You can possibly find your mentor if you go out and meet people with similar interests.
• Undoubtedly, you will improve your confidence level and will definitely develop your personality by engaging with the professionals at such networking events.

Now, when you have decided to go and attend an event, initiate the process by finding the topic and the speaker(s) of the presentation. You may start your networking journey by going to an event of your special interest. Since I also started with such an event, because this way you will at least gain something if not the confidence to talk to anyone over there. However, I would suggest you to at least introduce yourself to the speaker and say thanks for their presentation or ask relevant questions, if any. There are several types of ACS events including discussion panels, try to participate in such discussions. 

The best and easiest way of entering into the zone of talking to someone you don’t know is to prepare your introduction beforehand. You can find a number of articles online on how to introduce yourself at networking events, but I would suggest that write down your introduction first and practice it before implementing. Keep it short and concrete in the beginning, but can always explain more once the other person has introduced her/himself. I am sure that you will keep on improving your introductory pitch throughout your networking journey.  

The next thing which I strongly recommend is that always show your positive side to others. I have seen many international students who keep on talking about how they are not getting a relevant job here in Australia. They don’t realize that such discussions can spoil their first impression on that particular person and you never know who can be your potential employer. I understand that it is very stressful to receive so-called ‘unsuccessful or unfortunately emails’ one after another, but this is not the place where we need to discuss it. Rather, show how you are developing your skills to gain your desired job and demonstrate your qualities, as my trainer always says, "Put your best foot forward, people!" 

Another very crucial point for all PY students to note here is that you will often face one question at such events- “What brings you here?” Please never say that you have to come because it is compulsory for you to attend three ACS events. This is really disrespectful to that person as it seems like that you are forced to talk to them and you don’t have any interest. Always remember, there might be some other PY students at that event who really want to build their network and relations with these professionals but with such answers, you are ruining the impression of all other PY students.   

A further best practice that I would like to share and which will really help in building your confidence, taught by my trainer, is that always try to engage with the people you don’t know and never sit next to your classmates or friends at such events. You will only realize your real potential when you are just by yourself and try to move forward to break all the barriers of talking confidently.  

Finally while leaving, take the business cards from those with whom you have talked or note down their names so that you can send a thank you note via LinkedIn or email. Also, try to maintain your relation with your network connections.  

I hope these practices will assist you in building your confidence as well as professional network.