When you’re still studying or just beginning your career, everyone tells you the importance of having a good network. But nobody really explains how to actually do it. I always imagined networking as walking into a big event, shaking hands confidently, and exchanging business cards like I knew exactly what I was doing. However, it’s not like that at all. Especially not at the start.Building a strong network is much easier (and more natural) than it sounds. So here are some simple tips that helped me and that might help you too.
Start with the people you already know
Networking doesn’t begin at fancy events. It starts with your classmates, teachers, colleagues from part-time jobs, and even friends who study in different fields. These people already know you, and they’re often the first ones who can recommend you for internships or projects. It’s easy to forget that your existing contacts are already a network. You don’t always have to look far.
Be genuinely curious
A good network isn’t about collecting names. It’s about collecting stories. Ask people what they do, what working in another country is like, or what languages they use in their job. People appreciate genuine interest, and it helps you understand what kind of career paths exist. Being curious also makes conversations feel more natural. Instead of thinking about what you should say next, you can simply focus on learning from the other person.
Use LinkedIn (seriously!)
In my opinion, LinkedIn is the place to be for networking. You don’t need a perfect CV or years of experience. You just need to show who you are, where you are studying, what languages you speak, and what fields you’re interested in. By posting occasionally, sharing something you’ve learned, or reacting to others’ posts, more people get to know you. It’s also important to connect with the people you meet. A teacher might know about a great opportunity, or a colleague you once worked with might be able to help you later on.
Find connections through events and apps
Workshops, language cafés, open days, and meet-ups are great places to meet new people. Just showing up is enough to start conversations. You can also use apps like Left, Meetup, and InterNations to discover local events and connect with people who share your interests. Combining in-person activities with these platforms makes meeting new people much easier.
Help others when you can
Networking is a two-way street. It is important that you also help other people, even when your network is still small. Maybe you can recommend someone for a job, share an interesting article, or offer help with something you understand well. When you support people, they remember you.
Stay in touch
The biggest networking mistake people make is disappearing. Staying connected doesn’t mean sending long messages every week. It can be something simple like reacting to a post, congratulating someone on a new job, or sending a quick update about your studies.
A strong network is not something you build in one day, it grows over time. And especially in an international environment, your network can become your biggest strength. So start small, be curious, and don’t be afraid to reach out. The opportunities you’re looking for might already be just one message away.
