As an international student aiming for a job in Australia, networking is key. Yet, many people don’t explain how to network effectively here.
In this blog, we will break down the networking process into easy steps. We’ll also give you practical tips on what to do and what to avoid, plus other helpful information.
So, if you’re determined to boost your job chances or enhance your skills for a career in Australia, this blog is a must-read.
What is networking?
Networking can be summed up into two words: Building Relationships.
Networking is all about building relationships with like-minded people usually within your own professional industry.
While you can also build your network beyond your industry, but focusing on connections within your own field is usually best when job hunting.
What is the purpose of networking?
The goal of networking is to exchange information, ideas, knowledge and importantly opportunities.
So by networking, you also create a support system that is mutually beneficial, which means benefiting both the parties involved.
Why is networking so important to get a job in Australia?
You might have heard the saying, “It’s not only about what you know, it’s about who you know.”
In short, this means building your network is really important. Here’s why:
- The biggest benefit is career progression, as networking can open doors to job opportunities.
- It helps you learn more about specific topics or your industry.
- It also lets you build a support system you can rely on when you need it.
Step-by-step guide to networking in Australia
Now, let’s get into the business side of things, which is about the steps you need to take in order to network in Australia.
Let’s go through them.
Step 1: Set clear goals and objectives
Before you even think about networking, be clear about what you want to achieve.
As a student, your goals might include:
- Finding an internship/placement while you’re still studying
- Looking for a job after your graduation
- Seeking mentorship from an experienced professional
- Gaining industry knowledge
Your goals and objectives will guide your networking efforts and help you stay focused.
Step 2: Find networking opportunities
You need to research about networking events in your chosen industry. For example, if you’re interested in leadership, find events related to business and/or entrepreneurship.
You can find out about these networking opportunities via the apps that we mentioned below (so keep reading 👀)
Once you have a list, choose the ones that are most relevant to you. We suggest to attend as many as possible, but be realistic about how many you can fit into your study and work schedule.
Step 3: Research the event details
Once you know the event you are going to and booked your tickets, you need to do further research about the event itself.
Look into:
- Details about the event
- Agenda of the event
- Speakers in the event
You can usually find these information on the event’s website or by contacting the organisers.
Step 4: During the event
When you’re at the event, approach people with a friendly and professional attitude. If you know who you want to speak to, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself.
Prepare a brief, clear introduction about yourself, known as an elevator pitch. It’s a quick summary of who you are and what you do — imagine you’re in an elevator and have only a few seconds to make an impression.
Be confident and use positive body language. Listen actively to what others say and avoid asking for jobs right away unless it’s a career-focused event. Instead, seek their advice.
Let them know you’re a student and are eager to enter the industry. Ask for their guidance as an expert.
After your conversation, you can move on to meet others. If you’d like to stay in touch with someone you spoke to, follow the next step.
Step 5: Exchange contact details
Exchanging contact details is one of the most important parts that happen during the networking event.
The purpose of getting their contact details is usually to follow up with them after the event.
Step 6: Follow up
After 2-3 days of the event, reach out to the people you want to stay in touch with.
When you contact them, thank them sincerely for their time and conversation at the event. You can also suggest meeting up for coffee or another chat if they’re open to it. Use this chance to build the relationship further and discuss career advice or mentorship.
Keep in touch regularly to stay on their radar. You can connect on LinkedIn, engage with their posts, or send a text or email from time to time.
Popular networking apps in Australia
There are several apps you can use, but here are the top three you should focus on for networking in Australia:
LinkedIn is the go-to social media platform for professionals. If you’re serious about finding a job in Australia, you should be on LinkedIn.
Make sure your profile is polished and professional so you can make a great impression when reaching out to others.
Check it out here: https://www.linkedin.com/
Meetup
Meetup is great for finding events and gatherings where you can connect with people who share your interests. Many people use Meetup to discover networking opportunities in Australia.
Check it out here: https://www.meetup.com/
Eventbrite
Eventbrite is another popular platform for finding events happening around the world, and it’s widely used in Australia too. Keep in mind that some of the events could be paid events as well.
Check it out here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/
Do’s and Don’ts for networking in Australia
Before we wrap up, here are some important do’s and don’ts for networking in Australia:
- Seek advice first — At the beginning, focus on getting advice or mentorship. You can ask about job opportunities later on, but avoid doing so in the first or second meeting.
- Use business cards — Print some business cards to exchange contact details. You can choose between physical or digital cards based on your preference.
- Dress professionally — Always dress professionally and appropriately for events, especially if they’re formal.
- Show positive body language — Demonstrate genuine interest by nodding and maintaining good posture while listening.
- Respectful personal space — Australians usually don’t like to get too close to each other. So make sure to give enough personal space to the people you are speaking with.
- Remember the people’s name — It will be great if you can remember people’s names and recall them when meeting next time.
- Meet as many people as you can — Do not get stuck with one or two people only during the event. Networking events are about meeting as many people as possible, so try to connect with a wide range of individuals and exchange information with those you’re interested in.
That’s a wrap on how to network effectively in Australia. We hope this guide helps you navigate your networking journey!
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