By: Jessica Mazelon
In between classes and studying, many students do not realize there is an enormous opportunity to learn. As an international student, your time is limited; so why not take advantage of it? By maximizing your experiences outside of the classroom, you will create long lasting friendships, a strong professional network, and amazing stories to bring back with you.
The following is what you will need to succeed:
In between classes and studying, many students do not realize there is an enormous opportunity to learn. As an international student, your time is limited; so why not take advantage of it? By maximizing your experiences outside of the classroom, you will create long lasting friendships, a strong professional network, and amazing stories to bring back with you.
The following is what you will need to succeed:
- A curious mind
- Your Semtus smartphone
Keep in mind that the connections you make now will impact your career significantly. Here is how to start making strong connections:
1) Join clubs on your campus that interest you.
By doing so, you meet people from all over who you have something in common with. Even if this club is something that does not relate to your career goals, you never know when this experience will come back to benefit you. This is your foundation for creating stories and to begin establishing your nonprofessional network (Note: Engaging in On Campus Activities; Sororities and Fraternities).
2) Invite your professors out to lunch or bring them coffee.
Befriending a professor is one of the best things a student can do, and it is the easiest. You will be amazed of how much information a professor will share, when asked for career advice. It is likely you will leave that semester with a handful of professional contacts and a life long mentor. This is most likely where your first job opportunity will present itself.
3) Stay connected to everyone you meet by sharing.
Thanks to Semtus, you have a smartphone. Now use it to your advantage! Email, Facebook, Tweet, and text anything you think that may benefit someone in your professional and nonprofessional network. If you read a cool article that you think your friend from your club might like, send it to them. Discover a professional seminar? Make a Facebook group and invite your friends, and even your professor to come along. If you do this for others, it is likely they will reciprocate the same way. This is where you learn to seek out opportunities.
What you take away from this:
- A new network of individuals who are about to enter the work force
- A network of professionals already in the work force
- A library of stories to reference and share with your friends, or during an interview
- And great friendships
With a little direction, anyone can enjoy their college experience and even find a great occupation!
Relevant Sources:
- Your Semtus smartphone
Keep in mind that the connections you make now will impact your career significantly. Here is how to start making strong connections:
1) Join clubs on your campus that interest you.
By doing so, you meet people from all over who you have something in common with. Even if this club is something that does not relate to your career goals, you never know when this experience will come back to benefit you. This is your foundation for creating stories and to begin establishing your nonprofessional network (Note: Engaging in On Campus Activities; Sororities and Fraternities).
2) Invite your professors out to lunch or bring them coffee.
Befriending a professor is one of the best things a student can do, and it is the easiest. You will be amazed of how much information a professor will share, when asked for career advice. It is likely you will leave that semester with a handful of professional contacts and a life long mentor. This is most likely where your first job opportunity will present itself.
3) Stay connected to everyone you meet by sharing.
Thanks to Semtus, you have a smartphone. Now use it to your advantage! Email, Facebook, Tweet, and text anything you think that may benefit someone in your professional and nonprofessional network. If you read a cool article that you think your friend from your club might like, send it to them. Discover a professional seminar? Make a Facebook group and invite your friends, and even your professor to come along. If you do this for others, it is likely they will reciprocate the same way. This is where you learn to seek out opportunities.
What you take away from this:
- A new network of individuals who are about to enter the work force
- A network of professionals already in the work force
- A library of stories to reference and share with your friends, or during an interview
- And great friendships
With a little direction, anyone can enjoy their college experience and even find a great occupation!
Relevant Sources:
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