Building Relationships and Professional Networks as an International Student

Starting from scratch in a new country can be one of the most daunting challenges for international students. While building new friendships and connections may seem straightforward, many who have gone through this experience will tell you that it can be quite difficult.

Having moved from Kadoma, Zimbabwe, to study for master’s in Public Administration at the University at Albany, I felt a wave of anxiety when it came to making new friends and even building new professional networks. I think a lot of us can relate to that feeling; it often ties into imposter syndrome—the nagging doubt that maybe we won’t quite fit in. There were times I was concerned and worried about whether people would understand the way I speak or take my perspective seriously. These and other factors might contribute to a lot of international students shying away from building new relationships and professional connections. Despite having to navigate around these challenges, I managed to discover some of the ways that international students can build relationships and professional networks.

1. Get Involved
   One of the best ways to build relationships is to get involved in different extracurricular activities that are offered on campus. One of the amazing things about UAlbany is the variety of student organizations that it offers. Joining a student organization allows you to meet people with similar interests, helping to foster relationships in a natural way. Whether it's a cultural, academic, recreational student organization, there are numerous opportunities that you can find belonging.  Most of these student organizations can be accessed on MyInvolvement.
   
   Being involved means participating in campus events and activities. These events provide valuable opportunities to connect with faculty members, alumni, and other students, all of whom can become important parts of your network. Although attending these events may feel overwhelming at first, the more you engage in them and network with others, the more confident you will become. Building this confidence is essential for your success.
   
   Additionally, one of the most rewarding ways to get involved is by stepping into leadership roles within student organizations. I often share a story of how, within less than two months of arriving at UAlbany, I was already in a leadership role with the Graduates Students Association! . The main reason I found the courage to step into this leadership position was that I viewed it as a chance to learn, grow, and most importantly, to boost my networking skills. So, my encouragement to any international student is that you can also seize these opportunities to build relationships and professional networks.
    
2. Make use of your Campus Resources
   UAlbany provides a range of resources to help international students adapt, grow, and build strong professional networks. Utilizing these resources can greatly enhance your academic experience and professional opportunities. One valuable resource is the Career and Professional Development office, which offers support for resume writing, career counseling, mock interviews, and job search assistance. In addition to these services, they organize career fairs and employer networking events that can lead to internships and job opportunities. 
   
   Academic advising and faculty office hours are incredibly valuable resources. Utilizing these opportunities helps you build relationships with faculty members, who can later become important mentors and provide recommendations essential for your future career or academic endeavors.
    
3. Build a Strong professional image
   Finally, building a strong professional image is crucial for attracting professional networks. As an international student, it's important to be intentional about how you present yourself both academically and professionally. One effective way I have approached this is by using platforms like LinkedIn. It is essential to regularly update your profile with all your achievements, including academic accomplishments, leadership roles, and any professional development opportunities you've pursued. By engaging with content, sharing insights, and networking with industry professionals on these platforms, you can enhance your visibility and establish yourself as a proactive and informed individual in your field. 

If you are not sure on how you can enhance your LinkedIn profiles, the good news is that UAlbany’s Career Office and even other student organizations usually organize LinkedIn workshops to help students.

I will end with this quote, " Your life is worth a lot more than you think because you are capable of accomplishing more than you know” Roy T Bennet.