International Students - Networking
What is Networking?
Fundamentally, networking is having a career conversation with someone for the purpose of exploring careers or job/internship search. That someone can be a friend of a friend, classmate, GSI, professor, a professional/Cal alum working in a company of interest, or even a fellow passenger on a plane. Having these conversations may not be natural for everyone, so the more you practice and have conversations with people, the more comfortable you will become with it.
Networking is an essential component to an effective job and internship search, whether you are looking in the US or overseas. It takes place in a variety of settings: one-on-one coffee chats, conferences, large networking events, professional association seminars, etc.
Why is it So Important?
- By building your network of professionals, you begin to gain access to the hidden job market and this is crucial because most statistics indicate that anywhere from 60-80% of positions are not listed publicly
- Finding out about opportunities through your network means you are accessing the position before the general public, which gives you an edge
Networking Resources
- Informational Interviewing is a great way to get started
- Join the UC Berkeley International Student & Alumni Network LinkedIn Group to connect with Cal international students/alumni and to find out which employers hire Cal international students for internships and jobs
- @Cal Career Network - find Cal alumni to connect with
- LinkedIn is a valuable resource for your job or internship search, especially for growing and maintaining your network. Visit our LinkedIn resource page to see how you can maximize LinkedIn for your career needs.
Networking Resources for International Students
- International Alumni Network - Reach out to Cal alumni overseas through this resource overseen by the UC Berkeley Office of International Relations
- Getting involved in and around campus is a great way to meet people, practice your English language skills, and expand your network. Remember, your peers are valuable contacts too!
- Berkeley International Office social events such as coffee chats or iMixes are fantastic ways to take a break from studying and meet other international students and scholars.
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