When earning a degree online, it can be difficult to build your professional network. It’s essential for online learners to connect with other individuals and build their professional network for career growth and new opportunities. With the right strategies, online learners can successfully network, connect with industry professionals and build their communication skills. We’ve curated a list of networking tips to help you successfully connect with others and build your professional network.
Connect with Faculty
At JWU College of Professional Studies, our industry-experienced faculty are here to support you throughout your academic journey. Connecting with your faculty can help improve your networking skills as their personal experiences have shaped the best practices for building a professional network. Their expertise in a variety of fields and advanced skills can help give you guidance on networking with different people or companies. Building strong connections with faculty can help expand your professional network.
Dr. Matthew Samel, a faculty member in the College of Hospitality at Johnson & Wales University, explains how networking is important for both career growth and personal development. “Networking in today’s virtual environment allows instantaneous two-way communication between people who may be able to help each other or recommend a third party who could assist with information, advice, or employment leads. It also allows everyone to strategically position their personal brand and message of assistance and needs to an audience and community that is willing and able to help. Virtual networking platforms allows users to provide a profile of skills, knowledge and abilities far beyond the traditional employment search documents like a resume and cover letter.”
“I think the most significant resource for me has been the professors themselves. They are very receptive to inquiries and willing to help whenever you request assistance from them. The online resources, together with the support from the professors, have given me a wonderful experience.” ~ Ajay P.
Attend Networking Events
Attending networking events is another way in which you can build your professional network. These events help individuals who share similar career paths or interests to come together and converse about different components of specific areas of interest. Additionally, there are networking events that cover a general theme or topic opposed to something career specific. Examples of these themes may include Industry Trends, Career Development, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Technology Advancements and more.
You can find local networking events through your university and other community locations. At Johnson & Wales University, students have access to jwuLink; a platform that acts as a hub for all information regarding JWU, including a list of campus events for both in-person and online students to attend. These events are a great way to connect with others and further develop your professional network.
Communicate with Classmates
Another great way to build your professional network is to build positive relationships with your online classmates. Participating in course discussions, working on projects with others and meeting virtually for assignments are all ways you can connect with your classmates; however, you can strengthen those relationships by building meaningful connections with them. At JWU College of Professional Studies, our learning platform, uLearn, offers a number of resources for our students to utilize. These resources help our students to build strong connections with one another and doing so early on can help with maintaining those relationships beyond graduation. This can help you stay informed on their personal and professional achievements and career advancements.
“Don’t be shy and be thorough,” Dr. Samel states. “Use the technology (pictures, videos, completed projects, personality test results, and certifications as examples) to demonstrate your level of understanding, competencies, and cultural fit for employment in your field of choice. Reach back to anyone who likes or comments on your posts quickly. And most importantly thank people for their advice and interest in you.”
“At JWU, by reaching out, you will gain the support of other students and staff and professors. I suggest if you are a student, make intentional connections with others as early as possible. The connections you make will follow you throughout the duration of your program and even after graduation, as you build your professional network.” ~ Rasheeda J.
Develop Your Online Presence
Utilizing online platforms such as LinkedIn can help develop your online presence. LinkedIn allows you to highlight different aspects such as your education background, prior work experience and completion of certificates. Providing the most up to date information is essential to increase your visibility to potential employers. You can connect with classmates, industry leaders and our robust network of 120,000+ JWU alumni for current news and updates that may be of interest to you. By building your professional network you can develop your communication and collaborative skills to help better your future.
Dr. Samel shares his personal advice for building meaningful connections in virtual environments. “I strongly encourage [students] to create a Professional LinkedIn profile and reach out to all the faculty they have taken a class with. We discuss how to use the platform to market themselves to potential employers as well as the importance of creating an ongoing presence through meaningful updates such as recognition, awards, and new knowledge gained both in (such as course projects and dean’s list) and outside the classroom (such as conference attendance and certifications completed).”
Learning how to network is an essential skill and can ultimately help you build connections with professionals and create new opportunities. By utilizing these four tips: connecting with faculty, attending networking events, communicating with classmates, and developing your online presence, you can expand your network.
Earn an Online Degree at JWU CPS
For more information about enrolling in one of our many degree programs at Johnson & Wales University College of Professional Studies, complete our Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881 or email [email protected].