01Understand why your network matters now
Many internship and job offers first circulate through recommendations, even before they are published. The people you know can tell you about an opportunity, give you advice or support your application.
For an international student, a network is also valuable support for understanding the professional codes of the host country, discovering sectors that are hiring and gaining confidence.
02Start with the people around you
Your network already exists, often without you realising it. It is made up of the people you meet every day:
- Your classmates : tomorrow they will be your colleagues, recruiters or partners.
- Your teachers and guest speakers : they know companies and what the sector expects.
- Alumni : they followed the same path and can share their experience.
- Your internship supervisors and colleagues : every experience widens your professional circle.
03Take care of your online presence
An up-to-date professional profile, on LinkedIn for example, makes it easy for recruiters and contacts to find you. Add a professional photo, a clear headline, your education, your experience and your skills.
When you send a connection request, include a short personalised message: explain who you are and why you would like to connect.
04Attend events
Student fairs, company forums, conferences, workshops or associations: these events are ideal for meeting professionals in a relaxed setting. Prepare a short introduction of yourself and a few questions about the careers that interest you.
After the event, send a thank-you message to the people you met to stay in touch.
05Maintain your contacts over time
A network needs to be nurtured. Keep in touch from time to time, congratulate your contacts on their successes and share useful information. Networking works both ways: offer your help as much as you ask for it.
The goal is not to have as many contacts as possible, but sincere, quality relationships.
06Turn your network into opportunities
When you are looking for an internship, a work-study placement or a first job, tell your contacts about your plans. Ask for a few minutes of conversation to better understand a job or a company, rather than asking directly for a position.
On Stupora, you can also browse career offers in France, Belgium and Germany, and prepare your applications with the advice of your network.
