How to Secure a Job in the US as an International Student (Part 2): Networking 101

Why Networking?

Let’s be real—networking isn’t just about collecting contacts like trading cards. For international students, it’s a way to get insider knowledge about your industry, find opportunities you never knew existed, and even get a mentor who can help guide your career. Sure, it can be intimidating, but when done right, networking is about creating real, meaningful connections that can help you grow.

Think of networking like planting seeds. You’re not just trying to grow a forest of random trees—you’re planting specific seeds that can grow into valuable, fruitful relationships. And those relationships can lead to knowledge, guidance, and eventually, opportunities that you wouldn’t find through regular job applications. The goal is not to have 500+ LinkedIn connections; the goal is to have a few strong connections that truly matter.

One of the most valuable aspects of networking is mentorship—finding someone who has been in your shoes and can help you navigate your career. A good mentor can provide valuable advice, introduce you to others, and help you avoid mistakes they made along the way.

How to Network

1. Online Networking

Cold Messages

Cold messaging can feel awkward, but it’s one of the most effective ways to reach out to people you admire. The trick? Make it personal. Don’t send a copy-paste message to dozens of people—it won’t work. Instead, take a few minutes to learn about the person you want to reach out to. Did they write an article you found interesting? Mention it. Do you share an alma mater? Bring it up. Your goal is to make a genuine connection, not just ask for a favor.

Example: Instead of saying, "Hi, I’m looking for a job in your field. Can you help me?" you could say, "Hi, I recently read your post about data analytics trends, and it really resonated with me. I’m currently an international student studying Business Analytics, and I’d love to hear about how you got started in the field." This kind of message shows that you’ve put effort into reaching out and that you’re genuinely interested in learning. And if you get a cold message from someone else, react to it. Don’t act like a stone. Share your insights, and values. Leverage LinkedIn as a playground, an ecosystem for you to practice networking skills.

Targeted Interactions through Creating Content and Engaging in the Community

Another way to network online is by creating content and engaging with others. Write posts about what you’re learning, share industry news, or even comment on other people’s posts. For example, if someone shares an article about a new technology, comment on it with your thoughts or questions. It’s a great way to get noticed and show that you’re genuinely engaged in the field.

Example: I started sharing my reflections on LinkedIn about transitioning from Philosophy to Business Analytics. I posted about challenges I faced and how I overcame them. Not only did this help me stand out, but it also led to several people reaching out to me—including my current mentor.

2. In-Person Networking

In-person networking can be scary, especially if English isn’t your first language. But trust me, showing up is half the battle. Go to job fairs, industry events, or meetups. The key is to be approachable and confident. Start small—introduce yourself, ask questions, and be curious. As a philosophy student, I didn't even know how to properly dress up, how to say hi and introduce myself to others, and how to carry myself professionally. But hey, failing is the best way to learn.

Example: When I attended my first industry conference, I felt completely out of place. But instead of trying to impress people with my (non-existent) experience, I focused on asking questions. I went up to a speaker after their talk and asked, "I really enjoyed your presentation on market analytics. How do you see this trend impacting small businesses?" That conversation led to a LinkedIn connection and, later, an informational interview.

Remember, you don’t have to be the loudest person in the room. Just being genuinely curious and interested in others will make you memorable.

Dos and Don’ts in Networking

Dos:

• Be Prepared: Know who you’re talking to and why you want to connect with them. It shows respect and genuine interest.
• Add Value: Networking is a two-way street. Maybe you can’t offer them a job, but you can share an interesting article or connect them with someone else.
• Be Consistent: Follow up. If you had a good conversation, send a thank-you note. Check in every few months—not to ask for a favor, but just to stay in touch.
• Listen Actively: Ask questions and really listen to what the other person has to say. People appreciate genuine interest more than flashy accomplishments.

Don’ts:

• Don’t Make It All About You: The quickest way to turn someone off is to immediately ask for a job. Focus on building rapport first.
• Don’t Spam: Sending the same generic message to dozens of people will get you ignored. Personalization is key.
• Don’t Be Pushy: Respect other people’s time. If they don’t respond, give it space. You can try again later, but don’t bombard them with messages.
• Don’t Be Transactional: Once, during a coffee chat, a student from Columbia University directly asked me, "Can you refer me? I can pay you," without even a proper introduction. I respect the hustle, but that’s not the right approach. There’s no way I’d refer someone I don’t know—it would ruin my brand.

Earning Mentorship

A career mentor should be someone who has the ideal career path that you’re aiming for and who is willing to pay it forward by sharing their experiences. I was lucky to have someone like that who guided me not just in my career, but in life as well—from personal finance to relationships and entrepreneurship. You may not find one person with the full package you’re looking for, but start searching. The shortcut in life is to find a person with the results you want and pursue the heck out of learning from them.

Once you find someone like that, initiate the conversation, start building the relationship, and don’t forget to give back. It doesn’t have to be money. It could be appreciation, a small gift, or a warm message—those mean a lot as well.

Final Thoughts: Practical Advice on Starting to Network Today

Networking doesn’t have to be intimidating. Start with small, consistent actions. Reach out to one new person this week. Attend one event this month. Post something on LinkedIn that reflects your learning journey. Remember, networking is not just about getting a job—it’s about learning, growing, and building relationships that will last throughout your career.

And don’t forget, everyone starts somewhere. The people you admire were once in your shoes, and most of them are happy to help if you approach them the right way. So take that first step—send that message, attend that event, post that article. You never know where it might lead.