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If you are studying MBA in the USA or are planning to do so then the importance of networking and building connections can simply not be ignored. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) more than 80% of the students benefited from their networking and connections which they made while studying MBA in the USA. It is extremely important to advance their careers as these connections go beyond their graduation. As per a research done by Harvard Business Review around 70% of job opportunities rise from networking. In this article we will be discussing important networking tips for students while studying MBA in the USA.

Importance of Networking while Studying MBA in USA

Networking is as important as studying MBA in USA in a reputed university as it helps you for several reasons. Students attract a lot of internship and later employment opportunities with the help of networking they build over a period of time. Moreover, while you have connections with people working in different industries you are gaining industry insights that you can further use for taking your career to the next level. Mentioned below are some reasons why networking is important:

Mentorship & Guidance

You can come across great mentors who can guide you by advising and shaping your career in a better way.

Career Opportunities

As mentioned above, connections can help you pull towards some great career opportunities which are anyway not announced on Linkedin or any other platform.

Knowledge Exchange

Students get a lot of exposure while they are still studying which further leads to a healthy exchange of ideas, concepts and best practices.

Personal Brand Building

It’s a chance for students to build their reputation side by side with their studies which is essential for their long-term career growth.

Alumni from some of the best universities in the USA for MBA emphasize the positive impact of networking and entrepreneurs can actually use their business school network to their advantage.

When Should One Start Networking?

Studying MBA in the USA at a top business school? Networking is one way that can actually help you soar high. Many students know the importance of networking, however they don’t know when to start doing the same. The answer to this is that students should start building professional networks and connections as early as possible. Talking about a timeline as when one should start building connections:

Before you start your MBA study in USA – Connection with your batch students and alumni will be beneficial

Orientation Program – This is one of the most important programs or events which international students traveling to the USA for studying MBA must attend. This is the time when you get to meet your professors, classmates and other staff members. Students can join a few groups just to stay connected.

Internships – These are not just only about having some practical experiences, but it plays a major role when networking is concerned. You will be able to know your colleagues and bosses better.

Join Alumni Networks – As you proceed with your MBA in USA, continuously stay in touch with the alumni network and stay in touch with professionals in the industry.

Suggested Read: Best Universities to Study in USA for International Students

7 Networking Tips  for Students while Studying MBA in USA

Strike a Conversation

Be a conversation starter and as you know first impression is the last impression, it’s important to make connections and leave a lasting impression. Be confident while you are starting a conversation and know the importance of asking the right questions. Some questions you can ask are about the university they are attending and what industry or field they have chosen.

Establish a Personal Story

If you are here to study MBA and side by side you are to build strong networks and connections, storytelling is one trait which you must know just like the back of your hand. One should know how to build a personal story and to market yourself. At the end it is all about standing in front of the crowd and marking your presence. Connection building needs time and it cannot be done in the blink of an eye.

Connect on Linkedin

Establish yourself on Linkedin as a professional and craft a compelling profile. Join several Linkedin groups which are specifically inclined towards MBA students, alumni and industry professionals. Also, share relevant content and industry insights in order to build a rapport with the group members.

Be Pro-Active

Take up a leadership role in your students group or society. This will slowly help you expand your connection within the group and beyond. This kind of role or ownership will also reflect in your resume and will give you an edge above other students.

Understand your Goals

Networking or building connections could mean different things to different people. The key lies in the fact that you should know your end goal well, so that you can act accordingly. While studying MBA in the USA it is important to build a strong network as this will help you connect with like-minded people and eventually it will lead your path to future career opportunities.

Stay in Touch

Networking and building connections is an ongoing process. One must always stay in touch with your connections. Always prefer to connect with your peers and networks face-to-face rather than online. Face-to-face meetings allow a personalized connection. The idea is to always stay connected.

Are you planning to study abroad? If yes, then Jamboree offers you great support from GMAT exam preparation to MBA university shortlisting and visa process etc. Students enroll with Jamboree to achieve great scores so that they can get admission into their dream university in the USA. Students can make the best use of the different GMAT training modules offered by Jamboree including classroom, online, self-paced and private tutoring and choose the one which suits them best.

Suggested Read: Life After MBA in USA

Conclusion

As students consider study abroad important, so is networking and building connections. In order to have a successful study abroad experience students must create a robust network which enhances their personal and professional growth. International students going to study MBA in the USA will not only get access to high quality education but, with the power of networking they can actually create better job and career prospects for themselves in future. So, don’t underestimate the power of networking and building connections.

FAQs

  1. Why is networking important while studying MBA in the USA?

Building connections and networking is important for your long term career success. It helps create opportunities, facilitates knowledge transfer and helps build connections.

2. Do you really need to build networking for MBA?

Yes, though networking helps in all fields and courses, but MBA is one field of study where networking is of prime importance.

3. What are the best possible ways to stay in touch with your network after completing your MBA?

The best way to stay in touch with your network is through social media. Social media has actually made the world a small place. With platforms like Linkedin, Facebook & Twitter etc, you can always stay connected with whoever you want to.

4. What are the advantages of building connections for students traveling to study abroad other than career growth?

Other than lucrative career opportunities, building a strong network and connections can actually be like your support system away from home. Other advantages include:

    • Personal skill development
    • Improves foreign culture adaptability
    • Gather insightful industry knowledge

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