Quebec City, Canada
International Networking Advice
by Mary A. Schumacher
Whether you are conducting your international job search or already working abroad, networking is a key ingredient to meet your career goals.
Networking remains the primary way that job searchers find employment. Therefore, it's a good idea to tell your friends, family and acquaintances of your goals, as well as any other appropriate person you might come across. Many networking opportunities occur at meetings of professional organizations, social clubs, chambers of commerce, and similar groups.
Even if you already are working abroad, you need to widen your circle of professional acquaintances as much as you can. In this way, you will be more prepared than others when the time comes for you to look for new work, whether because of a personal career choice or from downsizing.
As organizations and companies operate increasingly on a global scale, networking opportunities are expanding. Remember, though, that networking within a different culture than your own requires you to be culturally sensitive.
A North American will find it natural that someone calls her up just to make contact. A Northern European will likely find this activity annoying, and would prefer that you have an actual request in mind. Make sure you are aware of cultural differences in networking before you start.