The Corporate Talk

Moving to a new country can be both exciting and intimidating. As an expat, building a strong professional network is not just beneficial – it’s essential for your success. In this post, I’ll write into the significance of networking for expats, and offer practical tips to help you forge valuable connections in your new environment. Whether you’re seeking career opportunities, valuable insights, or simply a support system, effective networking can pave the way for a fulfilling expat experience. Join us as we explore the transformative impact of networking for expatriates.

Why to build a network

Networking holds immense significance for expats as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of living in a new country. By forging connections with professionals and locals, expats can access valuable insights, career opportunities, and a support system crucial for their personal and professional fulfillment. Building a strong professional network not only facilitates integration into the new environment but also opens doors to new experiences and possibilities. Effective networking can ultimately transform an expat’s transition into a fulfilling and successful experience.

Some tips for expats to grow your network abroad

• Embrace local networking events and professional gatherings to meet new people and potential contacts within your industry (or other industries).
• Utilize social media platforms to connect with other expats, local professionals, and industry groups for networking opportunities.
• Join expat or professional groups and organizations in your new country to expand your social and professional circles.
• Volunteer for local causes or events to meet like-minded individuals and demonstrate your commitment to the community.
• Attend language exchange meetups or cultural events to connect with locals and build cross-cultural relationships.
• Seek out mentors or advisors who can provide valuable insights and guidance as you navigate your new professional environment.
• Stay open-minded and proactive in initiating conversations and following up with new contacts to cultivate meaningful relationships.
• Leverage online platforms and forums specific to expats or professionals in your industry to share experiences and seek advice from fellow expats.

Platforms for expats

Thanks to internet, our expat life is much simpler.

I have wrote about those platforms before, as they are the ones I use more often, but here they are again:

Meet-up: https://www.meetup.com

Internations: https://www.internations.org

In both platforms you can search for communities based on your interest topic, there are many meetings related to specific fields of work, and you can grow your network in your area of interest.

Do you have other platforms to recommend for expats? Write in the comment field: