From Campus to Career: Networking Tips for International Students

Attempting to network and find footing on the career path can be difficult for students.  In addition, networking can be especially hard for international students because of language barriers and unfamiliar professional norms. Though it can feel like a tough battle, Texas A&M University provides opportunities specifically for these students.

Campus programs and support services for students bridge the gap between networking and international challenges and prove that having a multicultural background is a great way to stand out on a resume. Program Development Coordinator with International Students & Scholar Services, Olivia Mvula, explained that networking plays a key role in helping international students turn their academic experience into job offers.

“It is important that international students maximize their time and experience here as students,” Mvula said. “Networking is important, because the goal is to get a job, but it also allows them to expand their opportunities. The Aggie Ring and the Aggie network are important too. I have heard stories of students who were outside of the United States, and someone sees the ring and it helps them make a new connection.”

International students may find complications in gaining career experience because of visa restrictions such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), which limit when and how they can work. Programs like the Global Career Accelerator offer an accessible way to build connections and technical skills.

“Networking allows students to realize there are an array of opportunities within their major that they might not even recognize without talking to people already in the field,” Mvula said. “There is also the career accelerator though Global Engagement that is a cool opportunity that international students might not have considered, it allows them to build connections without using their CPT or OPT.”

“One of the biggest ways international students network while they’re in school is through student organizations,” Mvula said. “Because there’s a lot of alumni networking within that realm, along with career webinars and workshops. And ‘alumni’ does not mean you have to stay in the United States. Alumni can be anywhere.”

International student organizations can also provide networking spaces which feature recent graduates who share career advice that has been shaped by similar experiences.

“Career webinars hosted by organizations—like the Indian Graduate Student Association—are powerful because they feature recent graduates with current advice and real-world experience,” Mvula said.

The Indian Graduate Student Association aims to serve Indian graduate students and alumni. The organization does this by guiding and mentoring students in overcoming challenges. President of the Indian Graduate Student Association Brinda Kalra noted that these spaces help students build career skills and confidence.

“This program is designed to give international students practical tools and real-world connections,” Kalra said. “The goal is to help them feel prepared and confident as they enter professional spaces. Networking is a skill that grows over time, each conversation helps international students move closer to their academic and career goals.”

Recognizing that networking can be a critical first step for international students, Global Engagement is working to connect students with meaningful opportunities across campus.

“If there are networking opportunities for international students at Texas A&M, we want to know about them,” Mvula said. “The more opportunities students have and the more intercultural interaction we can create, the better.”

International students with questions about networking opportunities—or who would like to share information about networking events they have found helpful—are encouraged to contact [email protected]. The ISSS team welcomes both inquiries and suggestions to better support international student success.