Top tips to build your peer networks during postgrad study
Networking isn’t just for industry events. When you’re in your postgraduate program you’re surrounded by top minds, often in the same field or industry, who are dedicated to making a difference. We asked current and recent postgraduate students to share how they made the most of this opportunity and expanded their professional network whilst studying.
Practice confidence
Entering postgraduate study can be a daunting experience – and imposter syndrome is rife. Therefore, when it comes to collaborating in class, some people may feel like they don’t have a lot to offer.
Master of Creative Intelligence and Strategic Innovation graduate, Christina Luzi, says this couldn’t be further from the truth.
“In postgraduate study you’re often talking from your own experience within your organisation. It’s these nuanced experiences that give you fresh perspectives, that help foster knowledge and a shared empathy within the group, all of which is highly valued not just in the classroom but also in the real-world.”
Share your true self
Building trust and connection starts with being open, honest and authentically you.
Christina highly recommends being forthcoming in sharing your own experiences and challenges to discover common ground with your peers and form lifelong connections to help create change.
Rhiannon Brownbill, Master of Architecture graduate agrees, and says it’s so important to be yourself, and to be open to not just talk to everyone, but to listen intently.
“People will remember you if you make them feel heard and what you offer is genuine. It doesn’t matter how progressed someone is in their career; they're learning from you as much as you're learning from them.”
Rhiannon also explains that throughout your degree, even if you don't realize it, you’re always networking.
“You’re collaborating with peers working within your field or industry – or with similar interests and goals. Even if you’re not conscious of it, you’re using your own style of networking and developing friendships that you will work alongside in the future.”
Join a study group
Finding like-minded students to form a study group with is a great way to stimulate your learning and motivation during your course, while also carrying forward these connections as valuable contacts in the future.
Shira Sebban, who completed the Graduate Diploma in Migration Law and Practice joined a study group and they have remained in touch ever since. The group share news about changes in their profession and some even work together.
“In my current practice as a community migration agent working with refugees, I send all potential clients who approach me for advice on any other kind of visa, to a former fellow peer and now trusted colleague with an established commercial migration agency."
Embrace humility
Whilst you might be the guru of your organisation, or you may have engaged with the content being taught previously – no one likes a know-it-all.
Christina says, “Every individual has something to offer. If your hubris gets in the way then you may miss an opportunity, a nugget of knowledge or connecting with someone who can offer you a fresh perspective.”
Put yourself out there
You don’t need to wait until you finish studying to explore new opportunities. Institute for Sustainable Futures’ PhD Student, Somayeh Koohestani says that attending conferences and events is a great way to network and get your research or work in front of the right people.
“Whether you want to build networks within industry or academia, events are full of attendees from a range of different sectors and professions. It’s a great opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and talk to people.”
When you’re at an event, it’s a good idea to set yourself a goal of meeting three, five or even ten new people – depending on your comfort level. You can go prepared with a few conversation starters to find some common ground or keep it friendly by chatting about your skills or interests.
For those more introverted, Somayeh says that keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date, using relevant keywords and being active in the LinkedIn platform is also important for networking and can bring opportunities directly to you.
Many employment opportunities also come about through internships and professional practice experiences that form part of your degree. Make the most of these opportunities by putting your best foot forward, meet lots of people, share stories and ask questions to help build memorable connections.
Where to start
The best way to begin is to just start networking. Show up, be open, start a conversation, listen and most importantly be yourself.
Ready to put these networking tips into action? Learn more about the postgraduate experience at UTS and explore our course options. Enquire about postgraduate study at UTS here.
