Friend, supervisor, fellow intern, study abroad staff, professor, language buddy, tour guide, roommate, commute partner, homestay host, barista—just some of the people who may have had an impact on your experience during your time abroad. You may not have realized it, but you were effectively networking that whole time. So why not keep in touch and keep it up?

Networking doesn’t have to mean stiff handshakes and suits and ties; it doesn’t even have to be in person (which makes it easier if you can’t fly back to Sydney for a professional reference). Check out our guide to keeping and making new connections!

Professional Networking On LinkedIn

Be sure to join our IES Abroad Alumni and IES Internships groups on LinkedIn!

six students posing for a photo at Torres del Paine

Study Abroad Groups on LinkedIn

Besides featuring your international experience on your personal profile, it's likely that your study abroad organization has an alumni LinkedIn group—join ASAP! You’ll stay on top of networking events (a perfect chance to meet other professionals) and internship and job opportunities at the study abroad organization itself and its partners.

Vienna Group Learning on Trip_Neuschwanstein_Music Study Trip_Claudia Gruett

IES Abroad Groups

The IES Abroad Alumni LinkedIn group is a venue for you to network with study abroad alumni from across IES Abroad locations, class years, and stages in their professional lives. Whether you’re looking for your first (or just a new) job or internship or trying to fill a position at your current company, you can post what you’re looking for or share a specific job posting in the group.

dresses on mannequins at the school of fashion in Rome

Tailor Your InMail

Don't forget to tailor your InMail (a message to a LinkedIn member who is not your first or second degree connection) to the recipient. Share how and where you’ve met (if at all), what you’re interested in professionally, and what topics or industries you have questions about. You can also propose alternate ways to connect, like a phone call, Skype chat, or informational interview.

Wondering where IES Abroad alumni are today?

Discover IES Abroad alumni's locations, companies, and industries with the Career Insights tool accessible via the IES Abroad LinkedIn page. Note that, if you’re still in school or a soon-to-be or recent graduate, LinkedIn also has a section for university students in particular. 

Use the Career Insights Tool

How to Build a Network In Person & Beyond

three female students having fun at the Eiffel Tower

Keeping Up with International Acquaintances

There are a million and one ways and channels through which to network organically! Get started while you're still abroad by maintaining contact with your classmates, instructors, internship supervisor(s), coworkers, and study abroad staff and thanking those listed via a follow-up card or email prior to leaving your host city.

Students Summer Vienna_Victoria Woodburn

Connect with Others Who Studied Abroad

For some networking face-to-face with other study abroad alumni, register for an IES Abroad alumni event near you such as a networking night or reunion weekend—both are great opportunities to interact with alumni from your, and other, IES Abroad programs.

Students make their way to class on UNSW's campus, with tall brick buildings along the main walkway.

Build a Network at Home or on Campus

Back at home, you should have no problem finding student groups on your campus for people who have studied abroad (or other common interests) and attend networking events in your town.

students checking their phone in front of the European Council
Jessica L. • Butler University

Working Networking Events in Four Steps

So many (if not most) people get nervous about in-person networking events (and would much rather send off a LinkedIn message). So, here are four ways to prepare yourself and helps those nerves subside:

  1. Work the Room - Go over details about the event's speakers or guests in advance so you have talking points if and when meeting with them.
  2. Say It Twice - Say a person’s name immediately after you're introduced. Try “Nice to meet you, Samuel!” to not only reinforce their name in your memory, but also make them feel an affinity towards you.
  3. Play by the Numbers - Come with an achievable goal to meet, say, five people. This is helpful to keep you actively networking, especially if you're nervous. 
  4. Facilitate Follow Up - Trade contact information or business cards and touch base with any new connections within a week, before they forget who you are or what you discussed. Don't forget to tailor your request if you message them to connect on LinkedIn.
“I'm not sure I could have landed the high-profile jobs I've been lucky to have without studying abroad.”
Kayla J. • Wagner College • Dublin – Summer Internship

Market Your Study Abroad Toolkit

Our toolkit is here to help you communicate the skills you learned (or refined) abroad.

Add Study Abroad to Your Résumé, Cover Letter & LinkedIn

Ace Your Interview

European Union students standing outside of model EU