Online education has grown in leaps and bound in the last decade, approximately 30 percent of total students are currently enrolled in at least one online course. With numerous advantages of online learning—that include flexibility and affordability—which makes it easy to comprehend as to why distance learning is so inviting to its prospective students.
While online learners get to reap some of the same benefits that their on-campus counterparts get, however when it comes to networking, some online students fear that it will be difficult to make meaningful connections with their fellow students in the virtual setting.
Networking being a key component for being successful in their career it is right on the student’s part to be concerned about it. In fact, a study proves that 85 percent of job placements arise due to the professional connections made by the students. Fortunately, for online learners networking definitely possible using the virtual platform. Distance learners can go out and increase their professional network even without the face-to-face interactions that occur only in the traditional classroom settings, by using these different approaches.
Given below are seven effective strategies that can help you increase your professional network even while learning online.
Make the First Move
Just like in a traditional classroom, the first step you can take to establish a connection in an online course is by simply saying hello. Suppose the professor puts up an introductory discussion thread before initiating the course, take an initiative and introduce yourself to your fellow students. Include not only personal, but also relevant information like your job title, the industry you belong to, the degree that you are pursuing, and also your motivations for taking up the course. Don’t be shy while sharing some other personal information, like your interests or hobbies, this help to break the ice between the students. You may end up finding that your classmates to have similar interests, thereby giving you an opportunity to build a strong bond with your classmates.
Actively Engage During Class
Online classes usually have a discussion board to enable the students to comment and question anything about the assignments. Try to be active in these forums and ensure you connect with your fellow mates by not only asking but also answering the questions regularly. Still better, if you are not able to find the answers to your questions in the existing discussions, then you can start a thread of your own. By staying engaged in all the classroom activities and making sure you share your expertise and opinions, you will be able to establish yourself as an online personality so that you can connect better with others in the class. Remember if you consistently keep posting valuable information, then your classmates will remember you and reach out to you throughout the semester.
Participate in Video Chats
Video conferencing is one of the most essential components of networking for those who are pursuing online education. In situations when in-person meetings are not only inconvenient but also downright impossible, using platforms like FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or Skype prove to be a smart alternative. With video chats, you’ll be able to build a “face-to-face” network with your professors as well as your classmates more frequently and establish more meaningful connections, irrespective of whichever regions of the world you study in.
Meet People in Person
There’s no such rule that just because your classes are held online, you can’t meet outside your virtual classrooms. If your campus is in your locality, then whenever possible arrange for a meeting with your professors or other students in the area. This can help in looking out for events in your area that feature your industry experts. You can meet like-minded people with whom you can discuss relevant topics that are related to your discipline. Such face-to-face interactions with professionals will widen your network and help you create deeper and more meaningful impressions.
Seek Out On-Campus Activities
If you take an online course near your institution, then check the school calendar and sign up for events or student groups which appeals to you. You’re an important part of your college community, so make sure you take advantage of all the extracurricular activities. These groups are social in nature and offer a laid-back way to make connections that will be helpful to you in the future.
Establish and Maintain a Strong Online Presence
For a distance learner, it’s essential to make a strong presence online and develop relationships with your professors and classmates. Networking via social media, you should stick to professional sites, like LinkedIn, and keep the profiles accurate, complete, and up-to-date. Include a professional photo, personal summary, and an overview of your skills. Ensure you provide context to your connection requests as well as personal messages. If you have a personal website or online portfolio, ensure it is visible on your network. Having a strong online presence will help you develop critical industry connections.
Engage with Your University on Social Media
Not only connect with your classmates but also your college, join the social media accounts that are sponsored by your institution. You can also follow the faculty and industry on the various social media. Lastly, take advantage of the threads on Quora so that you can showcase your expertise and thereby expanding your network. This can lead to opportunities and connections that may otherwise be difficult to make in person.
Networking is a very important aspect of everyone’s career path, and now it’s no longer something that happens offline. If you are proactive in your efforts, then you can network effectively irrespective of any classroom setting. You need to keep these tips in mind and take maximum advantages of online learning to build a strong personal network that will be helpful throughout your career.
