Building professional connections with an online master’s degree

For prospective MBA students, the opportunity to build a professional network is not only attractive, but vital.

In fact, according to a Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) report, 76% of graduate school alumni agreed that their programme developed their professional network. The people you encounter during your studies could be pivotal to your future career. From fellow students and industry speakers to alumni networks and tutors, all have the potential to be invaluable professional resources.

Why is a professional network important?

While gaining a postgraduate degree advances your knowledge and skill level and demonstrates your academic achievements, it does not automatically guarantee you will land your dream job – which is where networking comes in.

Building professional relationships and networks during your MBA degree will help develop the blueprint for career progression upon graduation. From supporting your job search via job referrals and headhunting, to accessing mentorship, internships, industry events, sector insights and knowledge-sharing, to collaborating with future business partners and garnering sales and business leads, your network is key. Additionally, networking can support faster advancement, increased authority, status, relevance and capacity to innovate, as well as business-as-usual activities such as recruitment of top talent and raising investment.

All these advantages are backed up by the numbers. According to networking statistics compiled by recruitment specialists, Apollo Technical:

• 80% of professionals deem networking essential to their continued career success.
• 85% of jobs are filled through networking
• 70% of jobs are never published publicly
• 61% of professionals believe that regular online interaction with their network can lead to job opportunities.

How do I network in online environments?

You might think of networking as an in-person activity – but the beauty of our increasingly interconnected world means that technology has created new routes to professional collaboration. Take LinkedIn as an example: with more than a billion users worldwide, operating in more than 200 countries and territories, it’s easier than ever to connect with countless other professionals with a single swipe or click.

Gone are the days when attending on-campus programmes or handing out business cards face-to-face were the only ways to network. These days, online programmes are designed with real-world industry needs in mind – and this includes developing your professional circle.

What’s more, there are numerous benefits to leveraging online networking. Key advantages include greater flexibility in terms of location and timing, time and cost savings, increased productivity and reach, ability to revisit interactions, and less pressure than traditional, in-person approaches.

The best online networking builds genuine, authentic connections and focuses on adding value to others.

Here are some networking tips for learners in online environments:

• Maintain an online presence. Social networking is big business; in many cases, you can’t afford not to be on certain professional and social media platforms. Create a LinkedIn profile, and join any other relevant, professional networking sites and platforms. Take time to optimise your profiles, including showcasing your experience, expertise and skills.
• Participate in relevant groups and events. There are plenty of online courses, meetups, groups, and forums that will be linked to your industry and enable you to connect and engage with like-minded people.
• Be proactive. Share content that adds value and establishes you as a knowledgeable presence – from articles to insights to thought-pieces. You can offer to help others, engage in knowledge-sharing exercises, provide advice, or – where appropriate – facilitate introductions.
• Take advantage of networking opportunities. Your MBA programme might feature networking events, forums and interest groups, online learning seminars with guest speakers, opportunities to connect with mentors or access to careers services. If not, explore what’s available outside of your online programme and get involved.
• Focus on strategic, meaningful connections. Many connections made online are unfocused and impersonal – factors which do not often lead to high-quality responses or long-term professional relationships. Adopt a professional tone for messages, keep your messages concise, and clearly communicate both the value you can bring and your intentions. You can also reach out to people who work in your dream company and make an approach. For best results, remember to follow up after initial connections.

How do I nurture and maintain professional connections?

What are the best ways to build lasting connections and stay in touch with potential employers and business partners? While building connections – at least, initially – can happen overnight, maintaining them long-term requires dedication and focus.

It might be wise to treat networking as you would any other business activity, and block out designated time in your diary to engage with it – you could even make it part of your everyday actions. A proper catch-up with existing contacts might be ideal, but it’s not always the most practical. Instead, even small gestures can go a long way; leaving a quick comment, celebrating a milestone or sending a brief note so people know you’re thinking of them can help bridge gaps in communication and keep your network alive. Be dependable and reliable in your interactions, and follow-through where you’ve stated you will. Continue to offer value to your network, which not only keeps you front and center in people’s minds but, by providing solutions and useful content, will continue to cement your reputation as a valuable contact.

Additionally, forging the strongest bonds relies on personal connections and relationships – which generally means going beyond business chat. With established contacts, showing authentic interest in their life outside of work creates more memorable, meaningful interactions – for both of you. This might include exploring shared interests, sharing personal experiences and anecdotes, discussing non-work-related goals, asking open-ended questions, and being attentive to conversational cues.

Ready to boost your career opportunities with an online degree?

Take the next step on your career path – and make the most of online networking along the way – with St Mary’s University’s range of online MBA programmes.

Whatever your career goals – whether you’re seeking a career change or looking to advance on your current trajectory – our 100%-online, highly flexible Master of Business Administration degrees could be the answer. As well as our standalone online MBA degree, we offer a range of specialist pathways depending on your career aspirations and interests, including accounting, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare management, human resources management, project management, and supply chain management.