How to Build an International Network While Studying for Your Bachelor's Degree in Switzerland

Attending an international university is an experience like no other. In what other setting are you surrounded with thousands of individuals with similar goals but vastly different interests, backgrounds, and life experiences?

Getting to know your classmates will no doubt enrich your university experience—but it can also have a major impact on your personal and professional growth, especially if you’re hoping to pursue an international career after completing your undergraduate degree.

If you want to make the most out of your university experience, building an international network is a must. Read on for some helpful networking tips, tricks, and opportunities!

Make Networking Part of Your Daily Routine

For many, the idea of networking is intimidating—especially if you’re on the shy side. However, simple activities like engaging with your peers and professors before and after class can help you create an international network of friends, without having to venture too far out of your comfort zone.

After all, these are people you will be seeing each week during your Bachelor’s degree in Switzerland, so you have ample opportunity to get to know one another. Even when the class ends, you can easily keep in contact with your colleagues on social media. Consider inviting some of your peers to connect on LinkedIn, in order to build your professional network online, over time. That way, you can have a base of contacts in your network that might also help for an introduction when you’re looking for an internship during your degree, or as you look for a first job following your studies. You can also keep up with your friends after graduation, even if you all venture to different countries and career fields.

Explore Different Clubs During Your Bachelor’s Degree in Switzerland

The more involved you are on campus, the larger your international network will be. Taking part in student clubs is an excellent way to meet new people while pursuing your passions or exploring different hobbies. It’s a fun way to build your network over time, and it’s best to start from your very first year in school.

Webster Geneva Campus offers a wide range of clubs and activities, so you’re bound to find something that interests you. If you are into sports, taking part in Webster’s football, volleyball, or basketball teams is a great way to meet fellow athletes. Webster also offers a variety of arts and academic clubs such as the Cross- Cultural Club, Chess Club, Music Club, or Psychology Club, to name just a few.

Students can also take part in events that showcase the diversity of Webster’s campus such as Halloween and Thanksgiving events, Webster’s Got Talent, and the annual Spring Party.

If you’re interested in something that doesn’t have its own club, feel free to create your own! Webster allows its students to create new clubs with the support of the Student Government Association and the Student Affairs Office. This is a great way to find people with similar interests while you study in Switzerland.

Take Part in Professional Events

Building an international network has many benefits, especially when it comes to your career. Who you know is practically as important as what you know in today’s job market. The people you meet during your undergraduate studies can help you land an internship during your degree, or your dream job after graduation--and to advance your career down the line.

In Webster’s most recent survey to alumni (graduating class of 2019), about 50% reported that their internship during their bachelor’s degree helped them to advance their career (some did internships over the summer, back in their home city).  Many found these internships through making friends and attending professional events on campus.

Attending career-focused events can be an excellent way to meet new people in a more ‘professional’ context. Webster Geneva Campus’s academic conferences, workshops, and forums organized by the Business, Media, International Relations or Psychology departments  allow students to connect with others in their field of interest, including older alumni who graduated from Webster and local experts in the field who volunteer to share their experiences on campus.

Networking events are a great way to connect with both likeminded peers and professionals

Interested in undergraduate degrees in Switzerland?

Contact Webster Geneva Campus to learn more!