5 networking tips for online master’s students

Find out how you can you make the most of networking opportunities during an online master's degree.

In today’s globalised world, networking is more important than ever in opening the door to a wealth of global career opportunities and building lifelong professional relationships with peers and mentors from around the world in your chosen field. 

How can networking benefit you? 

Having a master’s degree and being highly-skilled in your chosen field is a great foundation to have as you forge your career path.  

However, if you want to expand your global career opportunities and be able to access the latest industry news, resources, knowledge and insights you might otherwise not have access to, networking can be crucial to your ongoing career success. 

Networking can help you to: 

• Access a wealth of global career opportunities 

• Connect with academics, industry professionals and mentors in your field 

• Build relationships with like-minded peers and professionals 

What's it like to study online? Read our Q&A with two recent Queen Mary Online graduates:

Top 5 networking tips 

Like many other skills, networking is a skill that can be mastered with the right tools and mindset. 

Here are our top 5 networking tips to help you succeed throughout your career: 

1. Attend events 

With the global prevalence of virtual meetings and events in recent years, there has never been such a great opportunity to attend a host of events and network with others from around the world from the comfort and convenience of anywhere in the world you might be. 

Whether it’s a virtual event or meet-up with your fellow student cohort, or a face-to-face event you’re able to attend in-person, attending as many events relevant to your field as you can is an excellent way to boost your professional network and connect with peers and mentors in your field. 

2. Build relationships with other students 

While attending events is an ideal way to meet and build relationships with other students, it isn’t the only way.  

Put yourself out there and take the initiative to reach out to your fellow students at any opportunity – whether it’s through social media, a friendly message in a group or private chat, or starting an online forum.  

Remember, you’re all working towards the same goal of achieving your master’s degree and growing your knowledge and career opportunities in your chosen field. It’s this like-mindedness that will provide a great launching pad for creating strong connections, building expansive global networks, and even lifelong friendships. 

3. Connect with academics and industry professionals 

Networking will not only help you to connect with your fellow master’s students, but also academics and industry professionals in your field. 

Connecting with the academics and industry professionals on your master’s course can help you to boost your success in your studies, as you gain access to their unique perspectives and insights. It can also link you to the latest industry news, knowledge and resources, as well as global career opportunities. 

4. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to be your mentor 

As the old adage goes – if you don’t ask, you don’t get.  

Have the confidence to approach someone you feel is inspirational and a good match for your career goals – whether it’s a fellow student or a tutor on your course – and ask them if they would be willing to be your mentor. 

Often, they will be flattered at the opportunity, and happy to take you up on your offer and help you on your career journey. And even if they aren’t able to because of their commitments, it doesn’t mean your search for a mentor has to stop there. Don’t be afraid to keep asking until you find the right person to be your mentor. 

5. Join the alumni network 

Take advantage of your university’s alumni network to make connections with practicing professionals in your field from all over the world. 

Staying in touch with your alumni network throughout your career can prove to be incredibly helpful in your ongoing career success. 

Depending on the institution, these alumni networks can span thousands of alumni from around the world, and enable you to share experiences and access valuable career advice and guidance. 

One of the UK’s leading universities, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) offers flexible online master’s courses through QMUL Online, giving you access to a global cohort of industry professionals and a global alumni network of over 200,000 professionals worldwide: