Building Your Network in Canada

Start by making a list of people you know from all different areas of your life who may be helpful in your job search. This can include:

• Family and friends, neighbours
• Professors
• Classmates
• Centennial College graduates (alumni)
• Former / current supervisors or colleagues from your previous work or volunteer position
• Contacts from the community (e.g., places of worship, parents from your children’s school/daycare, hairdresser, etc.)
• Contacts from extra-curricular activities you are involved in on-or off-campus (e.g., student clubs, varsity or intramural sports, etc.)

These people may not be able to offer you a job, but may have information and/or connections that can help you meet more people in your field.

Remember, networking is not about asking for a job! Focus on gathering information and building professional relationships, and job opportunities may present themselves in unexpected ways.

Networking is not something you do only after you graduate. Begin networking right from your first semester by introducing yourself to your classmates. Many international students find their first part-time job as a result of networking with their classmates. Starting with your classmates lets you practice meeting new people before you begin approaching professionals in your industry.

To make connections with professionals in your field, you will have to contact people you don’t personally know and request an informational interview, also known as a career chat. An informational interview is an informal meeting with an individual who works in a position or field of interest, that allows you to learn more about their job, company, or the industry in general. The purpose of this meeting is NOT to ask for a job, but to gain helpful industry insights, research career options and job opportunities. You can reach out to people directly via email or on other networking tools, such Ten Thousand Coffees and LinkedIn.

• Watch a Video on Informational Interviewing.
• Download this tip sheet on Informational Interviewing to learn more about this strategy.

1. e-Mentoring Program – Be connected with a student in the second semester or higher of your program at Centennial College.

2. Ten Thousand Coffees – Join the Centennial Hub on Ten Thousand Coffees, the college’s exclusive networking platform comparable to LinkedIn. Join now and begin connecting with alumni in their field.