Networking is about building and maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship on a regular basis. Effective networking can help you find an internship, find a job or even get a promotion.

Opportunities to network are everywhere. Friends, family, colleagues, past employers and alumni associations are good starting points.

Here are some tips to help you network in Adelaide:

• LinkedIn is the networking site of choice for many professionals, when you ask someone to connect with you, take a few minutes to personalise the request, to show you really care about connecting with them.
• Social media gives you an opportunity to let people know you are looking for a job.
• Include links to your social profiles as part of your contact information.
• Be prepared to talk about yourself when you are asked – your study, what you’ve enjoyed, your career goals,and what you think are your strengths. If you are not prepared, you will look like you are not a confident professional.
• Don’t assume networking in Australia works in the same way as it does in your home country. Learn by observation and seek out a mentor who can guide you through some networking situations and give you feedback.
• When you attend an event where you don’t know anyone, look for others who may also be attending alone. They are likely to be happy to start talking with you.
• Prepare general conversation starters and questions so you don’t have to come up with ideas off the cuff.
• Learn to do small talk and always be interested in the person you are talking to. 
• Look people in the eye and actively listen to what they are saying.
• Never interrupt anyone or complete their sentences; wait for the other person to finish speaking before you speak