Making Connections That Count: Networking Tips for Students in Switzerland
Switzerland offers incredible opportunities for students looking to build a strong professional network, but navigating the job market here requires a thoughtful approach. Having studied and worked in Switzerland myself, I’ve learned firsthand that networking isn’t just about collecting business cards – it’s about creating meaningful relationships that can open doors.
Take Advantage of University Resources
Swiss universities provide plenty of networking opportunities, from career fairs to alumni events. I personally found career workshops to be a goldmine—not just for job leads but also for learning how to present myself professionally in a Swiss setting. Don’t overlook student associations; they often have direct connections to industry professionals.
Tip: Stay in touch with professors and guest speakers—they often have valuable industry contacts and insights.
Attend Industry Events and Meetups
Switzerland has no shortage of networking events, whether it's startup pitch nights in Zurich or fintech meetups in Geneva. These events are a great way to meet professionals in your field in a more relaxed environment. I once attended a small industry meetup and ended up making a connection that later led to a job opportunity.
Tip: Research events on platforms like Meetup, Eventbrite, or university bulletin boards.
Leverage LinkedIn the Right Way
In Switzerland, LinkedIn is widely used for professional networking. A well-crafted profile can attract recruiters and potential mentors. When I was job-hunting, reaching out to professionals with a short, personalized message helped me get informational interviews that provided valuable career advice.
Tip: Always personalize connection requests by mentioning a shared interest or a specific reason for reaching out.
Get Involved in Local Communities
Swiss culture places a high value on trust and long-term relationships. Volunteering or joining local professional organizations, such as the Swiss Young Professionals, can help you establish connections beyond the usual student circles.
Tip: Building relationships takes time—focus on quality over quantity.
Adapt to Swiss Professional Norms
Swiss networking tends to be formal and structured. Punctuality, politeness, and professionalism go a long way. I learned early on that being concise and respectful of people’s time made a great impression.
Tip: A firm handshake and addressing people with their last name (unless told otherwise) can help you blend into the Swiss business culture.
Internships Can Be Your Foot in the Door
Many students in Switzerland land their first full-time job through internships. It’s an excellent way to get hands-on experience and expand your professional network organically. In my case, an internship allowed me to connect with industry professionals who later became mentors and references.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask your internship colleagues for introductions within their network.
My favorite netowrking books
"Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success" by Adam Grant: Explores how generosity and giving can lead to long-term professional success.
"Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships in a Hyper-Connected World" by J. Kelly Hoey: Focuses on leveraging online and offline connections to grow your career.
"The 20-Minute Networking Meeting" by Marcia Ballinger: A concise guide to making the most of short networking opportunities.
Networking in Switzerland takes patience and persistence, but by being proactive and strategic, you can build a solid professional circle that will serve you well in your career. If you’ve had your own networking experiences in Switzerland, feel free to share them below—let’s help each other grow!
