Networking in a traditional classroom might include going up to your professor after class to ask a question. Or chatting with your classmates about the course material and agreeing to meet-up outside of class. Networking looks different for online learning, and there are many advantages to connecting with your Berklee Online classmates and instructors that make expanding your professional network easier. While professional relationships may be created in-person, they are fostered and kept-up online. Starting your professional relationship online only expedites the process!
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If you\u2019re a Berklee Online student interested in building your professional network virtually, here are some tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first week of every Berklee Online course begins with a Meet and Greet. It\u2019s important that you take advantage of this feature so that you can tell the class about yourself, including your experience and your goals, and learn about your classmates and instructor as well. Be intentional about what you want to include in your introduction. What valuable information do you want to share about yourself so that others could connect with you? It could be as simple as stating the cities that you\u2019re from and where you are currently located, or could be related to your career goals in a specific area. Watch all of the posts (or videos) in the Meet and Greet and look for what your classmates share that align with you and your goals. You could meet a collaborator, a future co-worker, a friend, or all of the above.
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It\u2019s really important to get that face time with your instructor and with your classmates. During the weekly Live Class sessions, you\u2019ll have the opportunity to ask your instructor questions in real time, see who is in your class, and learn from your classmates\u2019 questions. While this time is intended to go over the week\u2019s material, oftentimes it evolves into a more casual conversation about the course\u2019s topic where the class builds camaraderie. These video chat interactions are crucial for building professional (and personal) relationships with your instructors and classmates. Be sure to speak up!
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Each lesson in a Berklee Online course has discussion questions designed to help you think critically about the material. Some courses require that you respond to your classmates\u2019 post, but some do not. Regardless of whether or not it\u2019s required, take the time to read or listen to your classmates\u2019 responses. They\u2019ll appreciate your thoughtful and constructive feedback and this could be a great jumping off point for engaging further. If you notice a peer continuously posting things that resonate with you, reach out to them! Ask if they want to set up a one-on-one call.
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Once you start engaging with your classmates through Meet and Greets, Live Class sessions, and discussion posts, you have the ability to direct message them through the chat function within your course. Here you can pick up your conversations in a one-on-one setting, share your work, or even make plans to work together outside of class.
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When you become a Berklee Online student, you are joining the same international cohort who attend Berklee\u2019s Boston campus, the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, the campus in Valencia, Spain, and BerkleeNYC. Your Berklee connection is the ultimate ice-breaker for any cold email, social media message, or in-person interaction.
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These biweekly live Q&A sessions are hosted by Berklee Online advisors, and not only are they a great way to connect with advisors themselves, but you can also connect with Berklee\u2019s faculty, alumni, and leadership, as well as Berklee Online students outside of your study area.
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Learn more about Berklee Online\u2019s Live Q&A Webinars<\/a>
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