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Networking Tips: Building Connections at GBSH

3 February 2025

Student ambassador Jun Yi (Gavin) shares his tips for networking at GBSH, covering everything from how to better connect with professors, how to meet likeminded peers, and what societies helped him! Kickstart your career in the new year by putting these tips into practice.

A picture of the student center staircase at UCL, with text reading out the blog post title, which says "Networking Tips at UCL GBSH" by Jun Yi (Gavin)

Networking is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, opening doors to opportunities, mentorship, and meaningful collaborations. Strong connections with professors, peers, and industry experts can provide guidance, clarity, and support during challenging moments in your academic journey. In this post, I’ll share some tips on networking with professors, peers, industry experts and my personal networking experiences at GBSH.

Networking with professors

Building a good relationship with professors can enhance your academic growth and open doors to career opportunities. Here are some practical tips for networking effectively with professors:

1. Do Your Research

Before approaching a professor, familiarise yourself with their research areas, published papers, and course materials. Use resources like UCL Experts Search, Google Scholar, or LinkedIn. Identify areas of overlap between your interests and their work to drum up topics for discussion.

2. Actively Participate in Class

Engage in class discussions and ask thoughtful questions. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions, even if they seem basic; curiosity and effort often make a lasting impression.

3. Make Use of Office Hours

Take advantage of professors’ office hours to ask questions about course content or discuss your academic interests. However, please prepare specific, relevant questions beforehand to make the conversation meaningful.

4. Volunteer for Research Opportunities

If the professor has ongoing research projects, and your interests align with the scope of the project, you can inquire about opportunities to assist. Similarly, you can also use UCL Funded Research Opportunities to find ongoing research related to your interested topics. I'd recommend starting with small tasks, proving your dedication, and gradually taking on more responsibilities.

An image of students chatting

Networking tips with peers

UCL offers various opportunities for you to meet more colleagues, however, sometimes it might be difficult to find someone who shares a similar major or career focus with you. Are you still struggling with how to meet more colleagues within GBSH? Here is a good society for you:

Healthcare Innovation Pitching Society (HIPS) is the first society dedicated to healthcare innovation affiliated with GBSH! HIPS is to improve students' pitching skills and establish a vibrant community for university students who are enthusiastic about transforming healthcare. In addition to meeting new GBSH friends in this society, you may also grow personally by participating in activities like:

1. Pitching Competitions: Elevate your ideas and demonstrate your creativity. Pitching competitions provide you an opportunity to present your healthcare solutions, get input, and possibly have your ideas discovered and supported.

2. Pitching Workshops: Hone your pitching skills and refine your presentation techniques with hands-on workshops. Learn how to craft compelling narratives, deliver impactful pitches, and captivate your audience, empowering you to effectively communicate your ideas and innovations in the healthcare industry.

3. Networking with industry experts: You can also gain insights from industry experts. For instance, HIPS invited Thian Chew, Chairman and CEO of Invion Limited, in July for members with practical suggestions on how to make a better transition from a student mindset to a professional mindset in the workplace.

An image of the staircase in student center, showing students chatting and networking

Networking tips with industry experts

Besides joining society, engaging with industry leaders during UCL GBSH events and seminars can significantly enhance your professional network and career prospects. Here are some strategies to maximize these opportunities:

1. Listen to GBSH’s Podcast: GBSH launched the Capital of Health podcast, which explores the dynamic world where business intersects with health and life sciences. The podcast speaks to influential leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and renowned researchers who are driving change and shaping the future of the healthcare industry with extensive knowledge and unique perspectives, offering invaluable insights and thought-provoking discussions.

2. Utilise Career Services: UCL GBSH offers career development support, including workshops and networking sessions. For instance, the GBSH Careers Festival provides opportunities to connect with potential employers and attend industry-led workshops. Soon, GBSH will hold the festival again, so keep your eyes on GBSH social media! Meanwhile, if you need urgent advice for your career, you can also book an appointment with UCL Careers for more personal advice!

3. Engage with Executives in Residence: Sometimes it might be hard for you to put your knowledge into real-life practice. Therefore, you can also build relationships with Health Executives in Residence to bridge the theoretical and practical gaps. Besides, they will also provide mentorship with guidance on leadership and career development to ensure you graduate from the GBSH with experiences that mirror the real work of health.

4. Maintain an Active Online Presence: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is current and reflects your academic achievements and career aspirations. Connect with professionals you meet at events to maintain and grow your network.

Image of the author with a group of his peers

My experience at GBSH Networking Events

For me, I prefer interactive approaches, therefore, I chose office hours for networking with professors. Recently, our research project module just finished and I am still confused about choosing research topics. During an insightful office hours session with our Module Leader, Associate Professor Radi Haloub, he not only provided me with clear guidance on methodology and potential areas of interest but also offered invaluable emotional support and career advice. His mentorship clarified my direction and helped me regain a sense of calm and confidence. I am thankful for that session and would love to attend more office hours sessions and even more GBSH Networking Events soon.

Takeaway

Building and maintaining strong networks with professors, peers, and industry experts is important for academic and professional success. What makes UCL and the Global Business School for Health truly stand out is the host of various networking opportunities it provides you, which means it all banks on how much you plan to maximise on these opportunities.

By taking proactive steps—such as engaging in meaningful conversations during office hours, participating in specialized societies like HIPS, and attending industry events—you can enhance your knowledge, expand your connections, and gain valuable mentorship. These strategies not only foster personal and professional growth but also pave the way for a fulfilling career. Begin cultivating your network today to unlock the endless possibilities it can offer, and I wish you all the best in your networking journey!