How to build a professional network in Geneva
Even though Geneva is a small city, there are dozens of networking organisations that you can join to help you develop your career. And in Geneva, where 80% of jobs and business opportunities are never advertised, there is an unwritten emphasis on its not what you know, but who you know.
Attend professional networking events
There is always an event happening in Geneva on any day of the week hosted by international organisations, the UN or corporate organisations. These can be a small breakfast meeting or a lavish after-work event with canapes and wine, and you definitely should not miss them.
Geneva's coworking spaces - including ImpactHub and Voisins - host a lot of events that are open to the public for a small fee. Simply go onto their website to find out what is happening that month.
Geneva hosts a wide range of talks throughout the week on everything from human rights to technology. These will help you to learn more about something that interests you while networking with professionals in a similar field. In the past, public events have included Kofi Annan, the former UN Secretary-General, Brad Smith, president of Microsoft and many others. There will often be a reception after the event where you can talk to other attendees over canapes and wine.
Join a networking group
Geneva is replete with networking groups for professionals at all stages of their careers, many of which host weekly or monthly events. The UN Designers Network, for example, is open to UN graphic designers, communications experts and anyone with interest in creative design. Others include Geneva Women in International Trade and the Geneva Interns Association, but the list is almost endless.
Speak at an informal event
Instead of going to them, why not let people come to you? There are a growing number of events where ordinary people stand in front of an audience and share their stories thoughts. Participating in one of these events will undoubtedly make you stand out from the crowd.
Geneva hosts ad hoc PechaKuchaNights, where people share stories, thoughts and ideas in the PechaKucha 20x20 format. They are a fun and informal way to introduce yourself to a new audience.
StorySpark Geneva is a new series of events which encourages people to share personal anecdotes and stories - or if you prefer, to support those who do.
Join a work sports team
Many offices in Geneva have sports teams that you can join. It is also an excellent way to interact with colleagues from different parts of your organisation or business that you would ordinarily not otherwise meet.
For example, the United Nations has several teams, such as volleyball, football and badminton, that are always looking for new players.
