How to develop a professional network in Zurich
If you want an exciting life in your new city, start by building your social network. If you want a thriving career, develop your professional network! As the leading business hub of Switzerland, in Zurich, you will never run out of opportunities to meet other professionals. From your current workplace to a small, unknown company across the street, networking opportunities are everywhere if you dig a bit harder and deeper into it. In this article, we will give you a few ideas on how to get started.
Network with your current colleagues
Whether this is your first job in Zurich, or you have stayed in the same company for years, maintaining good professional relationships with your colleagues is essential. The colleague whom you never greet may be a key contact for your next dream job. Hence, it is vital that you begin building your professional network at your current workplace. Try to meet colleagues from other units and departments also. Also, try to get to know a bit more about their career path and previous professional experience. Outside of working hours, invite your colleagues for casual drinks or even a weekend brunch at your place. Most people would be glad to join. If networking opportunities don't present themselves, you have to be the one who creates them.
Become a member of a professional network
Just as in many other countries, there are many well-established professional networks in Zurich, such as chambers of commerce or associations aimed at a specific group of professionals in certain industries. Join them. These are the best places for you to meet professionals with a similar career path or goals as you do. Besides, these chambers or associations often organise networking events. One of the advantages of joining a networking event is that participants all have the same goal in mind ' to network. In such an environment, people are usually more keen to help other professionals to connect with their own contacts, as they are hoping for the same. It is a great place to start also because you will find many other professionals in your own field, which will be helpful if you would like to move on to your next career opportunity in the same industry.
Join a professional conference or networking event
Depending on the needs of your work, perhaps you are already participating in many different conferences throughout the year. In fact, a professional conference is an excellent opportunity for you to meet people and network. If your current profession does not require you to participate regularly in this kind of event, look for opportunities that might be relevant and pitch it to your boss. Sometimes, it may be a conference in which topics directly related to your work or industry are discussed, whereas sometimes, it is in fact a 'gathering' for professionals in your field to discuss the best practices. Either way, conferences are not only beneficial to your work, but also to your professional network.
Apart from this, there are also many networking events happening around the city at all times. These may be organised by a chamber of commerce, professional associations, or simply small groups of professionals who have the same goals. Places like Impact Hub Zurich may be what you are looking for if you are interested to learn about professional events focusing on different topics.
