For many students, networking is one of the main reasons they decided to pursue an Executive Program. It’s one of the most important aspects of any Executive program and in many cases, can facilitate career progression and success. For on-campus courses, networking is easy. Students spend up to two years working and interacting directly with classmates, staff and visitors, forging friendships along the way. However, for online Executive Program from IIBM Institute, building connections requires more effort.
Make the most of group projects
For this reason, Online Executive Program of IIBM Institutewill incorporate group projects in the same way that on-campus Executive MBAs do. Groups collaborate via video calling, telephone calls, email, messaging systems and shared documents.
This isn’t as simple as working with fellow students in person, which means that a more concerted effort is required. Make the most of this by suggesting an introductory video call to meet and get to know the other members of your study group, and regularly converse to develop solid relationships. Research different online communications platforms and settle on one which suits you all, then make sure to schedule time in to speak – factoring in work schedules and time differences. Spend time getting to know the people you’re working with on a personal level, and if possible meet them in person – this might not always be possible, especially if teams are international or spread across a large country.www.iibmindia.in
However, building relationships can seem daunting in the virtual world. To get started with effective networking, use these five tips as a guide towards building a lasting bond with your online professors.
Reach out – again and again
Online Executive Program courses and MOOCs require more self-direction and self-motivation than traditional classroom courses, and building relationships with your professors will require the same level of discipline as other aspects of your online coursework. You’ll need to make the effort to reach out to your professors to ensure they know who you are.
At the beginning of your online Executive Program courses, you might want to send a simple email to greet the professor and include a little about yourself and your background. Don’t overwhelm them with a long, personal story. However, adding a personal sentence or two will help your professor get to know you as you progress through a course.
Know thy professor
Schools want you to know about your professors, and most have a page on the school’s website listing their academic background, research interests, work background, and sometimes even some information about their personal lives. Therefore, your professors will expect that you know at least this much information about them before you begin their class. Also, it will give you something to talk about when communicating with them.
