Interstride offers great insights and resources for international students. Check out their recent article on Leverage the power of small talk as an international student in the United States. Every culture has different norms around how to engage in conversation with strangers in a professional setting, especially if you want to develop long lasting professional connections with them. It important to know the appropriate way to engage in small talk and get the conversation going.
The article includes how to start the conversation with common small talk topics during networking events such as weather, sports, entertainment, or food to using small talk to start informational interviews. It lists sample questions to ask when networking after you break the ice, such as: “How did you get into your current role?” “What was your academic and professional journey like up to this point?” and “What are the most important skills to land an internship or a job in your field?” It is always good to have a list of questions with you to prompt the interviewer in case they may not be too talkative, but is also important to respect their time and complete the interview in the agreed upon time.
As Interstide states: “The best way to get better at small talk is to practice! Practice with native English speakers when possible. It could be roommates, classmates, study groups, at the grocery store, etc.”
And when is it the right time to ask for a job or internship referral? The author urges students to NOT ask for a referral during or immediately after an informational interview, as that would not align with the purpose of the interview. Depending on the specific circumstances, you could maybe ask for a referral during a follow-up conversation or email.
Check out the article and many other great resources offered on Interstride. At Fleishman Center we offer one-on-one appointments on “Building and Maintaining Your Network”, where we can help you practice small talk and ways to network with professionals both online as well as during in-person events. You can make an appointment with us on Handshake.
