From the Inbox: Connections From Another Country

Hi A & M,

I have to say your blog and both of you are so inspiring to me. I’m in my first year of school and so many of my classmates find your posts extremely helpful on a daily basis, so big thanks for being so fabulous!

So this question is coming all the way from Canada, although my location is changing very soon. I have one more year left of school and will be graduating and moving to San Diego because of my partners career. I want to get the most out of my internship in school and take advantage of all the connections I make, being on committees and going to social events, but I don’t know how to put them to use if I’m going to be living in another country after graduation.

Before I started school, I interned for Fashion Magazine in Toronto, which was an amazing experience, but I found that although I made connections there, I moved again for school and I feel like I’m back at square one. I’m concerned that it will be difficult to make connections that further my career if I’m moving all over the map.

I’m wondering if there are any tips or strategies so that I can use my past experiences and connections in another country.

Thank you again ladies and wishing you all the best!

Congrats on your upcoming move! This is a great question. While it may seems like your connections are useless now, you might be surprised how they will help in the future. Your connections know people, who know people. Start asking around if anyone you know has California contacts. Ask to be introduced to them if so. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – people in our industry love connecting people.

Make sure to follow your current contacts on social media – LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram. This will help you keep up with any of their job moves, personal milestones and whereabouts. When you see they got a new job or promotion, send a congrats note. You never know who will move where. If you realize you haven’t been in touch with someone in a while, send a quick email asking how they are doing. Make sure you send all of your contacts your new email and job information once received. This way they can get in touch with you easily as well.

Your past experiences in Canada will allow you to bring a unique perspective to the industry that not many people have. While it may take a little time to adjust, your knowledge of the Canadian culture will be tapped when necessary.

Hope this helps – and best of luck.

Xo, A

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