When I arrived in Canada as an international student, building a professional network in a new country felt overwhelming. The idea of walking into a room full of experienced professionals was intimidating, but volunteering to help organize this event changed all that. 

Our class journey began with an insightful workshop led by Dr. Rob Elkington, professor in the Master of Management (M.Mgt) program at Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area (GTA), who made networking feel approachable and enjoyable. One exercise that stood out was the speed networking activity he held with our classmates.  

Instead of just making small talk, we focused on how we could genuinely support each other's career goals.  

In class, Professor Elkington encouraged us to be bold, generous, and unafraid to ask for what we need. His advice became our guiding principle as we prepared for the main event. 

Working alongside my fellow M.Mgt students on the organizing team led by Prof. Elkington, I learned how to plan an event, communicate effectively, and solve problems on the fly. Working closely with university staff and fellow students boosted my confidence.  

I found myself stepping out of my comfort zone, sharing ideas, and taking on leadership roles I would never have considered before. 

We were using the skills we developed in the program to organize the second M.Mgt Networking evening, which successfully brought together students and business leaders to discuss innovation and the future of industries. On the night of the event, the room was filled with vibrant energy. More than 50 students, including M.Mgt students and Communications students, networked with 15 key industry leaders.  

A highlight was the keynote speech by Katie Zeppieri, founder & chief brand strategist of the MicDrop Agency, on building a personal brand. She shared her journey from self-doubt to success and taught us to be audacious, generous, and flexible. Her words were a powerful reminder that success isn't just about skills—it's also about having the courage to take risks, help others, and adapt to change. 

The most meaningful part was discovering a sense of community. As an international student, it's easy to feel like an outsider, but through this experience, I felt embraced by a supportive network of peers and mentors who value collaboration and growth.  

I encourage all students—especially international ones—to get involved in volunteering and participate in networking events like this. These experiences are key to success and help you build valuable skills, confidence, and connections for your professional journey. 

Learn more about the M.Mgt program at Trent University. 

This article was penned by Parisa Mirzaei, Master of Management student at Trent University Durham GTA.