The power of networking on Imperial's Global Online MBA

There are many advantages to studying a Global Online MBA with Imperial College Business School. A standout is the chance for students to join a dynamic and diverse community of professionals from across the world. The opportunity to connect with and learn from this eclectic cohort cultivates a global mindset, equipping students with the expertise needed to thrive in today’s competitive and interconnected business world.  

Our innovative online learning platform, The Hub, allows students to build meaningful relationships with their peers through collaborative projects and interactive discussions. And while forging global connections online is a cornerstone of the programme, Tanya Yeremeyeva, Alexander Vassiliadis and Antonio Peralta Valadez, three of our Global Online MBA students, also highlight the equally significant value of building local networks during your studies. 

In this blog, Tanya, Alexander and Antonio give us an insight into a local networking event that they organised in New York City and demonstrate the importance of blending global and local networking while studying at Imperial College Business School. Their insights showcase how this combined approach can unlock career opportunities, foster lifelong friendships, encourage the exchange of ideas, and broaden perspectives – on both an international scale and closer to home. 

Staying connected with my online community: the impact of The Hub 

The Imperial community is an incredibly warm one, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. Even as an online student, there are plenty of opportunities to connect and network with my cohort. 

We take online classes together on Imperial’s online learning platform, The Hub. Not only is it an integral part of the learning process, but the Global Online MBA student community is an integral part of The Hub. Almost every class has interactive exercises, discussions and geotagging exercises that allow us to share and engage with one another’s perspectives and opinions. 

And outside of our studies, we have several groups for our class, including regional, alumni and industry group chats. We also use LinkedIn to connect, as well as our personal social media accounts. I feel like the Imperial community is my online family. 

Establishing a local Imperial community 

I am based in New York City and over the last term, I have come to appreciate that Imperial really does have a presence in North America. I have been fortunate enough to be involved in connecting and organising a recent networking event that took place in this region, and uniting students and alumni from both Imperial College Business School and the different disciplines at Imperial has created one big, friendly and incredibly smart local network. 

Reflecting on our recent New York City networking event 

Organising a networking event in New York City was an attempt to connect more of the local Imperial community together in person. 

We booked a beautiful bar in Manhattan and sent invitations to people we knew, who sent it to the people they knew, and that is how we met the Imperial College community in New York. We had Imperial students and alumni travelling from DC, Toronto, Bermuda, Chicago and across North America to attend the event, demonstrating how committed this community is to sticking together and supporting each other. 

Collectively, it was one of the most impressive groups of people I’ve ever met on the same night. I am so excited to be a part of this community now. 

Why both online and local communities matter 

As a Global Online MBA student, there are advantages to having both an online and local community: 

• Having daily interactions with my online classmates who are living across the world, reading UK and European news and having to constantly be aware of the different time zones has challenged my perspectives, changed my thinking, and exposed me to a lot of new information. I am much more globally aware than I was three months ago. 
• And while global communities open our minds and expose us a whole world of different professional and personal perspectives, establishing a local community allows for in person meet ups – and there is nothing quite like getting together for coffee in your own city and developing real-life friendships alongside your global ones. 

My networking advice to future Global Online MBA students 

My advice to anyone considering studying a Global Online MBA would be to make sure that you are proactively reaching out and staying in touch with people from your programme. Share resources and news. Remember that everyone is in the same boat as you, navigating an online community whilst studying and working -so being proactive about things goes a long way. 

And at the same time, get involved in your local community, either by reaching out to others in the area or organising an event. I know that working and studying at the same time gets very busy, but it really is worth it. I promise. It’s part of the fun of being in school! 

Getting involved in the online community 

A key component of studying at Imperial College Business School is the vast opportunity there is to interact with other cohorts. We have started an inter-cohort networking programme called Connect4, where we connect with MBA students with similar career interests across all the MBA suites.   

Furthermore, the Business School offers opportunities to connect with my peers and other professionals across the globe with initiatives like MBA cafes, competitionsand Careers Weeks that can be further leveraged.   

The key to success: connecting with both your local and global communities 

An MBA is about building a strong network. This enhances your learning opportunities but also allows you to make lifelong friends.  One of the most beneficial components of building a strong network, both on a local scale and a global one, is that you can open doors and get insights into industries you have an interest in, potentially gaining access to opportunities, mentorship and partnerships that would otherwise not be available. Don't underestimate the impact that building a strong network can have on your career.   

How to build global connections whilst on an online programme 

The biggest tip I can give is to be diligent in connecting with others, put yourself out there and take time out of your schedule to reach out to people. You'll find that most of the personal and career opportunities that can be leveraged will be found through your networking efforts. 

Take the initiative and get involved in as many opportunities as you can during your time as a student. An excellent way to do this is to join student leadership, whether through a Student Staff Committee or a club or society.  

And if you want to meet up with people in your local area, then don’t be afraid to be at the forefront of these events – organise one for yourself and build those bonds with fellow classmates and alumni! 

Alexander Vassiliadis 

With a passion for the intersection of consumer psychology and marketing, I chose the Global Online MBA programme for its unique combination of academic rigor, flexibility, and emphasis on global connectivity. 

Taking the initiative in an online environment 

Imperial’s live webinars and group projects provides a platform for our cohort to stay connected and work closely together, but we’ve also recently started taking more of an initiative outside of this. Towards the end of our first term, we held an online feedback and connection session, providing a space for people to share their ideas and experiences, which was a great exercise. These kinds of activities bring us closer, even across time zones. 

The best of both worlds: connecting online and in-person 

I would say that connecting with both your local and global communities is the key to getting the most out of an online programme. 

• Locally, it’s a chance to apply what you’re learning and meet people in your area who share your professional interests. 
• Globally, the diversity of perspectives is invaluable; it challenges how you think and encourages new ways of approaching problem solving in business.  

Combining both gives you the best of both worlds and helps to build the kind of adaptability that’s essential in today’s professional environment. 

Networking with the local Imperial community in New York City 

The recent New York City networking event was a really energising experience and gave me a chance to meet up with my fellow Global Online MBA students, as well as other Imperial alumni from across North America. 

There were so many great conversations and opportunities to share knowledge and personal experiences – and there was lots of laughter! It was a reminder of just how strong the Imperial community is, even when studying remotely. 

My advice for networking as an online student 

For anyone just starting their online learning journey, my advice is simple: put yourself out there. Be active in your cohort, post in forums or chats, and join any online meetups. Consistency is important and relationships take time to build, especially online. Don’t be afraid to organize something yourself, like a study session. Little things like that can go a long way to bringing you closer. 

Look for meetups in your local area or organise one yourself, attend industry events, or even just reach out to someone in your area whose work you admire. Your MBA is an amazing icebreaker, so use it to start conversations.