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UWashingtonX: Preparing to Network in English

4.3 stars
57 ratings

Learn the basics of networking while you grow your social network and professional connections. Practice speaking to improve your English language skills for increased success in job hunting.

Preparing to Network in English
6 weeks
3–5 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
This course is archived
Preparing to Network in English

About this course

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Networking in the business world is key to career success. Research shows that many jobs are never officially advertised. Many companies rely on word-of-mouth advertising to hire employees, so connections with people are important!

It’s also clear that English is an important language in the global job hunt.

But what exactly is networking? And how do you do it in English? This course helps you understand the basics of networking and why it’s important. You’ll identify the key qualities that you personally want to focus on developing.

Most importantly, you’ll grow and expand your business network and professional connections. Gain confidence in your speaking while introducing yourself in English. You’ll also learn about business culture in North America and around the globe while you improve your English language skills for increased success in networking and job hunting.

At a glance

  • Institution: UWashingtonX
  • Subject: Language
  • Level: Introductory
  • Prerequisites:

    Intermediate level of English language proficiency

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated programs:
  • Associated skills:English Language, Business Networking

What you'll learn

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  • Identify your goal for networking
  • Define your network and make decisions on how to grow it
  • Identify your unique skills and qualities
  • Make effective introductions for yourself and others
  • Use LinkedIn and business cards to make and maintain connections with your network
  • Use culturally appropriate greetings and customs

Syllabus

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Week 1: What is Networking?
Introduction to networking and an overview of the reasons for networking, such as getting a job or a promotion or expanding your sales portfolio. You’ll also define your goals and share ideas with fellow learners around the globe.

Week 2: Who is in Your Network?
Identify the people who are part of your own personal network. Analyze and decide who you want to connect with most. Pinpoint reasons for helping others and getting help yourself. Discuss priorities with your fellow learners.

Week 3: Introductions
Learn key language to introduce yourself and tomake introductions. Take a quiz on key language and practice introducing yourself.Record an introduction and get feedback from fellow learners.

Week 4: Making Contact
Learn how to introduce yourself in a business setting. Give and receive business cards aand develop a LinkedIn profile headline and summary.

Learner testimonials

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"Everyone is provided opportunities, but not everyone knows how to take advantage of them. Being part of this networking course at the University of Washington has helped me improve my networking skills by establishing relationships with new people. Now I am able to create my opportunities by myself, instead of waiting to have them."
-AnonymousLearner

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Do I need to take the courses in order?
A: We recommend you take the courses in order. Many of the topics build from one course to the next, but there is no strict requirement.

Q: I don’t know many people, so how can I network?
A: Everyone has a network. The course will help you identify the people that you already know and help you figure out strategies to make your network bigger.

Q: My English isn’t very strong. Is this course right for me?
A: This course is designed for people with an intermediate level or above. That means you should be able to talk about everyday topics. If you are a beginner, some of the activities might be difficult, but you can still learn from them.

Q: I’m quite fluent in English. Is this too basic for me?
This course is designed for people at an intermediate level in English. Some of the vocabulary might be easy for you, but you can probably benefit from the activities.

Q: I’m not studying business. Is this course okay for me?
Yes, networking is all about making connections. You can use networking in any major, career, orlocation.

This course is part of English for Business Networking Professional Certificate Program

Learn more 
Expert instruction
4 skill-building courses
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
7 months
3 - 5 hours per week

Ways to take this course

Choose your path when you enroll.

Certificate

Free

Price

$189 USD

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Access to course materials

Unlimited

Limited

World-class institutions and universities

edX support

Shareable certificate upon completion

Graded assignments and exams

Read our FAQsin a new tab about frequently asked questions on these tracks.

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