Perhaps one of the most overlooked benefits of online education is the opportunity to connect with a much larger pool of people than would have been possible at a traditional campus and, quite importantly, connect with people with specific interests. Online students aren’t bound by the constraints of where they live, transportation options, or time zone. None of that matters online, where students can interact on their own terms – time, medium, etc.

Learning how to network and develop real social interactions with fellow online classmates provides rich rewards and helps make your online learning experience more fulfilling. “Networking is the art of building alliances. Networking starts long before a job search,” according to The Riley Guide: Network, Interview & Negotiate.

Many college graduates feel that the greatest benefit of their college years was the expansion of their social horizons—the personal growth that results from meeting new people, making new friends, companionship, and sharing new experiences.

Fellow students are one of your most valuable resources when you’re learning online, and if you network with your classmates, you can sometimes learn about career opportunities you might otherwise have never known about. I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying about finding the best jobs: It’s not “What you know,” that’s important; it’s “Who you know”, and in today’s economy networking is essential! Furthermore, actual social connection with your classmates can even lead to lifelong friendships!

Some students choose to be independent learners or use online education as an excuse not to interact with classmates, but you can usually pick these people out very quickly. They’re the students who only show up for exams and do the bare minimum, refuse to answer emails, and never discuss anything in the class message board. Almost anyone else, however, would be happy to be contacted by an online classmate.

If you want to connect with your online classmates, you’ll often have to be the one to reach out to them. Try picking five students who are geographically close, have an interesting personality, are working in an interesting industry or for a company you’d like to, or by some other criteria. You can often find out more about classmates by reading their posts on discussion boards and paying attention to any real-time classes that are held.

Once you’ve found a group of interesting people, send a quick email to each online classmate to say hello and introduce yourself, chat about the class, or about some topic you two are both interested in. Some will reply and some won’t. Don’t be discouraged by those too shy or busy to reply; instead, pick another person and try contacting him or her!

Another way to connect with people is to volunteer to be the group leader if there’s online group work required. People tend to be reluctant to volunteer for this leadership role, but it’s a great way to meet people and earn the respect of your classmates.

Online education tends to be more focused on serious learning than a physical classroom, and most people are respectful, mature individuals. Online students also tend to have more experience in the working world and life in general, making them great for sharing knowledge about topics you’re both interested in.

It’s well worth having a group of varied, interesting classmates and friends to help you through your online education and even life after your degree!

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