Understanding Virtual Networking Platforms
In this guide, we dive into the best virtual networking platforms of top online colleges. We will discuss how they can boost your career prospects as an online student.
Networking can make or break your future career. Did you know that 85% of job vacancies are filled through networking? Yep, that’s what HubSpot says. And get this—70% of jobs are never even posted publicly, according to CNBC. So, networking is key if you want to find those hidden opportunities.
But, as an online student, you can’t physically attend events or stroll around campus to meet new people. This can limit your network unless you take the right steps. That’s where the best virtual networking tools for students shine—they allow you to interact with people who share your interests, goals, and career aspirations.
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So, what are virtual networking platforms?
Virtual networking platforms are online spaces that allow students to build connections in real-time. They can talk with other students, alumni, and professionals. These platforms often include the following features:
- discussion boards
- virtual meetups
- career fairs
- job boards
- mentorship programs
Virtual networking happens purely online. It takes place in a way that doesn’t require people to meet at an event. A good example is LinkedIn, a platform where people can connect, share their work achievements, find jobs, or offer work.
Now, imagine LinkedIn, but instead of browsing at your own pace, it’s a live event where you can meet and talk to others in real time, all from your home office. This is what virtual networking looks like at its best—fun and useful.
However, the biggest challenge with online networking is how people see it. Many still think it’s impersonal or not as effective. But this doesn’t have to be true if you use the right virtual networking platform. Many colleges and universities have created their own virtual networking spaces.
Online college networking platforms are exclusively designed for their students, alumni, faculty, and partners. By using these platforms, you can attend virtual career fairs, participate in online mentorship programs, and join discussion boards related to your field of study. Many of these platforms also offer job boards where employers post openings specifically for students and alumni.
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Benefits of Virtual Networking Platforms for Online Students
So, how exactly do top online colleges with networking tools help students? It’s all about building connections that could open doors for you in ways you might not expect.
Building relationships is key to thriving in today’s economy. Whether you’re exploring a new career path or finishing college and ready to jump into your field, connecting with the right people is essential. But why is it really necessary?
Internship Search
Networking can help you find internships or entry-level jobs in your field. Employers often connect with professors, advisors, and career center staff to find students with the right skills. By building good relationships, you’ll gain access to opportunities that might not be advertised.
Stay Updated
Having a strong professional network helps you stay on top of the latest trends and developments in your field. You can keep up-to-date by attending events or connecting with people in your industry.
Career Guidance
Networking while in college connects you with mentors and role models with the expertise to guide your career. These professionals can share their experiences and give you valuable advice on navigating the working world.
These networks also often include graduates who are now well-established in their fields and are eager to help the next generation succeed. You can reach out to alumni through virtual networking platforms for advice, job opportunities, or even collaborations. Their insider knowledge and connections can give you a competitive edge in your job search.
Networking doesn’t just open doors to career opportunities—it can also expose you to new learning experiences and skill development. You can learn about cutting-edge tools, resources, or certifications that give you an edge over other candidates. Networking with other students or industry experts can inspire you to pursue additional training or certifications, helping you stay ahead of the curve.
Additionally, many virtual career networking for online students are integrated with other resources like scholarships. In fact, many online students have obtained scholarships through virtual networking events.
Top 9 Online Colleges Offering Virtual Networking Platforms
If you’re interested in an online degree, it’s important to pick a school that offers a robust networking platform. Here are a few online colleges that excel at integrating these platforms into their programs.
1. University of Southern California (USC)
USC takes a lot of pride in its incredible alumni network, and it’s true what they say—once you’re a Trojan, it’s a part of who you are for life. USC offers a platform called the Trojan Network. According to its website, as a student, you can use Trojan Network to:
- Connect with USC alumni and students to expand your network
- Join career discussions
- Explore job opportunities
- Find a mentor
- Gain hands-on experience through alumni-led projects
2. University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix’s PhoenixConnect platform has revolutionized online learning by providing a dynamic virtual network for students, faculty, and alumni worldwide. Launched in 2010, it offers:
- Academic and professional networking
- Global communities
- Personalized profiles
- Active communities directory
- Recent activity feed
- Similar people recommendations
PhoenixConnect’s tools create a robust, collaborative environment for students to enhance their academic and career experiences.
3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Southern New Hampshire University offers its online students access to SNHU Connect, a virtual networking hub that helps students and alumni stay connected. It’s also known to be one of the most affordable online colleges with career networking. Through SNHU Connect, you can:
- Network with alumni in your field of study
- Participate in live events like career webinars, alumni panels, and industry-specific networking sessions
- Share professional experiences and seek advice from others in similar industries
- Use the platform’s job board to discover internship and employment opportunities
4. Capella University
Capella University’s online students benefit from Capella’s Community Platform. This is a comprehensive virtual networking tool that facilitates interaction among students, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals.
The benefits of virtual networking for students at Capella include:
- Connecting with fellow learners in the same program or field of interest
- Opportunities to attend digital career fairs and alumni connections
- Access to career coaching and mentoring services from experienced professionals
- A special “Capella Career Center” that provides personalized job search support
5. Walden University
Walden University uses a virtual networking platform called Walden Connect to help students build connections. The platform offers the following features:
- A strong alumni community where students can engage with graduates for advice and guidance
- Real-time job boards that feature exclusive postings for Walden University students
- Online groups where students can collaborate on projects and share industry insights
- Access to career development resources, including resume reviews and interview prep from seasoned alumni
6. Liberty University
Liberty University has teamed up with Handshake to create a professional network that connects students and alumni to top employers. Here’s a quick look at what Handshake offers:
- Over 9 million students and alumni from 500+ schools are part of Handshake.
- 250,000+ employers, including Fortune 500 companies, use Handshake to recruit.
- Liberty students can access full-time, part-time, and internship positions posted by companies looking to hire.
- A platform designed to help students and alumni connect with employers, explore opportunities, and grow their careers.
Handshake makes it easy for Liberty students to find career opportunities and connect directly with recruiters.
7. University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst)
UMass Amherst offers online students the UMass Amherst Online Community, a virtual space where students can network with peers, faculty, and alumni. Highlights of this platform include:
- A job board that features exclusive job listings for UMass Amherst online students
- Opportunities to be part of virtual networking events and webinars hosted by alumni
- Direct access to mentors and faculty who are available for career guidance and support
- A robust online community that offers discussion forums, professional advice, and collaborative opportunities
8. Purdue University Global
Launched in Spring 2017, the Global Network Connections program at Purdue aims to connect American and international students, fostering cultural understanding and interaction through various activities and events. This initiative supports cross-cultural exchange, helping students build relationships and engage in meaningful experiences.
This platform includes:
- Interactive tools to connect with fellow students, faculty, and alumni
- Virtual career events and informational sessions for students to explore job opportunities
- A resource center with career readiness tools like resume workshops and interview tips
- Personalized networking opportunities with Purdue alumni in your field
9. University of Arizona Global Campus
Ashford University, now the University of Arizona Global Campus, provides students with the Global Campus Network. This platform helps online students build and maintain professional connections through:
- Access to a huge alumni network and faculty
- Online career coaching and job placement assistance
- Opportunities to join student and alumni groups based on career interests or academic programs
- Events such as webinars and virtual career fairs aimed at connecting students with industry professionals
Here’s a quick comparative analysis of university networking platforms:
| Feature | USC | University of Phoenix | SNHU | Capella | Walden | Liberty | UMass Amherst | Purdue Global | UArizona Global Campus |
| Platform Name | Trojan Network | PhoenixConnect | SNHU Connect | Capella Community | Walden Connect | Handshake | UMass Online Community | Global Network Connections | Global Campus Network |
| Key Focus | Alumni & Networking | Academic & Career Growth | Alumni Networking | Career Coaching | Job Boards | Employer Connections | Alumni Mentorship | Cross-cultural Networking | Career & Job Assistance |
| Job Board | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Global Reach | Focused on the USC community | Global | US-based | US-based | US-based | US-based | US-based | International Focus | US-based, some international outreach |
Key Features to Look for in Virtual Networking Platforms
When you’re considering an online college and its student networking platforms for online education, you’ll want to make sure it includes certain features that can help you succeed.
- User-Friendly Design: You don’t want a clunky platform. It should be easy to navigate, visually appealing, and mobile-friendly.
- Integration with Career Services: The networking platform should link directly to career services, job boards, and virtual fairs.
- Alumni Engagement and Mentorship Opportunities: Access to alumni and mentors is crucial for gaining insights into your chosen industry and finding job opportunities.
How Virtual Networking Enhances Career Development
Many online students have found job opportunities through online college career services and networking platforms. Here are a few examples:
- Sarah, a Business Administration student at SNHU, used SNHU Connect to network with alumni and landed an internship that turned into a full-time job.
- David, a Computer Science student at Capella, attended virtual career fairs on the Community Platform, leading to a job as a software developer at a tech startup.
- Linda, a Healthcare Management student at Walden, connected with a mentor on Walden Connect, gaining industry insights that helped her secure a managerial role in a hospital.
Virtual networking doesn’t end at graduation—it keeps shaping your career. After you graduate, many platforms stay active, giving you access to job boards, alumni connections, and career coaching. They also keep you in the loop on industry trends and events. Alumni often return to offer jobs or advice, helping you stay connected and continue growing professionally long after finishing your degree.
Conclusion: Maximize Your Opportunities
When choosing an online college, don’t just look at the quality of the courses—they’re important, of course—but also consider the networking opportunities available to you. A good virtual networking platform can help you build meaningful connections that lead to job offers, internships, and invaluable career advice.
Take the time to research the platforms offered by different colleges. Look for user-friendly ones that have strong career services integration and offer plenty of chances to connect with alumni and mentors.