The networks you should think about connecting with fall into the following 5 categories:

1. Chambers of Commerce
2. Professional Associations
3. Formal Expat Networks
4. Informal Expat Networks
5. RPCV Groups

Let’s take a brief look at each:

 1.       Chambers of Commerce are excellent sources for business contacts in the country. They often hold meetings or networking opportunities. In addition, there are Chambers of Commerce for many countries–not just the United States, so be sure to check into the country-specific Chambers of Commerce if you are in the U.S. or touch base with those Chambers once you arrive in country.

2.       Professional associations focus on professional development of the membership, furthering the membership and participation in the career field, and supporting the professional in a variety of ways. Often this is done through professional development activities, seminars, workshops, or meetings. You may want to volunteer, once in your new country, to make a presentation at one of the meetings. Also, be sure to check with your U.S. professional association to see if they have an office that focuses on international membership as they may be able to help you make connections.

3.       Formal expat networks include international women’s associations and groups, international expat support groups, including online groups and alumni groups. You may have to Google around, but you can find many of the expat groups in the country section on Expat Women’s website at www.ExpatWomen.com.

4.       Informal expat networks are often groups of expats who gather for a variety of social reasons. Such groups include the ubiquitous Hash House Harriers Running Clubs, which are found in just about every country and consider themselves a “drinking club with a running problem.” They hold a lot of social activities and can be a great network to tap for your job search–even if you’re not a runner. Other social groups include mother’s groups, book clubs, and even locations where expats gather such as the local watering hole, a coffee shop, or bookstore. Another resource for informally connecting with expats is Expat Finder at http://www.expatfinder.com/index2.php?goto=recherche&q=expats+in+new+zealand&w=0 . It has a search engine where you can search for expatriates in specific cities and towns as well as other expat websites.

5.       RPCV groups are natural ways to network. All RPCVs know the challenges of launching a job search and moving to another country. RPCV groups can be found on the National Peace Corps Association website at www.peacecorpsconnect.org/member-groups. You may want to contact an RPCV group that represents the country that you want to move to. If such a group doesn’t exist, then contact your closest RPCV group to ask around for anybody who may be familiar with your destination country.

What other tips do you have for RPCVs who are out there networking? Share your ideas, tips, and suggestions here.

1. Greetings and introductions: How do you greet others appropriately? How do you introduce yourself and introduce others?
2. Appropriate dress: What should you wear? What should you not wear? What is acceptable for women and men in the workplace-particularly as an expat, when expectations may be different than for locals.
3. Communication-both verbal and nonverbal: What is appropriate when speaking with others? What do your body language and gestures say about you?
4. Time: What can you expect with regard to starting and ending appointments on time?
5. Gender/age issues in the workplace and other workplace norms: How are women viewed and treated in the workplace? How does society view young workers versus older workers?

Developing your business cultural knowledge in these five key areas will help you project a professional image as well as help with your self-confidence. Be sure to ask yourself the questions associated with these five key areas often during your job search, as there may be nuances associated with different organizations or different regions of the country. Cultural nuances are myriad and complex, so do not rely solely on one source; rather, develop your ability to observe and mirror others’ behavior in professional settings.

We’d like to hear from you! What aspects of business etiquette have you noticed in your host country that is different from your home country? What tips do you have for other RPCVs?

Applying our experience
Tim, for example, an RPCV from Honduras, landed a great job as an assistant editor at a large NGO in Boston. Although his position was entry-level, he made a huge impact on the organization’s publications and among his colleagues simply by applying his cross-cultural skills. As one publication was going global, he voiced concern about U.S.-centric language and encouraged writers to think with a more global perspective. He would offer colorful examples of the cultural backgrounds of readers they had and those they wanted to attract. Tim made a difference; and Tim attributes this to his Peace Corps experience and commitment to using the cross-cultural skills he developed as a Volunteer.

How do we do it?
Tim isn’t unique among RPCVs. Far from it. There’s a bit of Tim in all of us and opportunities to apply our cross-cultural, language and technical skills and experience. We didn’t have to be super-star Volunteers, and some of us may not have finished their Peace Corps tour. We know, though, that the time we spent as Volunteers changed who we are and that impact will permeate much of what we do in our life and careers. Yet, how do we find the job so we can apply those skills to a career that’s meaningful to us? This column will provide some guidance on that.

This column’s future and you
This blog will be written for RPCVs who are interested in career guidance, job search support, and related resources. It will highlight techniques for networking effectively, using the internet in the job search, and developing strategies to take you further in your career.

Although I’ve worked in career planning for many years, I’ve learned that the expertise really exists among all of you and we benefit when we all share our tips, strategies, and resources. So I want to hear from you in the comments section about what is working and what you recommend to other RPCVs as they search for a job and a career.

I’m looking forward to sharing what I can with you. What do you want to see in this column? What topics would be helpful to you? What are specific themes you would like highlighted here? Do let us all hear from you.

— Susan Musich