Why Webinars Matter More Than Ever
Ten years ago, networking meant handshakes at conferences or swapping business cards at alumni dinners. Today, the world has shifted. Webinars once dismissed as “just online lectures” have become the new meeting ground for professionals, students, and industry leaders.
In a post-pandemic, digitally connected era, webinars allow you to sit in Dubai and ask questions to a professor in London, a CEO in New York, or an innovator in Singapore. They’re more than events. They’re entry points into global circles of influence.
For international students and young professionals, especially, webinars can be the difference between being an anonymous applicant and being a familiar name in the right community.
The Hidden Power of Webinars
Webinars aren’t only about information. They create three distinct advantages:
- Visibility Beyond Borders
When you ask a thoughtful question in front of 200 attendees, your name is remembered by the panel — and sometimes by recruiters listening in. - Direct Access to Experts
Unlike crowded conferences, webinars often include Q&A slots where you can engage one-on-one with speakers who might otherwise be unreachable. - Community Building
Chat boxes, breakout rooms, and follow-up LinkedIn requests turn a one-hour session into a lifelong connection.
This is the global network effect — accessible at the cost of an internet connection.
Why This Matters in 2025
- AI and Automation: As hiring gets more automated, human referrals and connections matter even more.
- Visa Realities: International students in the UK now have only 18 months post-study to establish careers. A strong global network shortens the job hunt.
- Cross-Border Careers: Employers increasingly want graduates who can operate in multicultural, international teams. Webinars expose you to that environment before you even leave your home country.
Networking is no longer about geography. It’s about showing up — even digitally.
How to Use Webinars Strategically
1. Choose the Right Webinars
Not every event adds value. Prioritise:
- Industry-specific sessions (e.g., FinTech, Cybersecurity, Healthcare).
- University webinars introducing alumni and employers.
- Skills-based workshops with networking elements.
At UWS London, for instance, TEG Club webinars regularly feature alumni sharing job search strategies. These aren’t just lectures — they’re doorways into insider knowledge.
2. Show Up Prepared
Treat a webinar like an interview. Research the speakers, understand the theme, and prepare one or two thoughtful questions. Asking, “How can I break into your industry as an international graduate?” is far more powerful than asking about generic CV tips.
3. Use the Chat Function Wisely
Don’t just type “hello” and disappear. Share short insights, drop relevant resources, and connect with attendees afterwards on LinkedIn. People remember those who add value, even in a chat box.
4. Follow Up After the Event
Most attendees log off and forget. You stand out if you message the speaker:
“Thank you for your insights during the UWS London webinar today. Your point about data-driven decision-making really resonated with me. I’d love to stay connected.”
That’s how one interaction becomes the start of a relationship.
Real-Life Impact of Webinar Networking
- A Nigerian student attending a UK university webinar secured a summer internship after consistently engaging with the guest speakers across multiple sessions.
- A Sri Lankan graduate built connections through healthcare management webinars and later received referrals for NHS roles.
- A UAE professional exploring FinTech joined global online panels, positioning himself as a thought leader in LinkedIn groups.
These stories highlight a truth: the people who treat webinars as networking events, not just lectures, create opportunities others miss.
Industry Advantages of Webinar Networking
Technology & IT
- Join webinars hosted by cloud service providers or cybersecurity experts.
- Build a network in spaces where jobs are rarely posted publicly.
UK Salary Range (2025): £35,000–£65,000 for entry-mid roles.
Finance & FinTech
- Follow global financial webinars to understand market shifts.
- Alumni networks in these webinars often provide leads before roles go live.
UK Salary Range (2025): £40,000–£80,000.
Healthcare Management
- Healthcare webinars often connect students with NHS professionals.
- These spaces help build credibility for international graduates.
UK Salary Range (2025): £32,000–£70,000.
Creative Industries
- Marketing and digital media webinars open doors to agencies worldwide.
- Breakout rooms often spark collaborations beyond borders.
UK Salary Range (2025): £28,000–£55,000.
The Future of Webinar Networking
Looking ahead, webinars will evolve into even stronger networking tools:
- Hybrid Models: Events blending physical conferences with live digital participation.
- AI Matchmaking: Platforms suggesting who you should connect with based on shared goals.
- Micro-Communities: WhatsApp or LinkedIn groups forming instantly after webinars.
Webinars aren’t going away. They’re becoming more personal, more targeted, and more global.
How Erudmite Uses Webinars to Support Students
At Erudmite, we don’t see webinars as optional extras. We see them as strategic tools for career success. That’s why we:
- Host industry-led sessions featuring professionals from IT, finance, healthcare, and creative sectors.
- Connect students with alumni webinars that share real-world hiring insights.
- Offer career-focused workshops that go beyond academics to prepare students for networking and employability.
Because education doesn’t end in the classroom — it extends into the networks you build.
Conclusion:
In 2025, attending webinars is easy. Turning them into global networks is rare. Most people log in, listen, and leave. The successful ones prepare, engage, and follow up.
For international students and ambitious professionals, webinars aren’t just lectures. They’re the new global handshake the chance to make your presence felt in rooms you couldn’t otherwise enter.
If you want to build a career that crosses borders, stop treating webinars as background noise. Start treating them as opportunities to be seen, remembered, and connected.
FAQs
1. Are webinars really effective for networking?
Yes — if you engage thoughtfully, not passively. Visibility matters.
2. What’s the best way to stand out in a webinar?
Ask specific, well-prepared questions and follow up with speakers or attendees after the event.
3. How can international students benefit most?
By using webinars to access alumni, industry insiders, and recruiters they may never meet physically.
4. Do I need to attend paid webinars?
Not necessarily. Many free university and industry events offer equal networking value.
5. How do webinars compare to traditional networking?
They don’t replace face-to-face entirely, but they open doors to global circles you wouldn’t reach otherwise.
