Building a strong referral network in Norway is crucial for successful integration, career development, and overall well-being for internationals. A robust network can open doors to job opportunities, provide valuable cultural insights, and offer support in navigating the complexities of a new country. Here's why referral networks are essential and how you can build your own, with a focus on volunteer work.

Why Referral Networks Matter?

Before delving into my volunteering experience, I want to point out the significance of referral networks:

• Approximately half of job positions in Norway are not publicly advertised, making personal connections vital for uncovering employment opportunities.

• These networks help internationals understand and adapt to Norwegian social norms and workplace culture.

• Regular interactions with locals provide opportunities to improve Norwegian language skills, fostering deeper connections within the community.

• Building a referral network can lead to mentorship and professional growth, facilitating skill development and career advancement.

Kaan’s volunteering experience

My first volunteer work was (and still is) being a Home-Start Familienkontakten. Home-Start is a non-profit organization that works to improve the living situation of families with young children through support provided by volunteer family contacts. Volunteers visit families in their homes once a week for 2 to 4 hours, over a period of approximately 6 months. My aim was to learn about family relationships, help families with specific needs, and improve my Norwegian. Starting the 6-week training, all in Norwegian, was a serious challenge, but “hei,” I made it! Now, I happily visit my family once a week, practice my Norwegian with the kids, and continue learning about the culture and insights of family life in Norway!

I have also volunteered for organizations such as Oslopolitan, who invited me to give a speech about Norwegian culture in the workplace at Stiftelsen Mangfold i Arbeidslivet, where I started building relationships. For example, there I met Eli and Ayesha, with whom I will soon be facilitating a workshop with, and Camille from Charge which is an entrepreneurship program for immigrant founders in Norway to build and scale their businesses, which later resulted in a great collaboration.

Additionally, I became involved with Re-routed, a new Oslo-based initiative offering 8-week, skills-building courses that connect internationals and locals to the city and each other. My latest volunteer work is being a mentor at Sammen om en Jobb which is working to ensure that everyone who comes to Norway can use their skills in the labor market.

Each of these experiences has been bringing me closer to the “spheres” in which I would like to develop strong relationships, while learning, relearning, and unlearning more every day. Splendid! Doors open doors that open doors in meaningful networking.

Kaan’s Tips on Steps to Building Your Referral Network Through Volunteering

Volunteer work is an excellent way for internationals to establish a referral network in Norway. Here's how to get started:

1. Choose the right organization:

• Look for causes that resonate with your interests and skills

• Focus on well-established NGOs with diverse volunteer bases

• Consider organizations like the Norwegian Red Cross or Norges Frivilligsentraler

• Check Frivillig.no for calls for volunteers to organizations

2. Commit regularly:

• Dedicate a few hours each week or month

• Demonstrate dedication to build stronger relationships with fellow volunteers and staff

3. Engage actively:

• Participate in team meetings and social events

• Show initiative by proposing ideas or taking on additional responsibilities

4. Leverage your skills:

• Offer your professional expertise to the organization

• Seek valuable references from experienced Norwegian professionals

5. Attend workshops and events:

• Participate in NGO-organized discussions and courses

• Meet like-minded individuals and potential professional contacts

Tips on Expanding Your Network Beyond Volunteering

While volunteer work is an excellent starting point, consider these additional strategies:

• Join professional networking groups like Oslo International Hub or Professional Women's Network

• Attend industry conferences and events

• Connect with fellow professionals via LinkedIn

• Participate in language cafes at local libraries

• Consider internships or part-time projects with smaller companies

And don’t forget that maintaining and nurturing your network is as important as making connections. To make your network truly valuable, always follow up with your new contacts promptly, offer help and support to others in your network, and stay in touch regularly through social media, email, or in-person meetings. Be patient and persistent, as building strong relationships takes time.

By focusing on volunteer work and actively engaging with the community, internationals in Norway can cultivate a robust referral network that enhances their personal and professional lives. Approach networking with genuine interest in others and a willingness to contribute your own skills and experiences for the best results.

Written by Kaan Salli