Attend a business luncheon

Some of the local chambers of commerce regularly host business luncheons. Over a meal, you get a chance to hear from a subject-matter expert, plus it’s a chance to network with those seated at your table. Signing up to the British Chamber of Commerce or the American Chamber of Commerce newsletters is a good way to start. 

Speakers’ corner

For some, the thought of public speaking can be intimidating, but becoming a good speaker can help boost confidence and enhance overall presentation skills. Check out Toastmasters to get started. The group also holds workshops geared to specific topics, for example, preparing pitches as an entrepreneur. 

Get to class!

Check out lectures or lunch series offered by local universities or training schools. The University of Luxembourg, for example, regularly offers lecture series, and Sacred Heart University has its own lunchtime learning series. It’s a way to make the most of your lunch hour while also having something to discuss over the water cooler. 

Delano’s sister outfit, Paperjam Club, also has its Mini MBA, an 8-day leadership and innovation programme, in partnership with Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management.

Join a MOOC

Massive open online courses, or MOOCs, are generally free of charge (sometimes they require a fee for certification, however). This is a great way to learn about topics which might not have been around when you were at uni (blockchain, coding, robotics, etc.), take a creative writing course, learn a new language at your own pace, or simply check out offerings from top universities in other countries. Coursera and edX are good places to start.

Start a blog

Whether you decide to blog about a professional or personal topic, creating content online can help build your own brand and get you noticed by potential employers. Blogging is also a practical way to learn more about a website’s backend, generating traffic and more. LinkedIn is a great place to start sharing your content or read articles posted by others. 

This article first appeared in the print version of the Delano Expat Guide 2019-2020.