DIGITAL NETWORKING
N Networking is a crucial element of any master’s degree programme, irrespective of whether it’s pursued on‑campus or entirely online. Its significance extends far beyond the acquisition of academic knowledge, opening up unparalleled avenues for profound personal and strategic professional growth. While the curriculum provides foundational theories and essential skills, it is through meaningful connections that students truly expand their horizons. These interactions foster a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, cultivate vital soft skills such as communication and collaboration and build the confidence necessary to navigate complex professional landscapes. Furthermore, active networking provides invaluable access to industry insights, potential career opportunities, mentorship from experienced professionals and the chance to forge lasting collaborations. This ultimately enriches the educational journey in ways that textbook learning alone cannot achieve. The relationships that students build when studying become as relevant as the content they learn. This aspect is no less important when following a programme in digital mode – in fact, it becomes even more relevant. There are various reasons why putting a good networking strategy in place is so vital.
The long-term value of relational capital There is, of course, the aim of professional development and the generation of new career opportunities: connecting with other professionals, faculty and partner companies helps in discovering job prospects and collaborations that might not otherwise be apparent. This network of relationships represents relational capital that does not end with the completion of the master’s degree but can also represent a source of value for the future. This relational capital also allows you to build your own reputation, strengthening your image as a professional in your chosen field. Furthermore, the connections you develop are an important lever for increasing and enhancing your experience and learning process: each participant brings with them a unique background and particular skills, which can enrich your understanding of complex topics and provide insights for addressing professional challenges. Finally, the connections made during the programme also provide support and assistance, both during the master’s activities and when making critical decisions afterwards. On the one hand, a strong network can become a source of moral and professional support, essential to maintaining motivation and success on challenging journeys such as those of a master’s degree; on the other, establishing connections with colleagues and respected professionals enables you to build a support network and valuable resources when facing change and making strategic decisions. Community engagement & distance learning At Polimi Graduate School of Management, we have been running online programmes since 2014. In the intervening period, we have carried out several studies to ensure that those attending a master’s programme via distance learning not only have access to the same level of education, but also to the same level of interaction. We have specifically studied participants in our distance learning executive MBA programmes; what we have learned is that those who are following a course remotely not only have the same classroom interactions, but are also able to establish deeper, more lasting relationships. This is largely due to a strong and proactive attitude on the part of participants to fully engage in all the activities the community has to offer, whether these take place remotely or in person. This is achieved, first of all, by active and serious participation in the master’s various activities involving
“The relationships that students build when studying
become as relevant as the content they learn”
Ambition • ISSUE 3 • 2025 19
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