How Do You Network in Poland as an Expat?
Moving to a new country can be daunting, especially when it comes to building your professional network. Whether you're in Poland for work, study, or business, establishing local connections is essential. Fortunately, Poland offers many opportunities to meet people, share ideas, and grow professionally — if you know where to look and how to approach it.
1. Understand the Culture First
Before diving into networking events, it's important to understand a few things about Polish work culture:
- Poles tend to be formal and respectful in professional settings.
- Trust is built over time; initial interactions may seem reserved.
- Being punctual and well-prepared is key to making a good impression.
Knowing and respecting these cultural nuances will help you create a stronger foundation when connecting with locals.
2. Start with LinkedIn
LinkedIn is widely used in Poland, especially among professionals in urban areas and industries like IT, finance, marketing, and consulting.
Tips:
- Set your profile language to English and Polish if possible.
- Join LinkedIn groups focused on Poland-based professionals.
- Reach out with personalized messages when connecting.
3. Attend Local Networking Events
Many Polish cities host regular networking events, business breakfasts, and career fairs.
Where to look:
- Meetup.com: Search for professional, tech, or language exchange groups.
- Eventbrite.pl: Find free and paid business events.
- Facebook: Look for groups like "Expats in Warsaw," "Kraków Business Networking," or city-specific communities.
4. Join International Chambers and Business Associations
Organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce, British Polish Chamber of Commerce, or Startup Poland often hold events open to foreigners.
These are excellent for meeting people in more formal business environments and learning about industry-specific developments.
5. Take Advantage of Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces are more than just places to work — they’re hubs for creativity, startups, and informal networking.
Popular ones include:
- HubHub (Warsaw, Kraków)
- Brain Embassy (multiple cities)
- Business Link (nationwide)
These often host workshops, pitch nights, and community events where you can meet others in your field.
6. Learn the Language (Even a Little)
You don’t need to be fluent in Polish to network, but knowing basic greetings and business terms goes a long way.
Try learning:
- “Dzień dobry” (Good day)
- “Miło mi cię poznać” (Nice to meet you)
- “Czym się zajmujesz?” (What do you do?)
Showing an effort builds rapport and signals respect for the culture.
7. Volunteer or Join Interest-Based Clubs
Volunteering or joining clubs (sports, arts, language exchanges) can help you build meaningful connections outside of formal business settings.
Look for organizations like:
- Toastmasters (public speaking)
- Rotary or Lions Clubs (community service)
- Couchsurfing events (for casual meetups)
8. Build One-on-One Relationships
Poles value personal relationships over superficial networking. Focus on building a few strong professional friendships rather than collecting dozens of contacts.
Follow up after meetings, grab coffee, and stay in touch. Long-term relationships often lead to the most valuable opportunities.
9. Use University and Alumni Networks
If you're studying or have studied in Poland, leverage your university's alumni resources. Even if you studied abroad, global alumni groups often have active members in Poland.
Many universities offer career fairs, startup incubators, and mentorship programs open to current students and graduates.
10. Be Patient and Consistent
Networking in Poland takes time. Trust is earned gradually, and people may be more cautious than in other countries. But once a connection is made, it's likely to be genuine and lasting.
Consistency matters — attend events regularly, engage online, and be proactive in reaching out.
Final Thoughts
Networking as an expat in Poland can be a highly rewarding experience if approached with the right mindset. Embrace the local culture, show curiosity, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Over time, your network will not only help your career but also enrich your life in Poland.
