Moving to a new country is always a challenge — and when it comes to finding work or growing your career, building the right connections can make all the difference. In Switzerland, professional networking isn’t just helpful — it’s often essential. The job market here values trust, discretion, and personal referrals, and many vacancies are never publicly advertised.
This article will show you how to build a strong professional network in Switzerland, even if you’re starting from zero. Whether you’re a job seeker, entrepreneur, or freelancer, these tips will help you connect with the right people, open new doors, and thrive in your Swiss career.
Why Networking Matters in Switzerland
While Swiss society is known for structure and formality, personal relationships are still key — especially in smaller industries or cantons. Referrals, recommendations, and inside information often carry more weight than a cold application. In fact, studies show that 40–60% of job openings in Switzerland are filled through networks.
Networking is also critical for:
- Understanding Swiss workplace culture
- Getting industry-specific insights
- Meeting potential clients or collaborators
- Building credibility in a new country
- Gaining access to events and professional groups
Understand Swiss Business Culture
Before you start connecting, it’s important to know how Swiss professionals approach networking:
- Punctuality and politeness matter. Always be on time and respectful.
- Small talk is limited, especially in German-speaking areas. Be concise and relevant.
- Don’t oversell yourself — confidence is welcome, but modesty is respected.
- Follow-up is key — if you make a contact, keep the conversation going respectfully.
- LinkedIn is important, but in-person contact still carries weight.
Now let’s dive into specific strategies.
1. Start With LinkedIn — But Localize It
LinkedIn is widely used in Switzerland, especially in business, tech, finance, and academia. To get noticed:
- Set your location to Switzerland
- Use a professional photo and write in English + German/French, depending on the region
- Highlight any Swiss work, study, or volunteer experience
- Follow and interact with local companies, recruiters, and influencers
- Write a short message when connecting: “Hello, I’m new in Switzerland and working in [industry]. Would love to connect and share insights.”
Join local groups such as:
- “Jobs in Zurich”
- “Swiss Startups”
- “Expats in Switzerland”
- “Women in Business Switzerland”
Engaging with these groups builds visibility and opens doors to events and opportunities.
2. Join Professional Associations
Switzerland has countless professional organizations tailored to specific industries. These are great for building long-term, high-value connections.
Some examples:
- Swiss Finance Institute – for banking and finance
- ICT Switzerland – for IT professionals
- Swiss Engineering STV – for engineers
- Life Sciences Switzerland – for scientists and pharma workers
- SIWSS – Swiss Association for Women in Science
- Chambers of Commerce – join the one for your country or your region in Switzerland
Most host monthly meetups, workshops, and conferences — excellent places to introduce yourself and learn the norms of your field.
3. Attend Networking Events and Meetups
Face-to-face interaction still matters in Swiss business culture. Look for:
- Meetup.com – Filter by city and profession
- Eventbrite.ch – Professional talks, free conferences, startup events
- Swiss startup nights, career fairs, and university job days
- Events hosted by coworking spaces like Impact Hub Zurich or Launchlabs Basel
When attending:
- Dress professionally
- Have a short personal intro ready: “Hi, I’m [Name], a [Job title] just moved to Switzerland from [Country]…”
- Collect contacts and follow up on LinkedIn within 24 hours
4. Use Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces are hubs for freelancers, entrepreneurs, creatives, and remote workers — and ideal for casual, meaningful networking.
Top coworking hubs:
- Impact Hub (Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne)
- Spaces (Zurich, Basel, Bern)
- Westhive
- WeSpace (Zurich) – focused on female entrepreneurs
- Creative Hubs for designers, writers, developers
Many offer free trial days or community events, and you can join just for the networking perks even if you don’t need a desk.
5. Volunteer or Join a Club
Volunteering is one of the most powerful (and underused) networking strategies in Switzerland. It shows commitment, builds your local reputation, and creates lasting connections.
Opportunities include:
- Local NGOs or charities
- Church or community groups
- Cultural festivals or events
- Environmental or political groups
- Swiss Red Cross or Caritas (some roles require basic language skills)
You can also join clubs:
- Toastmasters Switzerland – for public speaking and leadership
- Rotary or Lions Club – prestigious business networks
- Sport or hiking clubs – great for social bonding and language practice
- Language exchanges – Tandem meetups for German/French/Italian
6. Learn the Language — Even the Basics
Language is a huge trust builder in Switzerland. Even if English is your work language, learning the local tongue opens up many more networking options.
Knowing how to introduce yourself in German, French, or Italian (depending on the region) shows respect and helps break the ice.
Examples:
- “Ich bin neu in der Schweiz und arbeite im Bereich Marketing.”
- “Je viens d’arriver en Suisse et je cherche à élargir mon réseau professionnel.”
Combine language learning with networking at multilingual coffee meetups or integration events.
7. Leverage Your University or Alumni Network
If you studied in Switzerland — even in a short course — use your university’s alumni services to connect.
- Join alumni LinkedIn groups
- Attend alumni reunions or webinars
- Reach out to former classmates or professors for introductions
Institutions like ETH Zurich, EPFL, and University of Geneva have strong reputations, and alumni from these schools often help each other professionally.
8. Build Relationships With Recruiters
Recruitment agencies are powerful gatekeepers in the Swiss job market. Even if they don’t place you right away, establishing a good relationship can lead to long-term benefits.
Top agencies include:
- Adecco Switzerland
- Michael Page
- Robert Walters
- Hays Switzerland
- Randstad
- Swisslinx
When reaching out:
- Send a tailored email or LinkedIn message
- Attach your Swiss-style CV
- Be clear about your status (permit type, availability)
- Ask for feedback or insights on your sector
9. Be Visible, Be Consistent
Networking isn’t about collecting business cards. It’s about building mutual trust and showing your value over time.
That means:
- Posting insightful content on LinkedIn
- Commenting thoughtfully on others’ posts
- Sending follow-up messages
- Offering help when you can (“Happy to make an intro” goes a long way)
- Being patient — relationships take time in Switzerland, but they last
Final Thoughts
Building a professional network in Switzerland doesn’t happen overnight — but with the right mindset, it’s absolutely possible. Focus on quality over quantity, consistency over intensity, and real relationships over superficial contacts.
The good news? Once you’re in, you’re really in. The Swiss are loyal and appreciate professionalism and authenticity. Start small, show up regularly, and before long, your network will become one of your most valuable assets in your new life.