If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my career it’s this: friendships at work are far more valuable than mere professional contacts. They can open doors you never imagined — even if you are living in a different country, adapting to new environments or building your career from scratch somewhere else.
At different stages in my journey these connections changed my path. In college, a classmate who ran a company invited me to work with him. Years later, a professor who recognized my technical skills recommended me for a role at a very well-known company in Brazil. Later still, at a company where I built deep friendships, I experienced one of the periods when I learned the most in my career. We had an extremely technical team, and together, we built incredible things.
I still keep in touch with those people today. Some moved on to other companies, which led to new invitations and opportunities. I eventually left that company when it no longer made sense to stay — and part of that decision came precisely because of those connections.
What I want to say is simple: cultivate good relationships wherever you go.
These friendships are what I call golden connections — they propel your growth and open doors you might never reach on your own.
At some point, you will also become the link that helps others. You will recommend colleagues, build strong teams, and contribute to the growth of others — just as others did for you.
Building real bonds in a professional environment is not just about networking. It’s about growing together.
Why This Matters in an International Context
When you move to another country, or even when you work in a company with a different culture than the one you’re used to, the way people create relationships can vary a lot.
Some environments are naturally more reserved. In others, people may not become close to their coworkers, or the workplace dynamic simply doesn’t encourage deeper engagement.
That was true in some of my own experiences. The context around me was different. The culture was different. The way people connected was different. But something remained true everywhere: with consistency, dedication, professionalism and genuine respect, you can still build meaningful connections.
They might start slowly. They might take time. They might look different from the friendships you formed in your home country. But they still matter — and they can still shape your career in powerful ways.
Even in places where people tend to keep relationships strictly professional, you can stand out through the quality of your work, your character, and how you collaborate with others. Trust grows through actions, not assumptions.
How to Build Golden Connections Anywhere in the World
Relationships in professional environments don’t always happen naturally. Sometimes you need to take intentional steps. Here are a few principles that work in almost any global setting:
- Be genuinely interested in people, not just in tasks. Respect backgrounds, stories and perspectives.
- Be consistent. Trust is built through small interactions over time.
- Focus on adding value rather than expecting something in return.
- Respect the professional boundaries of the environment you’re in, but don’t let that stop you from being kind, collaborative and supportive.
- Stay connected even after projects end. A simple message or follow-up can maintain relationships that might open doors years later.
What You Gain from These Connections
- Unexpected job opportunities, referrals and collaborations
- Mentorship and support during transitions, learning curves or career changes
- A trusted network that helps you grow faster
- The opportunity to help others, share knowledge and strengthen your field
Final Thoughts
No matter where you are in the world — whether your environment encourages closeness or keeps things more formal — genuine human connections always have value. They go far beyond networking lists or LinkedIn contacts.
Commit to building golden connections. Approach relationships with respect, consistency and generosity. Over time, these bonds may become some of the most valuable assets in your professional life.
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