Networking and engaging in informational interviews are pivotal practices when exploring careers and seeking future employment. Networking involves establishing informal contacts and nurturing relationships that yield information, advice, and additional connections. These efforts can significantly aid in making well-informed career choices and uncovering hidden job opportunities. An internship provides an excellent opportunity to connect with professionals in the field. Besides doing good work at your internship, here are some tips you can take to your job site:
Engage in informational interviews with your colleagues.
Make an effort to familiarize yourself with your colleagues; identify and connect with at least five individuals within the organization whom you respect or wish to know better. Begin with those who are more approachable—delay conversations with top management. Inquire about their professional journeys. You’re networking whether you opt for a formal meeting or a brief chat during a coffee break. Conduct informational interviews during your breaks to meet someone new from your organization.
Foster and sustain relationships prior to requesting referrals.
Once you’ve interacted with someone at work, focus on developing and maintaining that connection. People are unlikely to risk their reputations for someone they hardly know; hence, invest time in getting acquainted with your colleagues. Remember any mutual interests and strategize on follow-up actions. You might send a personal message, ask to connect on LinkedIn, or share an article of interest with them. Once you’ve cultivated a rapport, consider asking for a referral within your aspired industry sector.
Participate in organizational events.
Do not limit your interactions to other interns alone. Seek to be part of your company’s social activities, join sports teams like softball, or contribute to charity initiatives they support.
Spend a day shadowing a colleague.
If you find someone compelling or if you’re curious about different departments, ask your supervisor about the possibility of shadowing a colleague or having a discussion with someone from another department.
What’s next?
The professional relationships you build are instrumental to your career progression.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking professionally. It allows you to outline your academic feats and network with industry experts, alumni, and peers. Merely having an account isn’t sufficient. Here are actionable tips to effectively initiate your journey on LinkedIn:
Start by connecting and developing a good LinkedIn profile. The efficacy of LinkedIn’s other features is amplified when you have an ample network and a great LinkedIn profile. Begin by converting resume content onto your LinkedIn profile and then connecting with family, friends, classmates, instructors, and even industry professionals. Good prospects include classmates from courses or extracurriculars, past co-workers or supervisors, and close family friends. It is generally acceptable to also send requests to people you’ve met during your internship as long as you tailor your LinkedIn request.
