Module 3: Networking

Networking during an internship


Networking during an internship experience is a professional development benefit. It is different from building a broader professional network, in that you will get to speak with individuals who have come to work at the same organization through a variety of paths. Together, their stories, tips, and advice will help you better understand the organization's mission and values. Be open with your supervisor about what networking means for your professional development, and how you foresee it fitting into your internship experience.

 

Some considerations to make in your networking practice include: 
  • Whether you would like to be introduced to colleagues or arrange meetings yourself
  • How you will determine who you'd like to speak with (ex: reviewing the company directory, on the recommendation of your supervisor)
    • Do you have specific criteria in mind?
    • Are you hoping to speak with as many people in the same position as possible?
    • Would you like to speak with an entire team composed of individuals in different roles?
    • Do you want to network with new hires or those who manage recruitment and hiring?
    • Are you interested in chatting with remote employees?
  • How frequently you would like to network
  • Whether networking can occur during working hours
  • What occasions and modalities are available to you (ex: lunches, informational interviews, large group events, Zoom meetings)
  • How to maintain communication with these individuals after the fact (ex: creating a contact list, connecting on LinkedIn)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


For specific tips on how to conduct informational interviews, refer back to Module 1: Networking