Networking 101: Building Professional Relationships as an Intern

Creating meaningful connections within your company can significantly enhance your internship experience and build a foundational network for your future career. Read on to discover the importance of cultivating professional relationships, practical tips, and personal reflections on how networking has benefited me.

Why Networking Matters for Interns

Networking is a crucial part of any role, whether it be an internship or a managerial position. Building relationships with colleagues and mentors can provide invaluable insights, open doors to new opportunities, and help you navigate your role effectively. As interns, we work closely with people in a wide array of positions each day, offering a wealth of knowledge that is beneficial to young professionals. It is important to make the most of such a finite time by forming connections with experienced coworkers who can offer guidance and be worthwhile contacts moving forward. These individuals can serve as a vital resource for current and future endeavors, helping shape your career and introduce you to even more people.

Tips for Effective Networking

1. Start with an Introduction

At the beginning of the internship, start meeting coworkers by introducing yourself in group meetings where appropriate. This helps you get a good grasp of names and roles within the company early on. After gaining an understanding of who you will be working closely with, set up one-on-one meetings to form individual connections, learn more about their responsibilities at the company, and share information about yourself. This will enable you to stand out from the outset.

2. Stay Connected

Throughout your internship, continue scheduling one-on-one calls with coworkers to learn about their career paths and get to know them informally, as you would in an in-person office setting. Foster professional relationships by speaking up during team meetings and smaller group sessions. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the company and passion for collective collaboration. Lastly, the easiest way to maintain contact is to connect with coworkers on LinkedIn. Building your online network is crucial to sustainable networking!

3. Get Involved

During individual meetings, it is useful to ask coworkers, “What projects are you working on?” Regardless of their field, something may pique your interest. Offering to get involved, even in a small way, such as listening in on project-related meetings, is often appreciated. Expanding the range of tasks that you have gained experience in will grow your skills and equip you for versatile positions. Furthermore, employee resource groups offer a valuable avenue to meet like-minded professionals. Seeking out these groups and attending their events can help you immerse yourself further in the organization and expand your circle.

4. Overcome Common Networking Challenges

It is normal to feel overwhelmed when meeting people in a new role, especially in a virtual environment that brings a different set of challenges. Conversations over Microsoft Teams or Zoom may feel less natural, and it can be difficult to build the spontaneous rapport found in face-to-face interactions. However, a commitment to continuous communication is key to overcoming this barrier. Don’t be afraid to initiate these conversations. Additionally, to combat feelings of nervousness, approach these interactions as opportunities to get to know your coworkers, just as you would in any position, rather than as formal networking sessions. Forming authentic relationships with those you naturally connect with will be incredibly rewarding down the line.

How Networking Has Benefitted Me

The phrase “it’s who you know, not what you know” is as true as ever in today’s competitive job market. Expanding your network personally and via social media platforms like LinkedIn is crucial for professionals in any corporate role. In my experience, I secured an interview for a previous internship through a classmate at Fordham who held that position the prior summer. As this experience illustrates, a connection with a classmate, friend, or coworker can be the element that sets you ahead of other candidates during the interview process. By investing in your network, you pave the way for long-term career success.