Share
We recently spoke about some uncommon methods to identifying internship opportunities, and in that blog we briefly mentioned how networking can help you learn more about your desired industry and role, as well as open doors to internships. Today, we’re going to get into more detail about how you can build connections (often right at your school) that lead to internship opportunities. Let’s begin.
Build a Foundation
You don’t need to start building a network by seeking out senior executives and CEOs. College is a great place to begin networking, and you can do it within your existing circles. Here are some examples of people you can make connections with:
- Professors and academic advisors: They often have strong ties to employers, alumni, and industry organizations.
- Career services: Campus career offices host resume workshops and alumni networking events that are goldmines for making connections.
- Classmates and student organizations: Peers who interned last summer may know recruiters or can recommend you for upcoming positions.
- Alumni networks: Most schools have active alumni databases or LinkedIn groups where former students can help current ones.
Even casual connections can be powerful. A conversation with a former teaching assistant, club president, or a speaker from a campus event could lead to an introduction that lands you an interview.
How to Reach Out Without Feeling Awkward
One of the biggest hurdles students face is figuring out what to say. Keep in mind that networking isn’t about asking for a job, but rather about asking for insight. The key here is to keep your message short, polite, and focused. Check out this example:
- “Hi [name of contact], I’m a [year] student studying [your major] at [your school], and I came across your profile while researching [company/industry]. I’d love to hear about your experience at [name of company] and any advice you might have for someone hoping to start out in this field.”
Most professionals are happy to share advice, especially with students who show genuine curiosity. Once you’ve connected, thank them for their response and stay in touch occasionally. For example, you might share an update on your progress or comment on one of their LinkedIn posts.
Leverage LinkedIn
Your LinkedIn profile is great for making digital first impressions, and it’s also a valuable networking tool. For starters, craft yourself a nice headline and opening summary. Avoid generic openings such as “Student at [your school],” and try something like “Marketing Student Seeking Internship in Digital Strategy | Passionate About Brand Storytelling.”
Next, start engaging with industry content. This could mean commenting on posts, sharing articles, or highlighting classroom projects or insights related to your desired field. When it comes to making new connections, be strategic. Include a personalized note explaining why you’d like to connect with the person.
You should also start following companies in your desired field, as well as industry leaders. Doing this should provide additional details and updates on emerging trends that make good conversation starters. You may also find yourself receiving information on upcoming internship opportunities.
Attend Events and Career Fairs
Of course, networking doesn’t happen exclusively online. Consider attending career fairs and industry events hosted by your school or professional associations. Before attending, research the companies and come prepared with some good questions. To help you get started, here are some examples:
- “What skills or qualities do you look for in interns at your company?”
- “What do you enjoy most about working here?”
After the event, send a quick follow-up email or LinkedIn message to thank them for their time and reaffirm your interest. Small touches like this will help you stand out after the event.
Turn Connections into Opportunities
Networking only pays off when you follow through. Once you’ve built rapport, you can naturally transition into asking about internship openings or referrals. Once you feel you’ve got the opportunity to ask about internships, you might say something along these lines:
- “I really appreciated your advice about breaking into [your industry]. If you happen to hear about any internship opportunities that I’d be a good fit for, I’d be grateful if you could let me know.”
By framing it this way, you’re not pressuring them but instead inviting them to help if and when they can. If a connection does refer you, make them look good by following up professionally, preparing thoroughly, and keeping them updated on your progress.
Remember, the goal here isn’t to collect business cards or rack up LinkedIn connections. Your objective should be to build genuine, mutually beneficial relationships. Even if a connection doesn’t lead to an immediate opportunity, you’ve still gained something valuable—advice, perspective, and a stronger understanding of your industry.
Rob Porter is an editor at Vault.
Share
