Network to Increase Your Networth

I am sure many of you have heard your professors and career advisors lecture about the importance of “networking.”  While talking about networking may seem redundant, this skill is absolutely necessary to achieve professional success.  Professionals want to help those with whom they have a relationship with and trust.  The reality is, if two people with the same work experience apply for the same position, the person with a connection to the employer will more than likely get the job. 

With that in mind, you should strive to use your time at your workplace wisely and make as many meaningful connections with your coworkers as possible.  You only have a couple of months, maybe even weeks, to make an impression at your internship.  Here is some advice to help you get started!

1.     Attend office events and activities—It’s very easy to sit alone at your desk during lunch or run home to your bed as soon as the clock hits 5:00 p.m.  However, especially as an intern, it is imperative for you to be aware of office related events and activities.  Meeting up with your coworkers for dinner and drinks or signing up for the office kickball team is a great way to form relationships outside of the workplace.  You never know who you will meet or strike a relationship with at these functions!

2.     Use your supervisor’s network—A supervisor is an excellent resource for all interns.  Chances are, they are familiar with many employees at your office that hold a variety of different positions.  Inform your supervisor or manager of your professional goals and interests early on.  In doing this, he or she may offer you some suggestions for people that you can reach out to that are experts in your areas of interest.  Even better, they may organize a meeting with those individuals for you!

3.     Schedule short meetings with people of different backgrounds and business areas—Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and set up a small lunch or coffee break with a coworker.  Many offices have an online contact book that is categorized by name, email address and department.  While it probably isn’t appropriate to email the CEO of the company and expect him or her to respond, many employees would be happy to sit down with you and give you advice on how to advance in your field.  The worst that can happen is that they do not get back to you or tell you they cannot meet.  In my experience, people love meeting with college students to give them advice and talk about their work.  Take advantage of this and meet with as many people as possible.

4.     Get used to making small talk —While it is a great idea to come prepared to networking meetings with a few starter questions, you should get accustomed to making small talk with your coworkers.   Often, introducing yourself and stating where you go to school, where you are from, or what your interests are gives your coworker a taste of your personality.  Perhaps your coworker is from the same area as you or is related to someone you go to school with.  Chances are, if a connection is formed early in the meeting, your coworker will be more invested in your conversation and will be more likely to remember you in the future.

5.     Follow up with a thank you —After meeting with a coworker, always write them a thank you note—a hand-written one, if possible.  A hand-written note is a small yet appreciative gesture that will impress a coworker tremendously.  Besides, who doesn’t love getting a card?!