We asked Alumni to share insights on how to connect and make a lasting impression during internships.
Here is what they shared:
- Engage and Seek Mentorship
- Volunteer and Attend Social Events
- Leverage Industry Knowledge for Success
- Ask Insightful Questions to Learn
- Focus on Impactful Contributions
- Express Interest in Varied Departments
- Be Proactive and Request Guidance
- Cultivate Relationships with Rising Stars
Engage and Seek Mentorship
Networking is one of the most powerful exercises an intern can do during their time with a company. It will aid them in securing a position in the future with the company and help start building lasting relationships within the organization. During an internship, students can effectively network inside a company by actively engaging with colleagues, seeking mentorship from experienced professionals, and participating in company events or initiatives.
They should approach networking with a genuine interest in learning from others, asking thoughtful questions, and demonstrating their enthusiasm and dedication. Effective networking is one of the best ways to leave a lasting impression and expand your professional network within the organization.
Trevor Koskovich, B.A. Communication 02, President, Investment Sales, Northmarq
Volunteer and Attend Social Events
The best way for interns to network inside the company is to:
1. Volunteer for any and all projects management asks the team for help with.
2. Attend all the employee social events going on. We have a virtual happy hour at our company, and it’s a great chance to learn more about each other outside of work.
Marsh Sutherland, MBA Operations Management ‘94, Senior Technical Recruiter, Ocient
Leverage Industry Knowledge for Success
Having an internship in an area you’re passionate about is incredibly rewarding. The opportunity you’re given can seem overwhelming, but just remember you’re there for a reason. For me, the biggest part of an internship is to gain experience from people who have been in that industry. Obviously, it’s nice to know people to pursue endeavors down the road, but their knowledge of the industry will set you up for success in the future. Knowing and connecting with people will keep you in that field, but using those connections to better improve your skill set will propel you in that field.
Mick Signa, B.A. Sports Journalism ‘24, Xpression Operator
Ask Insightful Questions to Learn
My biggest piece of advice for an internship is to ask the right questions so you can absorb as much experience as possible. Ask if you can attend a few meetings held by other departments to get a more in-depth picture of the company. Ask your supervisor or teammates about the steps they took to get where they are in their careers. Ask your boss what makes someone successful in the role you’re looking to eventually hold full-time after graduation. Your goal is to learn as much as you can and build up a list of great references, so maintain a mindset of curiosity and eagerness to succeed!
Emily Lierle, B.A. Journalism & Mass Communication ‘16, Content Specialist
Focus on Impactful Contributions
As an intern, your role is to make as many positive impacts as possible to the organization’s bottom line – and focus on the simple things, the low-hanging fruit, which may consist of tasks the company has identified for follow-up and perhaps just hasn’t gotten around to them.
Talk to as many people as you can and ask them about the little needs that would help make them more efficient, and work those little problems until you have a collection of wins. Communicate concisely and consistently. Follow up. Be proactive and respectfully straightforward while remaining humbly confident. Offer to help when you can, always be at least 10 minutes early, and be aware of people’s time. Remember names and details about people. Anticipate needs, and just do the little things without asking. Let people know you value their knowledge and role by keeping a notebook or journal and subtly take notes about what they are teaching you. Follow their lead, and outside of the daily hours, learn more about the subjects they are sharing with you so you can have a conversation about those topics the next time you engage with them.
Make the most of your time there – it’s a concentrated tryout for them as a possible employer or potentially others; but it’s also a test for yourself to learn about your own behaviors, work patterns, strengths, and areas for growth.
Matt Armstrong, B.S. Architecture ‘99, President, St Petersburg Distillery Company
Express Interest in Varied Departments
Get to know people from other departments and express an interest in what they do! This can open doors and opportunities to other jobs you would not have considered before.
Belinda Zepeda, B.S. Communication ‘18, Social & Content Specialist, Red Door Interactive
Be Proactive and Request Guidance
First things first—do a kick-ass job at the internship. Be curious and effective, and prove your worth! Don’t be shy about your love of the business, what excites you about the company, and how you hope to either work there or someplace similar in the future. When you connect with someone through the work, use them as a resource to network. I think it’s best to be upfront and ask for what you want—would you be open to grabbing a cup of coffee one day to talk about my future and what I can be doing to solidify a spot for myself here? People are usually willing to help but do need you to guide them on how exactly they can help. Most employees expect this from interns and will be happy to chat/give advice (as long as you’re doing your job and not focusing more on getting ahead than getting the job done).
Cortney Pellettieri, B.A. Broadcast Journalism ‘95, Co-Founder, Talent Connect Group
Cultivate Relationships with Rising Stars
Often, I notice interns striving to make their voices heard and offer significant input, especially with senior-level leadership. However, it’s crucial to remember that sometimes ‘less is more.’ Instead of solely focusing on contributing, prioritize being a diligent learner. Cultivate meaningful relationships with younger ‘rising stars’ within the organization, as they are the ones likely to advocate on your behalf in the long run.
Kyle Beard, B.S. Global Business ‘02, MBA Finance ‘09, Director, Willis Towers Watson
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