{"id":36333,"date":"2022-08-03T10:22:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-03T10:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/?p=36333"},"modified":"2025-06-16T11:34:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T11:34:09","slug":"using-an-internship-to-network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/using-an-internship-to-network\/","title":{"rendered":"Using an Internship To Professionally Network"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/using-an-internship-to-network\/#Make_the_Best_Internship_Choice\" >Make the Best Internship Choice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/using-an-internship-to-network\/#Find_a_Mentor_at_Your_Workplace\" >Find a Mentor at Your Workplace\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/using-an-internship-to-network\/#Find_Your_Voice\" >Find Your Voice\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/using-an-internship-to-network\/#Ask_for_More_Responsibility\" >Ask for More Responsibility\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/using-an-internship-to-network\/#Get_To_Know_Employees_and_Fellow_Interns\" >Get To Know Employees and Fellow Interns\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/using-an-internship-to-network\/#Get_in_Good_With_Upper_Management\" >Get in Good With Upper Management\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/using-an-internship-to-network\/#Meet_Someone_New_Every_Day\" >Meet Someone New Every Day\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/using-an-internship-to-network\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">written by Charlie Fletcher<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Internships are gateways to personal and professional growth. You learn new skills, get hands-on work experience, and further define your career path. But internships are also fantastic networking opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can meet a lot of people who can propel your career forward and help you blossom in your personal life. However, using an internship to network professionally requires intention and strategy. Here\u2019s how to connect meaningfully with people and make the most out of your internship as a networking opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Make_the_Best_Internship_Choice\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Make the Best Internship Choice<\/strong> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-36334\" src=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/internships_networking.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/internships_networking.jpg 169w, https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/internships_networking.jpg 576w, https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/internships_networking.jpg 500w, https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/internships_networking.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll have a much better networking experience with your internship if you make sure it\u2019s the right internship choice, to begin with. It\u2019s tough to grow relationships in an environment in which you aren\u2019t confident or that is full of people with whom you don\u2019t mesh. On the other hand, when you choose an internship at a solid company that welcomes interns and is prepared to help them flourish, developing great relationships through networking is seamless.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think about what you want from an internship before deciding on one. It may be helpful to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lucidchart.com\/pages\/mind-map\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">use a mind map<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to define your networking and career goals. For example, you may create a mind map of characteristics you want to look for in an internship when <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">networking as a Gen Z individual<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Then, research internship opportunities that can help you achieve your specific goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, be sure these opportunities are at companies with healthy, positive company culture. This way, your internship can possibly lend you a meaningful, helpful mentor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Find_a_Mentor_at_Your_Workplace\"><\/span><strong>Find a Mentor at Your Workplace\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stepping into an internship can be intimidating. From not knowing anyone to taking on work you may not be familiar with to wanting to make a good impression, all of it can be a lot of pressure. As a result, many interns fail to take full advantage of their opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umassglobal.edu\/news-and-events\/blog\/how-to-find-a-mentor-at-work\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finding a mentor at your workplace<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be helpful. They can be a huge source of support and guidance through all of the above. For instance, a mentor can introduce you to others in the workplace so that you feel welcomed. They can also help you grow confident in your skills and abilities to make the best impression on company leaders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step in finding a mentor at your internship is figuring out what kind of mentor you want, whether that is a peer mentor or someone with more experience in the company. Next, define what you want from your mentorship. Then, approach those who fit the type of mentor style that you want and have the potential to help you flourish. Ask if they\u2019d be interested in mentoring you in the most genuine way possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Find_Your_Voice\"><\/span><strong>Find Your Voice\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you truly want to use your internship as a professional networking opportunity, you must find your voice and use it. You need a bit of confidence to meet people who can help you grow professionally and flourish personally.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Share your experience and perspective whenever you can. Contribute meaningfully to group meetings, brainstorming sessions, and company events. Also, do your best work. When you excel in your role, that speaks for you. Even if you are more introverted, you can find an internship environment that values your contribution no matter how \u201cloud\u201d it is.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ask_for_More_Responsibility\"><\/span><strong>Ask for More Responsibility\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can fast-track the growth of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career-advice\/career-development\/benefit-of-networking\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">your professional network<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through your internship by asking for more responsibility. The more responsibility you take on, the more interactions are facilitated. And that makes networking more impactful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When your manager or another company leader asks for volunteers for a project or task, jump on the opportunity. Even if your manager isn\u2019t actively looking for interns who want to take on more responsibility, it shouldn\u2019t stop you from asking. If you see a need, ask your manager for the chance to meet it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36336 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/internships_networking2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/internships_networking2.jpg 300w, https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/internships_networking2.jpg 500w, https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/internships_networking2.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_To_Know_Employees_and_Fellow_Interns\"><\/span><strong>Get To Know Employees and Fellow Interns\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many interns spend the majority of their time networking with upper management. However, they\u2019re missing a huge opportunity to build their professional networks when they don\u2019t focus on creating relationships with employees and fellow interns.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employees and fellow interns may not be able to give you a permanent position at the company once an internship is over. They can:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inspire creative thinking and decision-making;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Help you define your career path;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assist you with personal endeavors;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make your time at the company more fun;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assure you you\u2019re a valuable part of the team;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Help you with work-related challenges and questions;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Become lifelong friends.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, the same people that are your peers now are likely to advance within the company. Learning their communication style is crucial to gauge whether or not the culture is a good fit, and networking with them now will keep you top-of-mind if and when they advance to a hiring position.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_in_Good_With_Upper_Management\"><\/span><strong>Get in Good With Upper Management\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most challenging things about an internship is developing genuine relationships with upper management and company leaders. Sometimes, they just don\u2019t have the time. And other times, you just don\u2019t cross paths with them often.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, your networking efforts need to include getting to know those in upper management in whatever capacity you can. This is especially important because if you end up loving the company and the work you did, upper management may decide to offer you a permanent position.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do your best to meet with managers regularly. If you can get in the room with the C-Suite, do so. Open the line of communication face-to-face, via email, over the phone, and even by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/six-linkedin-networking-tips-for-university-students\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">connecting on LinkedIn<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Don\u2019t be afraid to make yourself known among those that seem out of reach.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Meet_Someone_New_Every_Day\"><\/span><strong>Meet Someone New Every Day\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s easy to interact with the same people every day because you\u2019ve grown close and comfortable with them. However, the whole point of networking is to meet new people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of going to your internship and engaging solely with the people you know and love there, make it a point to meet someone new every day. Visit a new department. Sit with new people at lunch every other day. And collaborate with interns and workers you haven\u2019t before. The more people you meet, the more opportunities you have to network, learn, and grow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using an internship to professionally network is a brilliant idea. Be sure you\u2019ve chosen the right internship opportunity. Then, use the rest of the tips above to develop meaningful relationships through networking and make the most out of your internship experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer passionate about workplace equity, and her published works cover sociology, politics, business, education, health, and more. Read more <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/charliefletcher.contently.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>written by Charlie Fletcher &nbsp; Internships are gateways to personal and professional growth. You learn new skills, get hands-on work experience, and further define your career path. But internships are&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":36335,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[586,481,1122],"tags":[],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-36333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-advice","category-career-tips","category-internship-abroad"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36333"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36333\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36335"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36333"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36333"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36333"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=36333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}