Many factors come into play when choosing an internship (or a job, for that matter): your education, your previous experience, your cover letter and interview skills, your personality, and last but not least less, your impulse. While it is possible to get hired from an anonymous application, spending the time and energy to build relationships and sell to decision makers (and their contacts) can really increase your chances. “No matter what stage of your career you’re at, it’s always important to keep networking in mind because you never know when the right person might come along with the right opportunity,” says Sarah Stoddard, Glassdoor’s community expert, in Teen Vogue .
Indeed, “your network is one of your most valuable tools in finding the right job for you,” LinkedIn career expert Blair Decembrele tells Teen Vogue. “In fact, more than 70% of professionals are hired by companies with which they have relationships.”
The key is to find that connection and take advantage of it. “They can tell you what skills to learn, what blogs to read or who to contact to learn more,” “Knowledge is power, and the more you know about the type of work you want to do, the sooner you’ll be able to click the apply button.”
Start by doing the research.
Before you rush to meet everyone you can think of, take a step back to narrow down your goals and identify exactly what you want from your networking experience. That way, you can be sure that you spend your time (and everyone else’s) wisely and focus on meaningful relationships. “Taking time to think about all this before acting is the foundation of getting on the right track,” Caroline Ghosn, CEO and founder of the professional network Levo, tells Teen Vogue. “Make a list of your professional goals. Then look for available internships and/or companies that interest you based on that personal North Star. Once you’ve established these goals, you can start reaching out to people related to industries that you are passionate and/or interested.
Leverage your exisIntroductionsting network.
Make life easier by engaging in networking activities near you. “Start by thinking about your personal, professional or educational networks,” advises Sarah. “Do you have an uncle or former manager who now works at a company that interests you? Or maybe one of your favorite teachers has worked for many years in the type of position you want? Look for someone who has experience in the position, company or industry that interests you most. » Even if you don’t think you know anyone who can help, you’d be surprised what you can find with a little research. “These days, there’s always a way to connect,”There may be three or four degrees of separation… but it’s better than a blind application.
Send a direct request.
Depending on how well you know the person you’ve met, it can be a little scary to ask for what you want, but that’s part of networking (and it will get easier as you go). Caroline points out that your relationship will dictate the best way to make that first contact (if it’s your uncle that you’re close to, the conversation will be much more casual than if it’s your sister’s partner that you’ve never met) , but no matter what, make sure you are always polite and professional.
If you are trying to win a specific position, “contact them and ask if they feel comfortable sharing their good intentions (either directly or with the person you know who is closest to the company), letting them know that you are happier. to explain why you are interested in the position and send them your CV to review in advance,” explains Caroline.
If you are looking to build a relati toonship in the hope that it can help you with future jobs, Sarah recommends sending “a short email asking them to call briefly or meet in person to learn more about their professional experience, what he likes. the company he works for or to ask him for advice that he can share with people interested in a similar career. Keep the first email light and friendly.
Related article:https://profithub.com.ng/how-to-find-an-internship/
Go to a networking event with a plan and reasonable expectations.
Speaking of networking events, they can be very intimidating, especially if you don’t know anyone before. But, notes Caroline, you are not alone in your fears. And the best way to overcome this problem is the preparation you have already done.
Try to find the people you identified earlier and approach them with your icebreakers. If you need a “warm-up,” Sarah recommends starting with the presenters or event organizers. “They are already willing to talk about the topic at hand or act as hosts and introduce you to other people with similar interests,” he says. “Once you’ve broken the ice with a few people, it will give you some confidence to approach other strangers, introduce yourself and start a casual conversation. Practice makes perfect in this scenario.
source:https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-network-for-internships
Stay in touch beyond your one-on-one date
Networking is hard work, especially when you’re not meeting people for an immediate job opening, but for possible future opportunities. Sara suggests putting reminders in your calendar to check in with the person you met. “But instead of saying something like, ‘Hey, do you still have an internship for me?’ Share something that shows you care,” she says. If the company has made a big announcement, take the opportunity to offer congratulations and offer a piece of strategy or future steps to show that you are still thinking and really understand the goals of the company. Also, it will show how you can bring value to the team if you join as an intern or employee in the future.
And you don’t just stay in touch with people, you have an “official” network. “Stay in touch with colleagues you may have interned with, your boss at your summer job, and your professors,” Blair advises. “These are all resources that can help you find an internship. If you need to talk about something, check their LinkedIn feed to see their career points, such as job changes, mutual links, or an article they commented on to break the ice.
Sell yourself
You’ve done your research, printed your CV and prepared to talk about yourself. All you have to do is do it. When talking to someone who might be a potential employer, Caroline advises, “Ask them the million dollar question: ‘What are the specific areas or projects you need more help with?’
This will help you determine where you can best fit in and bring value to the company, and show the same. “The key is to show that it eases the burden on employers by preparing and tackling the tasks that are most difficult for them,” It’s the key to becoming indispensable in a team.
In addition to this question, talk about the skills you can bring and why you want to work in this industry or this specific position. “People want to work with major donors who care about the work they’re doing,” he says. If you’ve done the work to clarify this for yourself, it should be a powerful selling point — now it’s your job to communicate it.
Say “Thank you,” and do so quickly.
After you meet with someone, in any capacity, the very first thing you should do is send a “thank you” note. “The interview is not over when the meeting is over,” Caroline says. “Never forget that. […] You are part of the first digital native generation in history — the potential employer knows that and is going to measure the speed and quality of your follow-up with equal attention to what you said in the room and how you presented yourself.
And because you’re expected to be digital-savvy, Caroline says it’s crucial to send your follow-up immediately after your meeting or call. Draft the email ahead of time, and then add in a few specific references to your meeting after the fact. “For example, play back the area where they need the most help and reiterate your commitment to supporting that with your skill set,” she says. “This shows them that you were listening.”
If you really want to stand out, write a handwritten note, but be sure to pop it in the mail within a day of the interview. “I can say from personal experience hiring many talented.
Also check this article about internship–https://profithub.com.ng/what-is-an-internship
FAQ
What should I say when reaching out to a potential mentor or connection for an internship?
Be clear and concise about your goals. Express your interest in learning more about their career path and the industry. Ask if they would be willing to provide advice or guidance.
Is it important to follow up after networking events or informational interviews?
Yes, follow-up is crucial. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, expressing your appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest.
What are some common networking mistakes to avoid?
Don’t focus solely on asking for favors. Offer value to your connections by sharing information or resources. Avoid being overly sales-oriented and focus on building genuine relationships.
How can I stand out in a competitive internship market?
Demonstrate your passion for the field, highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and tailor your approach to each opportunity. Show genuine interest in the company and its mission.
