Internships are more than just a learning experience; they’re a valuable opportunity to build relationships, expand your network, and set the stage for your future career. But for many beginner professionals, networking can feel awkward, intimidating, or even forced.
It doesn’t have to be.
Read below as we explore the best networking tips you can use during your internship to make genuine connections, build your confidence, and create career opportunities that last long after your internship ends.
Key Takeaways:
- Know what you want to learn and who you want to learn from.
- A simple “hello” can lead to real opportunities.
- Ask questions, listen actively, and stay present.
- Connect, follow up, and engage beyond the office.
- Track what you learn and use it to guide your next steps.
Why Networking During Your Internship Matters
The people you meet during your internship can have a lasting impact on your career. By building strong relationships early on, you open the door to job offers, future referrals, and a professional network that grows with you.
Here’s why you should prioritize networking during your internship:
- Increases visibility: The more people know your name (for the right reasons), the more likely they’ll remember you when opportunities arise.
- Expands professional insight: Conversations with colleagues can teach you industry nuances and career paths you wouldn’t learn from your role alone.
- Creates future opportunities: Former coworkers often become valuable connections for job referrals, partnerships, or mentorship, especially for opportunities that are not publicly advertised.
Best Networking Tips During Your Internship
Identify What You Want to Learn
Networking isn’t just about who you know. It’s also about what you learn. Go into your internship with clear intentions about the knowledge, skills, or insights you want to gain.
Ask yourself:
- What departments or roles am I most curious about?
- Who in the company seems to be doing work I’d like to do one day?
- What gaps do I have in my understanding of the industry?
Once you’ve clarified your goals, take these steps to start strong:
- Make a list of people you’d like to learn from. Focus on those whose experience aligns with your interests.
- Prepare thoughtful questions for casual chats or team meetings. This shows initiative and keeps conversations meaningful.
- Treat networking as part of your learning, not a separate, stressful task. When you frame it this way, it feels more natural and purposeful.
Make the First Move, Even If It’s Awkward
Let’s be real, approaching someone you don’t know can feel intimidating. But, more often than not, most professionals are happy to share their journey, especially with beginners who show curiosity and initiative.
How to ease into networking naturally:
- Start with a compliment or observation. Something like: “I noticed you handled that client call really well. How did you prepare for it?”
- Ask for advice: “I’m trying to learn more about sales strategy. Could I ask how you got into this role?”
- Invite a quick chat: “I’d love to hear more about what you do. Would you be open to a 15-minute coffee sometime this week?”
Attend Every Event You Can
Whether it’s a lunch-and-learn, volunteer day, or company happy hour, these events provide valuable opportunities for face-to-face networking. They create a relaxed environment to connect with colleagues beyond your immediate team and build relationships naturally.
Tips on how to network at an event:
- Don’t hover in the corner. Introduce yourself to someone new. A confident “hello” can be the first step to a meaningful connection.
- Ask open-ended questions like, “What brought you to this company?” or “What do you enjoy most about your role?” These questions invite genuine conversation and show your interest in the other person’s experience.
- Stay present. Put your phone away and listen actively. People are more likely to engage with you when they feel genuinely heard and respected.
- Follow up after the event with a quick message, thanking them for the conversation.
Learn People’s Names (and Use Them)
People notice when you remember the small stuff. It shows respect, attentiveness, and helps your interactions feel more personal and memorable. It’s a simple gesture that goes a long way in building rapport.
Quick strategies:
- Repeat their name when they introduce themselves: “Nice to meet you, [NAME].” It helps you remember it better and shows that you’re engaged from the start.
- Use their name again during the conversation and in follow-up emails. This adds a personal touch and makes your message feel more thoughtful and intentional.
- If you forget, just ask. It’s better to clarify than to avoid. Most people appreciate the effort to get it right rather than being misremembered or ignored.
Be Curious, Not Transactional
One of the biggest networking mistakes beginners make is focusing too much on themselves.
Instead of asking, “Can you help me get a job?”, focus on genuine curiosity. Ask about their path, their projects, or their perspective on the industry. People enjoy talking about themselves, and by listening well, you build a deeper connection.
Examples of great conversation starters:
- “What’s something you wish you knew when you started your career?”
- “What do you find most rewarding about your work?”
- “How did you get into this field?”
Use LinkedIn to Stay Connected
You don’t need business cards to stay connected today. LinkedIn is your go-to digital networking tool and one of the most powerful platforms interns can use to build lasting professional relationships.
How to use LinkedIn wisely:
- Send personalized connection requests: “Hi [NAME], I really enjoyed our conversation during the team meeting. I’d love to stay in touch.”
- Engage with their content. Like, comment, or share thoughtful posts to stay on their radar.
- Post occasionally about your own internship journey to show growth and initiative.
Offer Value (Even If You’re New)
You might think, “What do I have to offer as an intern?” But you’d be surprised. Being helpful, proactive, or just bringing a fresh perspective can leave a lasting impression.
Here’s how you can offer value:
- Share an article or podcast that relates to a conversation you had with a colleague.
- Volunteer to support someone’s project or help with a task outside your regular duties.
- Offer gratitude. A well-written thank-you note or thoughtful follow-up goes a long way.
Follow Up Without Being Annoying
Networking doesn’t stop at the first conversation. Following up shows professionalism, reinforces the connection, and helps you stay top of mind without coming off as pushy.
Simple ways to follow up:
- Thank them within 24 hours of a meeting or chat.
- Keep them posted: “Just wanted to share that I took your advice and started exploring marketing analytics. Really enjoying it so far.”
- Touch base occasionally with updates or questions, especially if they offer to help you in the future.
Reflect on What You’ve Learned
The most successful interns don’t just meet people. They reflect on the insights those conversations bring and use them to shape their goals, decisions, and growth throughout the internship.
Make time to:
- Journal key lessons or insights from people you meet. This helps you retain useful advice and reflect on how it applies to your own growth.
- Note any roles or paths that sparked your interest. Tracking what excites you can guide your career exploration and future opportunities.
- Identify skills or behaviors you admire and want to emulate. Observing what works for others can help you build your own professional presence with intention.
Final Thoughts: You Can Network Without Feeling Fake
You don’t have to be extroverted or perfect at small talk to network effectively. The best networking tips come down to showing up with curiosity, being genuine, and staying open to learning from those around you.
Apply the strategies above to build genuine relationships that can support your personal and professional growth long after your internship ends.
Looking for more valuable tips for a successful internship? Follow P.O.W.E.R. Executives Inc. for guidance, resources, and opportunities designed for rising professionals like you.