{"id":1841,"date":"2016-09-28T10:00:09","date_gmt":"2016-09-28T14:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/career-center\/?p=1841"},"modified":"2016-09-26T09:05:19","modified_gmt":"2016-09-26T13:05:19","slug":"8-steps-for-leveraging-a-networking-interaction-into-an-internship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/career-center\/8-steps-for-leveraging-a-networking-interaction-into-an-internship\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Steps for Leveraging a Networking Interaction into an Internship"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

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<\/u><\/b>We\u2019re often told that networking can lead to an internship, but the steps for getting from point A to point B aren\u2019t always that clear. \u201cGo network and get yourself an internship\u201d is an ambiguous directive that can feel overwhelming. Here are some concrete steps that you can take to develop your professional relationships and inquire about summer internship opportunities: <\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pinpoint your goals<\/b><\/p>\n

Where might you want to do an internship? In what kinds of industries? Try to hammer out some ideas so that you have a starting point.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/b>Identify (or find) your cheerleaders and mentors<\/b><\/p>\n

There are people out there who want to help you. Think about the relationships you have, and who might be able to give you professional advice. You might reach out to any of the following people: parents, family friends, former\/current supervisors, professors, coaches, peers, alumni, or others. Make a targeted list of a few people you want to talk to.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reach out<\/b><\/p>\n

In whatever way is the most comfortable, reach out to your contacts and ask for a time to talk. Talking on the phone or in person is usually preferable to email, because it gives you a chance to make a more personal connection. Depending on your relationship with this person, you might ask to have lunch\/coffee, a phone call, or go to their office hours.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ask for what you need<\/b><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not always the most comfortable position to be in, but your contacts don\u2019t know how to assist you unless you specifically ask for help. Tell them what you are looking for, and ask if they have any advice or contacts. Here are some ways that you could start the conversation:<\/p>\n