What do you do if you're struggling to network during an internship?

Connecting with like-minded professionals within your organization can open up new opportunities for growth and development. Requesting an informational interview or mentorship from those who share your interests and expertise can be an excellent way to learn from their experiences and expand your knowledge. Remember to approach them with respect and have specific questions or topics prepared to make the most out of your interaction.

Leverage your internship! Connect with colleagues on LinkedIn. Offer to grab coffee with senior team members. Show genuine interest in their work and ask questions. Authenticity goes a long way.

Events can be a bit nerve-wracking - particularly if you are a new intern, or have a more introverted personality. A good way to build up your networking skills is to look for events where you know you'll have something in common with other attendees. For example: social events for interns, speaker events about a topic you're genuinely interested in, or affinity groups/ERGs that you feel personally connected to. This will create opportunities for you to build your confidence, practice introducing yourself in a friendly environment, and start to build a network of contacts across the organisation.

By taking the time to thoughtfully customize your connection requests on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, you have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals and unlock endless possibilities for personal and professional growth.

To ensure that the connections you make during networking interactions and informational interviews are lasting and positive, it's essential that you take the time to express your heartfelt appreciation for the valuable insights and time that others have shared with you. By sending a thoughtful thank-you email, you can reinforce the connection and show your genuine interest in maintaining and nurturing the relationship. This small gesture can make a significant difference in building long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.

When you meet someone at an event, make sure to follow up the next day with an invitation to connect on LinkedIn. Take a moment to write a short introductory note, rather than just hitting the connect button. This gives you an opportunity to remind them of how/where you met. You can make your follow-up even better by referencing something you talked about, or even sharing an article or a link they might be interested in. Networking is as much about what you can give to your network, as what they can do for you - so start the relationship well by adding some value from day one.

Approach networking with a sincere interest in learning from others and forming meaningful connections rather than solely focusing on advancing your career. Authenticity is crucial to building trust and rapport with professionals. Networking is a gradual process that demands consistency and persistence. Do not be disheartened by initial setbacks or rejections. Keep putting yourself out there and seizing opportunities to connect with others.