Here's how you can maximize networking opportunities during an advertising internship.

Be honest, engaged and helpful. Don't make it just a matter of common interests. Communicate with your colleagues in a human way. Communication is limited only during the training period. Communicate with them outside the training period. On holidays, add them to your social media account and try to talk to them about a future that brings you together

Create business cards with your contact information and social media handles, and distribute them to every potential stakeholder or recommender. Connect with everyone you meet on LinkedIn and keep your updates engaging. After your internship ends, stay in touch with occasional follow-ups. Reminding them of your presence in a non-intrusive way can make a lasting impression.

Be outgoing: Smile, introduce yourself, and ask questions. Show genuine interest in others! Attend events: Go to company events, industry meetups, and workshops – be where the professionals are. Follow up: Send thank you notes or LinkedIn connection requests to people you enjoyed meeting. Provide value: Offer to help out colleagues or mentors with small tasks. This builds goodwill and keeps you top of mind. Have an elevator pitch: A short, snappy intro of who you are and what you're interested in. Practice it!

Being proactive is crucial for making the most of networking opportunities during your advertising internship. Take the initiative to meet new people by attending industry events, workshops, and seminars hosted or sponsored by your company. Prepare an elevator pitch—a concise, persuasive speech about yourself and your career goals—to engage with professionals and spark interest. Focus on forming genuine connections by showing curiosity about others' work and sharing your passion for advertising. This approach can open doors and influence your career path.

Engaging daily with colleagues can elevate your networking during an internship. Interact with different departments to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business and meet a diverse group of professionals. Ask questions, offer help, and show interest in projects beyond your assignments. This demonstrates eagerness to learn and teamwork, potentially opening the door to mentorship opportunities and insights into various career paths within advertising.

Being socially savvy is essential in the advertising field. Use LinkedIn and other platforms to connect with colleagues and industry leaders. Follow companies and influencers that share your interests, and engage with their content through comments and shares to increase your visibility and stay updated on trends. Maintain a professional online presence that showcases your interest in advertising. Social media can help you build and maintain relationships, extending the impact of your internship far beyond its conclusion.

Your ability to consistently offer value and prove useful as an advertising agency intern will open doors of opportunities for you. It will make advertising practitioners who leave the agency have you in my mind if they want to start up a new agency or need an extra hand working on clients job. It will also create an opportunity to ignite relationships with clients as there is a tendency for you to be invited to private meetings with clients.