What do you do if you want to connect with influential professionals in your industry through internships?

3 Impress your supervisor

If you get accepted for an internship, you need to make a good impression on your supervisor, who is likely to be an influential professional in your industry. Show up on time, dress appropriately, follow instructions, ask questions, take initiative, and deliver quality work. Demonstrate your enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to learn. Seek feedback and act on it. Express your gratitude and appreciation. Your supervisor will be your main source of guidance, support, and referrals during and after your internship.

4 Network with your peers

Another way to connect with influential professionals in your industry is to network with your peers, who are also interns or junior employees in the same or related organizations. They can be your allies, friends, or mentors, who can share their experiences, insights, and advice with you. They can also introduce you to other people in their network, who may be more senior or influential than them. You can network with your peers by attending events, joining groups, participating in projects, or simply chatting with them.

5 Reach out to others

Besides your supervisor and your peers, you can also reach out to other professionals in your industry who are not directly involved in your internship, but who may have valuable information, expertise, or connections for you. You can find them through online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or industry-specific forums, or through offline channels, such as conferences, workshops, or meetups. You can contact them by sending a polite and personalized message, asking for a brief conversation, or requesting an informational interview.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?