What do you do if you want to expand your professional network through internships in leadership development?

Once you identify the goal that you wish to gain from doing internships, it will be the time to identifying the right internship opportunities that will allow you to gain the right skills that align with your goals !

Expanding your professional network through internships in leadership development involves several key steps. First, research organizations known for their robust leadership programs, such as Google's BOLD Internship or McKinsey's Leadership Development Internship. Network with professionals in these fields through LinkedIn, industry events, and informational interviews to gain insights and connections. Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight your passion for leadership development and relevant skills. Lastly, leverage your internship experience to showcase your abilities and build lasting relationships with mentors and colleagues, setting the stage for future networking opportunities.

I'm not the first to say it, nor will be the last; never work for money. If you're gonna work for somebody, work for the knowledge that you gain. This is where internships come in. Once you know that you want to become a real leader in the world, then trying to spend as much time as humanly possible with those who are already in the position should be the primary goal.

Everybody's experience is different. From my own experience, I have never found any real value on published internships. This is because there is already a set expectation by the company and a track that you will go through that may or may not be aligned to your values. I much prefer a more unofficial route. That can be as direct as sending a message to a CEO of a company in your area and asking them directly for an internship with them. As a student, you're more likely to get this type of education especially when you're not seeking anything in return but the experience.

In addition to researching thoroughly, I'd take it one step further and announce to your community and LinkedIn network what kind of internship you are looking for - including the type of culture, values, and day-to-day tasks you'd value. I'm always pleasantly surprised to see how invested others get when someone is clear about their intentions and how inspired a community can get to help someone reach their goals.

Social Platforms are invaluable for connecting with industry professionals, joining relevant groups and following companies of interest. Select five companies you want to work with. Engage with content, share your insights, and reach out to professionals with a personalized message to express your interest in learning from them. Grow your network!!

An example of engaging proactively is when my daughter was in high school she wanted to become a lawyer. So she volunteered with the youth justice league that did real juvenile court cases. These cases were mentored by lawyers. She just simply asked her mentor if she could intern with her to learn more. Not only did she say yes, she also paid her for the experience.

If you want to grow through internships in leadership development, you can do: 1. Look for companies or organizations that offer. 2. Contact professionals in the field through networking platforms or email to express your interest in internships. 3. Participate in industry events, workshops, or conferences to meet professionals and learn about internship opportunities. 4. Join online forums, LinkedIn groups, or local meetups related to leadership development to connect with like-minded individuals. 5. Submit applications to internships that align with your interests and career goals. 6. After applying, follow up with recruiters or hiring managers to express your enthusiasm and inquire about next steps.

Being able to add thought leadership is valuable, always looking at ways to contribute, assess, evaluate to lead to strong relationships.

As an intern, your biggest value is showing appreciation for the experience. Say yes to everything because each item is an opportunity to learn more.

Step out of your comfort zone by adding constructive input during team meetings, engaging in complex projects, offering support to teammates and asking for feedback from your manager. By doing so, you will open yourself up to more opportunities to leave positive impressions during your internship. This is especially important if there is a full-time position that you would like to pursue, which high-performing interns can often times be considered for. Also, be sure that you completing tasks and assuming roles that highlight the soft and hard skills you possess.

Review your daily interactions to weave a strong network during a leadership internship. Unearth hidden gems, such as a manager's conflict resolution tactic or a colleague's persuasive presentation style. Reflect on these moments, then strategically connect. Offer to present what you have learned to a broader team, sparking dialogue and showcasing your leadership potential. This thoughtful reflection and proactive connection will weave a web of valuable relationships that extend beyond the internship.

If you're keen on expanding your professional network through leadership development, here's a golden rule: Stay humble and be helpful. When I lead leadership training sessions, I've noticed a particular type of leader that stands out and sticks in everyone's memory. These are the humble ones—the ones who ask questions, stay genuinely curious, or generously share their own insights. They take ownership of their own learning journey, even if they're already familiar with the content. They see it as a chance to put their coaching hats and inspire others. From my experience, I reach out to these leaders even years later, whether it's to invite them as guest speakers or simply seek their advice when creating new learning material.

Since interns are normally students, the best steps would be to attend career fairs and reach out to allies so that you can land these internships. Building relationships with insiders is key