You've completed your internship. How can you expand your network effectively?

Congrats on finishing your internship! To grow your network, consider joining your company's Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). ERGs connect you with diverse colleagues, enhance your leadership skills, and offer supportive communities. By attending ERG events and volunteering, you’ll meet professionals from various departments, gain fresh perspectives, and stay informed about new opportunities. Get involved, be proactive, and use ERG connections to broaden your network both within and beyond the company. This approach not only helps you build valuable relationships but also enriches your career journey.

After completing your internship, expanding your network effectively involves taking several key steps. Start by connecting with your colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals you met during your internship on LinkedIn. Express gratitude for the experience and ask for recommendations or endorsements if appropriate. Attend industry events, conferences, and webinars to meet more professionals. Stay in touch with your internship mentors through occasional check-ins, updating them on your career progress. Join relevant professional groups and associations, both online and offline, and actively participate in discussions to stay engaged and visible.

Staying connected is easier said than done, simply because life happens. However, if you truly connected with an individual outside of a transactional type arrangement it would be beneficial to set some time aside to do quarterly check ins. Something as simple as sending them an article that made you think of them with a summary and why it triggered you. Or reach out and congratulate them and how about a 30 minute catch up. There is no need to overthink or force it. The best connections are mindful and genuine.

To expand my network after completing my internship, I’d start by staying in touch with my colleagues and supervisors through LinkedIn, sending personalized connection requests and messages. I’d attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to meet professionals in my field. I’d also join relevant online communities and groups to engage in discussions and share insights. Additionally, I’d request informational interviews with professionals whose careers I admire, and regularly update my connections on my career progress to stay on their radar.

Expanding your network is especially important as you aim to pursue a career. Attending conferences offers an excellent opportunity to connect with key professionals in the field. These events allow you to meet professionals and provide a chance to observe. For example, during a recent seminar, you could have initiated conversations by sharing your internship experiences related to biotech research and discussing how your work aligns with current industry trends. Remember to focus on building connections. Follow up with a personalized message that references your conversation and highlights your interest. Staying engaged with your contacts through LinkedIn or periodic updates will help you maintain and grow a network.

Before my internship ended, I proactively sought feedback from my supervisor and peers. This not only demonstrated my commitment to personal growth but also opened up a dialogue that has been invaluable. I took their suggestions to heart and made it a point to follow up with them about how their advice impacted my career development. This approach not only helped me improve but also solidified my relationships with my colleagues, as they appreciated my willingness to learn and grow.

I make it a priority to attend PMI events and other industry-related gatherings because they provide invaluable opportunities to connect with fellow professionals. During these events, I actively engage by asking questions, participating in discussions, and introducing myself to speakers and attendees. I’ve found that following up with the people I meet afterward is crucial; it helps reinforce our connection and opens the door for future conversations and collaborations.

Volunteering at PMI events and other events has been a game-changer for me. It not only shows my commitment to the field but also allows me to work alongside seasoned professionals. I enjoy the informal setting that volunteering provides, as it helps me build genuine relationships with others in the industry. This experience has made me more memorable to those I meet, and I’ve gained valuable insights and connections as a result.

After attending events, it’s crucial to follow up with the people you meet. Send personalized messages on LinkedIn or via email, referencing your conversation. This reinforces the connection and opens the door for future interactions. For instance, if you discussed a specific topic during a seminar, mention it in your follow-up to remind them of your conversation.

Showcase your skillset honed, experiences garnered and accomplishments during the internship through a portfolio and networking platforms (my favorite is LinkedIn??) This way, you can get to mentor others interested in similar roles/internship Also you could easily get the attention of some other experts you worked with, stirring up an interest for further collaboration with you on new projects or an invitation to attend an event that will further increase your visibility.