How do internships usually go? I work so idk if they’ll be in the way of my working hours. I don’t think leaving my job for an internship is the best idea.
An internship is arguably one of the best ways to get experience in your field and get your field into the door at a prospective company. Unless your job is a "career" type role, then I'd say try and bounce even if for a summer to secure a proper internship (they pay as well).
An internship is essentially you getting a taste of your intended industry at a specific company while getting real word experience. I had 4 internships before I graduated college and it helped me not only gain working experience, but gave me insight to industries (drones, energy, private equity finance) I'd probably never have encountered during my regular college career.
Now, about networking and tips on this, I really think you just have to be genuine and you have to add value to your network. I think people see networking as going to a conference and handing out business cards. I see networking as really just building AND maintaining a network wherever you go. Building is relatively easy, maintaining is the hard part. You have to keep in touch with people or else the connections get weak and eventually go cold.
I think you could start by joining groups and clubs that you're interested in, doesn't even have to be career related to be honest. For me, I play soccer consistently (although I've taken a bit of a break). With the dudes I play with, I'm relatively genuine and have been able to forge some good bonds as a result.
I think the 3 top tips to successfully network are:
1.
Be genuine. Don't force connections that aren't there. Having the right network will many times be better than having a large network (not all the time, but many times) e.g. if you're an entrepreneur it's better to know 5 multi-million financiers than to know 500 9-5 workers. However, if you want to run for grassroots politics, then it's better to know 500 9-5 workers.
2.
Keep in regular contact. Networking is like working out, the longer you don't do it, the harder it is to get back into things. It's always good to keep people updated on what's going on and find out where there at. It can even be as simple as shooting someone an article you read and asking how are things. Find the right cadence for members in your network. Maybe reach out once a month or once a quarter. Find what works.
3.
Follow through and follow up. You gotta be proactive and see things through. A lot of people will say, I'll reach out but never do. Be known as someone who will go the the full length.
Just hang on linkedin
