Comments on: The Importance of Networking for Interns

By: program coordinators

program coordinators — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:06:42 +0000

[...] on-site nurses. … from third-party program health coordinators, and formal health …The Importance of Networking for InternsMost organizations fail hard in running an internship program, and have trouble identifying/keeping [...]

By: My 10 Favorite Posts on COTJ

My 10 Favorite Posts on COTJ — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:04:33 +0000

[...] The Importance of Networking for Interns [...]

By: Rich DeMatteo

Rich DeMatteo — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:04:54 +0000

Karla – glad you commented. I’d love to chat with you offline one day and see how this project unfolds.

Many people don’t understand the work involved in setting up and planning for a strategic internship program. The entire process needs buy in from all levels of the organization to be successful, and it really is an on-going commitment. Would really be very interested to see how your internship program develops. In the next couple weeks we should chat on the phone and I’d love to hear what you are planning.

By: Karla Porter

Karla Porter — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:48:02 +0000

I’m really glad I came across this post Rich, it is 100% in line with one of my 2010 work objectives… to create an internship program in my community with 5 local colleges and universities that is robust, easy to navigate, meaningful and valuable with real world experiential learning ‘mini full-cycle career” for the Intern and an introduction to a possible employer. Employers also need assistance not just an Intern dropped on them, many times they do not participate in offering internships because they are unsure of how to manage them the “right” way. There is a lot involved in the process to make it work the way it should, to the benefit of the Intern, college, industry and community. Your post provoked some very interesting comments as well… thanks for providing me additional perspective I shall take with me to work…

By: Rich DeMatteo

Rich DeMatteo — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:13:02 +0000

Hey Paul – great thoughts here!

I agree, the number of connections is not important, it really is the quality. Not just interns, but all of us need to be working with our contacts on LinkedIn to make the most of that relationship. I do think that interns should add as many people as possible in the beginning. The more people they build to their online network, the higher chance they have at building some quality contacts.

Great point about asking questions. Pretty critical here, and I’m glad you pointed that out.

By: Paul Smith

Paul Smith — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:31:31 +0000

Rich, this is some good advice for interns. Here are some additional thoughts.
First the number of contacts one has on LinkIn is not that impressive. LinkIn could be going the way of Facebook very quickly: it is easy to get folks on your network that you really don’t know. It is not the quantity of connections, it is the quality. Networking is collaborative communications that can sometimes border on altruism. If someone is turning out to not be such a great connection, move on & find another. Don’t take this personally. Your connections are busy, and maybe just too busy right now.
Secondly, interns should not be afraid to ask questions in an interview, find out as much as possible about the internship before accepting an offer. Your internship needs to be a learning experience. Find out if you are going to be doing real work or are you fetching coffee & making copies.

By: Rich DeMatteo

Rich DeMatteo — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:42:06 +0000

Leave whining at the door, unless its job related and then come to HR and talk to me! I agree, leave the drinking stories for close friends, and give minor details to fellow interns and co-workers.

Great advice here, Royce. Glad you stopped by with your comments. Maybe your next company (if you ever make a move) will provide a chance for more socialization with coworkers.

By: Royce

Royce — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:16:03 +0000

Oh, and NEVER be a complainer. Ever. Nobody likes whining.

By: Royce

Royce — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:15:39 +0000

I think this is a great post and has lots of great advice. But let’s get right to the most important thing – LOST rocks. I mean it is freaking awesome. I tremble in anticipation for season 6.

Now that that’s out of the way, I completely agree about networking. I think the bulk of networking actually happens naturally for an intern as you work with your bosses and coworkers and prove to them your worth on various projects. Letting them get to see how you work and think is by far your biggest goal as an intern, so work your ass off and be extremely professional.

One sad note about my job – for some reason there is zero outside-of-work socializing, which makes me sad because I have very limited relationships with most of my coworkers. I do feel I’d have stronger professional prospects if this were not the case. I think this is in large part because my office is small and most of the employees are much older with families, to whom they immediately go home after work. But for a job where you can go to happy hour and socialize, have at it.

One last piece of advice I have found useful – do not reveal too much about your personal life as an intern (or really ever). It’s not cool to talk about how much drinking you got up to over the weekend. Or what club you were at. Or whatever. Some basic info is good color – I went to the football game, or I went camping, etc. – but then leave some mystery. Ultimately I think it’s much better.

By: Rich DeMatteo

Rich DeMatteo — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:27:17 +0000

Thanks for the comment, Ryan. Networking is important at any level, and I’m sure that it was as fun for the CEO as it was for you. Nice story.