How to build your network while on placement

Starting an internship is a great place to begin building your professional network, it can support your future development. You never know, that person you met in the queue in the coffee shop could one day, be the person interviewing you for your dream role!

Introduce yourself to everyone once and offer your assistance. This may sound daunting, but it’s a good way for people to know who you are and what you can do to help them.
Look out for any social/sports events and sign up. It’s a great way to meet other people in the company.
Be open, make eye contact with others, smile at people in the hallway, lift or in the kitchen and say hello.
Arrange to go for a coffee with a person whose career you are interested in. Call/email them and ask to meet; people will be flattered that you are interested in them.
And that’s important - be interested! Make sure you ask open-ended questions, and then listen attentively to their reply. An open-ended question needs more than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. If you listen to their responses, people will warm to you.
When you finish your placement, send an email/card or bring in cake to say thank you. Connect with them on LinkedIn and ask your manager for a recommendation if appropriate.

And don’t forget, the best way to network and get yourself known is to do a good job!

Before any networking interaction it is essential to spend some time planning some sensible and intelligent questions. In doing so you must take account of the person(s) you will be meeting and tailor your questions accordingly. The right questions, as outlined below, will help to reveal potential opportunities and help you learn from the experiences of others.

Below is a handout with Top Tips for Effective Networking.

Warwick Graduate Internships Programme

Warwick Graduate Internships Programme

5b4. Networking

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