Intern Series: 3 Steps To Building An Internal Network While On Internship

Welcome back to the intern series!

Starting an internship can be intimidating. It might feel as if you’re the freshman walking the halls once again. But, like with everything, having a core group (or network) around you to support you, answer your questions and just be your friend can make the transition so much more enjoyable and efficient.

So today, I am here to share how YOU can build an internal network to help you throughout your internship. Because that’s the good thing about networking: not only do you build a network of work colleagues but also a few lifelong friends and mentors along the way (whether at the same company or not).

1. Find Other Interns

There’s no better place to start building a network than with those going through the exact same experience as you! You’ll both have questions you can help one another find answers to, nerves to overcome and can find activities outside of work to do. You may feel reservations in reaching out but just do it! (like Nike).

They will most likely have the same feelings and when they see your name come across their email, LinkedIn or even your head pop over their desk they’ll be more than happy to connect.

2. Leverage Your Manager

For this topic, I’ll share a personal anecdote. It was a week before my internship began and I scheduled a call with my manager at Red Ventures. Our call went great, and I learned a lot about what my role entails and what I should look forward to.

Based on the conversation with my manager, she thought it’d be beneficial to connect me with her manager and even the CMO of the company!

By no means did I go into this conversation looking for additional connections as the new intern but just from organic conversation, I built two amazing new connections! So, whether it’s natural conversation or a direct ask – leverage your manager’s experience and network when attempting to build your own internal network.

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3. Attend All Company Events

My last recommendation is to take advantage of as many company events as possible! As I said it can be daunting to network when you’re the “newbie” but in order to grow out of your cocoon and grow into a butterfly you must step outside of your comfort zone!

Whether it’s the companywide talent show (watch Red Venture’s here) or just lunch in the commons go, go, go! And if you’re a bit anxious revert back to tip #1 and bring a fellow intern with you!

Like people say, two is always better than one! I hope these tips help as you work to build your internal network in your new internship and since we're talking about building networks – connect with me on LinkedIn here! I’d love to chat or keep up with your amazing work!

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