Career Prep 2009 Summer Blog

Darrell Hayes of Claremont McKenna College says: Before networking, make sure to do your research about the individual, the company, and current events. This will ensure that you have adequate information to talk about. Take up offers – Never turn down an invitation for lunch, coffee, dinner, or an after hour social event. In these settings, you can truly interact with your colleagues and get to know about them. But, remember you’re still at work, your actions should reflect that. Be proactive; make a list of all the people you want to meet. Set up a personal calendar with deadlines. Try to organize, a dinner for your fellow interns or set up a bi-weekly coffee with you mentor. Be yourself, you’re an interesting person. If you weren’t, you probably wouldn’t have earned this coveted internship. So, don’t act like a robot. Authenticity is a great quality to have. People will respect your sincerity and will remember you. Jorge Ramirez of Stanford University adds: Once you have identified a contact, arrange a phone call, lunch meeting, or just a simple email to introduce yourself and make clear your reason for contact. Be willing to offer your knowledge and experience to help the contact do their job better. Like any relationship, there has to be a give and take, so be prepared to give.

Isaura Guerrero of Stanford University writes: Get to know all staff members and invite them to lunch or coffee. Don't overdo your invitation though, stay within your limits. Marissa Francisco of UCLA states: Do Internet searches on employees in your company to see what accomplishments they've made. After identifying people you would like to have as a part of your network, set time aside to meet with these people and use your research to show you have done your homework. Raisa Morgan of University of Georgia says: Be cordial and pleasant to EVERYONE that works in the building because you never known who’s who and what they can do for you. Try to speak or hold small talk with someone every time you get the chance. This has helped me on numerous occasions in getting a job or meeting the person that was going to interview me (having unknowingly already talked with her in the bathroom before the interview).