{"id":6863,"date":"2018-02-27T12:07:34","date_gmt":"2018-02-27T17:07:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/atdevserver.com\/Projects\/Internsdc\/?p=6863"},"modified":"2018-02-27T12:07:34","modified_gmt":"2018-02-27T17:07:34","slug":"how-networking-opens-new-doors-in-your-career","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/atdevserver.com\/Internsdc\/how-networking-opens-new-doors-in-your-career\/","title":{"rendered":"How Networking Today Opens New Doors in Your Career Tomorrow\u2014and How to Do it Right"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How<\/p>\n

Networking is a big buzzword for anyone who wants to succeed in business\u2014and who doesn\u2019t?<\/strong><\/p>\n

But how do you actually do it right today so that it opens new doors in your career tomorrow?<\/h2>\n

Networking is a must for career growth, which is why we create so many opportunities for it for the interns who stay with us.<\/p>\n

One of our interns said: \u201cYou never know who you\u2019ll meet here and who they will be someday.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

That\u2019s right. Now is the time to grow your connections in a purposeful way that impacts your career later on. There is no better way to do that than by getting to know people who can assist and mentor you throughout your career\u2014and vice versa. Even Hillary Clinton started out as an intern herself, as many who come to DC do. Today’s intern is tomorrow’s leader!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Keep expanding your network to include everyone from friends and family to work colleagues, members of volunteer or social groups\u2026 and more.<\/p>\n

Pitfall: Many people on the networking scene tend to overdo it. They collect a basket of business cards at an event, but then what?<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"How-to-Avoid-Networking-Pitfall\"<\/p>\n

How to avoid this pitfall:<\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Prepare yourself<\/strong>. If this is possible, look at the guest list before you go. Look for people you want to meet, and make sure you meet them. Focus on fewer people that matter. This is not a cocktail party. The goal is quality, not quantity!<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\n
  2. Focus on a goal<\/strong>. Look for and talk to people who might be a good business connection in a specific area. You may want to intern at the Smithsonian, so find someone who works there. You may be interested in becoming a journalist, so seek out someone who is and talk to them. Be ready with an intelligent question and make yourself memorable. (More on that below)<\/li>\n
  3. If you start talking to someone you know isn\u2019t even on your radar, excuse yourself.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  4. Follow up:<\/strong> Only pick a few key people and follow up with an email, a written card, a small book or an invite to another event. If you choose carefully, it should be easier to do this.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Here\u2019s how networking today opens new doors in your career tomorrow:<\/h3>\n

    Here are some of the reasons we advocate so strongly for networking during your stay in our nation\u2019s capital.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Read our post on how to network with anyone<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Networking strengthens relationships.<\/h3>\n

    Networking is all about giving, not taking.<\/strong> That\u2019s right. People who give get it back tenfold<\/strong>. Businesspeople can tell if you are there to get something (a big turnoff) or to contribute (a big plus).<\/p>\n

    How to be a giver:<\/strong><\/p>\n