This past summer you had your dream internship. Or maybe it wasn’t so great. Either way, you’ve said your goodbyes, and sent your thank you notes. Now what?
Staying in touch with past co-workers and supervisors is one of the best ways to secure a future internship and/or job and not necessarily at the company you previously interned for. There is tremendous value in
maintaining a relationship with your employer and using their connections to help build yours. If you left on good terms, there is no reason your connection with your employer has to end.
The tricky part is figuring out the best way to do so. You don’t want to overdo it, but you want them to remember you.
Here are the best suggestions for staying in touch:
• Ask your supervisor or co-workers if you can use them as references.
• Keep track of email addresses and cell phone numbers. Put them in your cell phone so you don’t have to worry about locating them in the future.
• Add them on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is being utilized more and more in the job search with some companies allowing you to directly apply for jobs using your profile. By connecting with your co-workers you can see their previous employers and other activities, which could be helpful in your next career steps. Just be sure to change the generic ‘add’ message to something shorter and more personal such as – “It was wonderful working with you this summer at ABC Company. Would love to keep in touch!”
• Offer to come back in the future if they need extra help on a research project or client event. You aren’t guaranteed a paycheck but the thought will be appreciated and you’ll definitely keep the connection alive.
• Stay up to date through Twitter and Facebook by re-tweeting or Liking postings. Just don’t go too crazy!
• Send relevant information their way. It might be an article on a client or on a promotion within the company. If you have an accomplishment during the school year that relates to the skills you learned at your internship, send your employer an email and let them know. They’ll appreciate that you’re still thinking of them and took their expertise to heart.
• Invite former co-workers or supervisors to lunch or coffee. They won’t be expecting it and they’ll be impressed by your professionalism and effort. Plus, you’ll get career advice from an expert and be able to ask all about the company happenings you have missed.
If these ideas don’t work for your situation, then send an occasional email – every 3 months is a good time frame. Let them know what you’re working on in school, your future plans and ask about the company – keep it specific to a project you did research for or a client you worked with.
Whether you loved or hated your internship, it is beneficial to keep in touch with your employers. It helps
you to build your professional network making your next internship or job search much more bearable! Good luck!
Images:
http://mokumax.org/tag/social-networking/page/2/
http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/f/female_power.asp
Sources:
http://blogs.luc.edu/soc/2011/05/16/staying-in-touch-once-your-internshi…