Want to Build Connections, but Don’t Know Where to Start?
The Alliance for Civic Engagement (ACE)’s Fellowship and Internship Programs, launched in 2020, bring together students from diverse majors and backgrounds to explore public issues, foster democratic engagement, and develop career skills across sectors such as policy, marketing, data analytics, and human resources. Through collaboration, mentorship, and networking, ACE empowers emerging leaders to build meaningful connections and gain the skills needed to create lasting impact in their communities and careers. At ACE, you’re not just getting an internship experience, but rather an entry to a world of possibilities and career connections. However, navigating networking can be intimidating, especially if this is your first professional experience! Below, I share my experience gaining confidence in networking and some tips for making lasting connections during your time at ACE.
Networking Outside the Box
Throughout my own journey at ACE, I have been surrounded by those outside my major. From those pursuing a pre-law track to those studying technology and engineering, I have always been a member of multidisciplinary teams.. Although it may seem at first glance that we have little in common, that way of thinking can isolate you from opportunities and perspectives—you can almost always find a common interest!. Whether that common interest is a similar philosophy in career success, a desire to connect with others, or a shared passion, finding connections with others can lay the groundwork for a vast professional network (and even some great friendships)!
Networking events—both those hosted by ACE and outside of ACE—are great spaces to build multidisciplinary connections. Even in online spaces, networking events have led me to make new connections with those who are moving to the same city I’m from for professional reasons. However, I would not have made those connections had I not stepped outside of my comfort zone and initiated conversations with people in vastly different fields and majors. If you can step out of your comfort zone and start up a conversation, you’re starting on the path toward real-life connections.
How Do I Even Start A Conversation?
While the benefits of networking with new people are vast, it can still be difficult to get over the initial hurdle of initiating conversation. This can be especially tricky if, at first glance, it seems like you have no surface-level similarities. In those cases, it can help to go in with a sentence starter or a few questions to kick off a conversation. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, below are some ideas to get you started:
- What brings you to this event/What are you hoping to get out of this event?
- Where do you call home?
- What do you do for work?
- I noticed [any observation—could be about where they work, their role, something they said in a previous conversation], and I’d love to learn/hear more about that.
- What is your dream career?
Above all, the key to starting quality conversations is showing up authentically and leading with curiosity. People generally love to talk about themselves and their work, so ask a question, and let the conversation roll from there!
Reaching Out Online
After meeting people in person or online, consider offering your LinkedIn account or other professional platforms that seem fitting and may even allude to other points of interest mentioned in the conversation. If you ever feel impressed or intrigued by a guest speaker, a lecturer, or just someone you’d like to stay in contact with, let them know! Follow up with them, research their organizations, and learn more about their experiences and the experiences they offer. When connecting on LinkedIn, adding a brief message when you’re requesting to connect with them is a polite gesture that can make you stand out. Even a two-liner such as “It was so great to chat with you about [topic] yesterday. I’d love to stay in touch to keep up with your work!” is impactful.
Try not to wait too long after an event to connect, and be specific about what was insightful about the experience. Impressions can fade fast, so move with intention. If you’re on a platform like LinkedIn, stay connected and alert! Interact with updates and promotions across all the connections you share, both old and new. That’s how you learn more and engage with people, brands, and businesses that pique your interest.
Exploring Career Interests
The great thing about being a young professional is the breadth of opportunities that are out there to pursue. While we all have our specific career goals, the workforce is filled with tons of positions and experiences that can leverage both your skills and interests. Oftentimes, connecting with people across majors and industries can help you discover the shared values among a variety of jobs, which can open your eyes to new options. This does not mean that networking will convince you to do a complete career shift (maybe it will), but rather that it can help you recognize different angles to reach your success.
Networking also allows you to see that success does not look the same for everyone, and how passions and interests can change and grow as you engage with the world around you. I joined ACE out of my interest in engaging and keeping information nonpartisan. From there, ACE has allowed me to gain insights into how I can leverage my skills and creativity into both my goal industries and ones I never considered.. Ultimately, exploring your interests and speaking with people in a variety of fields can advance your career, because you never know what connections might be useful ten years from today.
In Conclusion
For all current Interns and Fellows, my main advice is this: Do not hesitate to reach out and keep an open mind! You already have an extensive network by virtue of the fact you’re part of ACE, so use it! Don’t be afraid to connect with others—both fellow Interns and Senior Leaders—through professional channels. Opportunities will come naturally as you interact more with your surroundings, and you never know what path that might lead you to. The hardest part is getting out of your comfort zone to reach out, but from there on, the opportunities are endless.