Future interns, it is never too early to begin networking! Networking can open doors and reveal opportunities you would’ve never thought of. Since students are responsible for finding their own internships (and then getting them approved by Nancy Heiz before starting), networking is important so you can scout for the internship that best suits you. Don’t worry, networking is still possible in a virtual world!
How to Network Virtually
Virtual job fairs: One of the easiest ways to find internships and jobs that are looking to hire are at job/internship fairs, like the virtual one hosted by the Career Resource Center on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For this job/internship fair, you need to register ahead. You can register here.
LinkedIn: Make a LinkedIn profile and connect with people you know. You can add employers and co-workers, friends, professors, etc. to grow your network of people. This is one of the best ways to connect with people in a professional setting.
@NPCareers Instagram: The Career Resource Center does weekly live videos on their Instagram. If you don’t know where to start networking, or what questions you should ask connections, watch their videos for helpful tips. All their past live videos are saved to their account, so you can go back and watch any of those.
We asked Nicole St. Onge, the liberal arts & sciences senior career specialist at the Career Resource Center, for her tips on networking in a virtual environment.
“In general, our website has a lot of different resources, including one on networking. One tip that I often recommend to students is making connections through informational interviews. Once a person has reached out to someone they’d like to have an informational interview with, they can start brainstorming some questions about the person’s field, their role and job duties, and the experiences that led them to where they are today. These interviews don’t have to only be with those in your major or field—it can be great to expand your network into other fields.
Finally, it’s often helpful to take the first step by talking to people you know! Your New Paltz network already includes professors, advisors, and peers; they can often be great connections or connect you with their own networks. If students have more specific questions about their own networking processes, the CRC is offering virtual appointments; we have a specialist for all of the schools within the College.”