Networking Your Way to an Internship

The first year of an MBA program can be exciting for a number of reasons. There is so much happening with respect to academics, club activities and professional development. Before you realize it you are almost at the end of your first semester and it is time for your internship search. This can sometimes overwhelm students. However, attending Whitman networking sessions and guest lectures, especially during the first semester, can improve your chances of landing an internship.

Networking events help you connect with different working professionals by putting you at the right place at the right time.

Professionals who participate in these events often:

• Give you honest feedback and advice
• Open you up to other career options
• Get you in touch with other professionals in your chosen field

Most importantly, the connections you meet at Whitman networking events might give you an internship directly or even a full-time job.

I had the opportunity to connect with an alumnus through a course guest lecture. We spoke about internship availabilities. I got to know him well through our one-on-one time. Later, I was called for an internship interview with the company he represented, VWR International, a global laboratory supplier and distributor. My connection with the alumnus also helped a great deal when I was hired for the internship.

During the internship, he mentored me and made me feel at ease. I could make the most of my internship experience because of his constant feedback. He also gave me valuable career advice and could relate to my struggles because of his own experiences as a student. I made many new connections in the company thanks to him. However, none of this would have happened if I wasn’t at the right place at the right time. None of this would have happened if I had not attended a Whitman networking event.

For a list of upcoming events at the Whitman School visit.