I am a recent graduate from the University of Florida, still looking for a job. I had a few internships [while in college]. How do you keep in touch with your boss and get a full-time position after your internship? – Aspiring media professionalThis reader asks a timely question since many college students are back to school and may have had summer jobs that could be converted into future opportunities.
The very first step in tapping previous jobs to land your next job is to actually have relationships from those previous jobs to tap. You’ll need to nurture these connections over time because the strongest relationships are long-term. On a practical level, keeping in touch on a regular cadence also ensures you stay front of mind.
Many professionals, especially recent graduates or students new to networking, aren’t necessarily going to remember to stay in touch on a regular basis. Block off your calendar now for networking time every four weeks . When that slot dedicated to networking pops up, you know to reach out to your former boss and other connections.Other connections should include your HR contact and colleagues at previous jobs, not just your immediate supervisor. Every professional should have a.
Colleagues are also must-have connections because there might be opportunities in other departments. People also leave for other companies and can become an entry point to a much wider network than just one job.For your boss or HR and other colleagues, your first reconnection should be afor the internship – for the experience, support and collaboration during your time there. Make your note specific to what that person did or said to make your work experience so impactful.
and/or posting a testimonial on your LinkedIn profile. Your immediate supervisor is the reference most other employers will ask for, but if it’s a company-wide internship program, the HR contact overseeing the program might also be a suitable reference. Or if you worked more closely with a colleague instead of the boss officially assigned to you, that person may be a better reference.