Networking. It is often said to be the key thing to do in the creative industries to progress in your career, and that still holds true. Often, it is still very helpful if you know someone from within the organisation when you are applying for jobs somewhere – even if it is just for advice – and having others know you can bring career opportunities and benefits, too.
However, even on a more basic level, networking and connecting with people during your internship means you will not feel alone and have people to share your experience with during what will be a challenging – but very exciting – time.
We know the term can be daunting (especially if you’re an introvert – nothing wrong with that!), but there are ways to include it in your routine.
Connect with your PressPad host
One easy way to network is to build a relationship with your PressPad host during your stay with us. You don’t need to talk every day, but we do recommend that both of you agree on set times to meet during your internship. When you do, do use this time wisely. Ask questions, listen to their answers, and keep up a professional and friendly relationship. Your host will be someone with their own experiences in the media industry and will be able to give you insight (and maybe even ways to expand your network further!).
Get to know your colleagues
Try to make yourself known to your colleagues while you’re interning. Not just for the benefits of expanding your professional network, but because you’ll feel so much more like you are part of something when you get to know a team.
Don’t just focus on people senior to you. Connecting with your peers – other interns or others newer to the newsroom – can mean that you have people with shared experiences to talk to during your internship. You also never know where you or the others end up; a fellow intern may be an editor looking to hire one day.
Get involved in any non-work-related office activities
Find out how people work but also socialise with each other, and what habits/ norms exist in the newsroom. Maybe there is a communal coffee club you can get involved in, or evening catch ups after work once a week. Speak to people and find out and see if you can get involved to socialise in these more casual ways and environments.
Seek out other networking events in your city
There are often a variety of events allowing people to connect running from within UK cities (especially in cities!). Check out whether your newsroom is involved in organising any of them, or what organisations such as Women in Journalism, or the NUJ do. Eventbrite can be a great way to find out about talks and other events near you, too.
Check out online events and pages
As we’ve all learned, connections can be formed online, too. Online events are run by the likes of Freelancing for Journalists, or JournoResources regularly, and again Eventbrite is a great place to check for any other events.
Facebook groups are another easy way for you to connect with journalists across the country, too. Make sure you have joined our Facebook group for interns here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/505682050924954
Ask PRs, other journalists, and media professionals for their time:
When you meet other media professionals at events, online or in-person, it is good to connect with them to stay in touch after, too. Add them to your network – on Twitter or LinkedIn, for example. A good way to connect is to send a message. However, that message should still be professional, and always have a purpose. Something like:
“Hello, it was great to meet you at the XYZ event. I will be interning at ABCD until next month, and I’d love to stay in touch.”
If you feel comfortable, ask them for their time. It does not have to be hours on end. Even a coffee during someone’s lunch break or a quick call, can be a helpful way to gain someone else’s perspective or introduce yourself to a potential contact for your reporter’s notebook.
Stay in touch:
Like all relationships, those you make while networking during your internship will need cultivated. Make sure you find a way to stay in touch with those that you met. Even if it is just the occasional social media message. You do not need to speak every day, but do not let communication dry out entirely!
For instance, share a story you liked that made you think of a conversation you had together, or congratulate them on achievements/stories they worked on you particularly liked.
Credit: Product School on Unsplash
