Do you want to transform your summer internship into a lifelong career? Then you are in the right place! Learning how to network is one of the best ways to build connections that could help influence a full-time offer. Plus, you never know when you will run into someone again. Creating positive relationships now may allow you to secure a role 20 years down the road. Hear from Maggie C, Training & Development intern, on her internship tips at CONMED that allowed her to build a vast professional network.

Make a plan

Identify your goals and what you want to get out of your internship. You should never go into a meeting or networking opportunity empty handed. Always come prepared with questions or topics of conversation that will benefit you. Do you want to learn more about the medical device industry? Or do you already love the industry and want to learn about career paths? Do you want to look for a mentor? Or do you want to learn how to become a mentor to someone else? Whatever you have questions about, this internship is the perfect time to discover the answers!

Say YES!

At orientation, we were encouraged to have a "yes" mindset. This is so important! It means to simply say "yes" to any event, conference, or meal you are invited to. Even just saying "yes" to having lunch with a peer can lead to a lifelong connection.

Leverage LinkedIn

Prior to my internship, I logged into LinkedIn quite frequently, but rarely interacted with anyone on it. Now, I see the value in sending personalized messages, reposting content, and even creating content related to my internship. LinkedIn is more than just networking. It is about building your own personal brand!

Seek a mentor

Your supervisor is not just there to keep you on track. They are an amazing mentorship resource with leadership experience that you can learn from. If you haven’t already, set up 1-on-1 appointments with them and come prepared with questions that will help you learn more about CONMED and their career journey.

Take initiative

Don’t wait for people to reach out to you. Something I started doing week 1 was scouring the organizational chart for people in positions that sounded interesting. I met with 2-4 different employees every week just because I thought their job title sounded fascinating. I came prepared with questions about their career path, education, and hobbies, and walked away with invaluable advice and connections.

Follow up

Always send a follow-up email, thanking the person for their time. If you connected on something particular, you could even send them a relevant news article or podcast. It is important to not only make connections, but to foster them! Continue reaching out throughout the course of your internship and use them a resource for your projects.

Be genuine

CONMED truly believes in their workforce and the power of engaged talent. They encourage authenticity. People can tell when you are being insincere, and that is especially true at CONMED. Stay engaged, authentic, and honest, and you will go far!

Interested in learning more about CONMED’s internship program? Check out our internship page, here.