Mainting Links: Maintaining and fostering relationships in various realms.
In the realm of academic research, the opportunities to learn and grow extend far beyond the classroom. Stanley Stoutamire Jr., Social Sciences Correspondent, discusses the importance of maintaining connections with research teams after an internship or program.
One of the key practices is to establish and nurture genuine relationships during the internship. By reaching out to managers, teammates, mentors, and fellow interns, through platforms like LinkedIn or email, you can keep the relationships alive even after the internship period has ended. Simple messages checking in, sharing updates on career progress, or expressing continued interest in the team’s work can make a significant difference[1][5].
Another important aspect is to actively build and expand your network during the internship. Engaging with colleagues beyond your immediate team by joining cross-team projects, attending company-wide events, and seeking mentorship can prove valuable when pursuing future opportunities[1].
Demonstrating continued interest and value is also crucial. Expressing enthusiasm for the work and offering to help with projects or initiatives remotely if possible, or volunteering for tasks and sharing insights that could benefit the team, shows that you remain invested in their success[1].
Seeking feedback and offering updates is another best practice. Asking for feedback on your internship performance before it ends, and periodically updating your contacts on your professional development and relevant accomplishments, helps keep you on their radar for potential roles[1].
Communicating professionally and thoughtfully is essential. When reaching out, be concise, polite, and clear about your intentions, whether it’s seeking career advice, asking about upcoming openings, or proposing collaboration. Tailoring your messages to the individual and the context can reinforce a genuine connection[1][5].
Maintaining a record and planning for follow-ups is also important. Keeping track of your contacts and interactions allows for meaningful follow-ups without overwhelming them. Scheduling periodic check-ins or sharing relevant articles or project updates can sustain engagement[5].
It's important to note that not all programs may have the same level of flexibility, with some having more defined hard-stop points for undergraduates where there isn't necessarily a great deal to follow up with. In such cases, clarity in communication is essential, especially about one's bandwidth post-internship to establish reasonable expectations with the research team.
In conclusion, the key is to build genuine relationships during your internship and nurture them thoughtfully over time to open doors for future research or employment opportunities[1][5]. Examples given include the Hidden iGem at Princeton, a specific research project, and Research-based Courses at Princeton. However, the article does not discuss the importance of staying updated on research or the need for clarity in communication.
In the ongoing process of education-and-self-development, actively engaging in online-education resources and continuous learning is crucial for maintaining professional growth. By maintaining these connections and fostering genuine relationships, such as reaching out to former internship colleagues or seeking mentorship, you demonstrate enthusiasm and drive for personal self-development and long-term innovation.
