Welcome back, everyone! Today, we’re here to help provide tips that you can use to connect to your coworkers or to peers participating in your internship program. Even in a hybrid world, it may feel challenging at times to build meaningful connections. However, by following the steps below, we’re sure that you can build meaningful relationships in no time!

Let’s Connect…

Reaching Out:

The first step, which we are sure you could guess, is becoming vulnerable and reaching out to others! Whether this means tracking down a cell number, emailing another coworker, chatting with peers from an online platform like Microsoft teams, whatever form you can connect… use it! Odds are, if you’re struggling to connect with others, so are they, and we know that tackling an internship or other work-life challenges with buddies is better than navigating alone. So, remind yourself that even though you might feel a bit nervous or uncomfortable, the benefit of putting yourself out there will far outweigh that “cost.” When reaching out, make sure to portray an excited tone, openness to studying or otherwise connecting over course material, and a bit of an introduction about yourself to pass the stranger barrier (name, hometown, year, major, etc.)!

Discussion Participation:

Another great way to seamlessly connect with others without the formality of an email or letter is through online discussion platforms. This may look like a zoom breakout room, organized Teams meeting, or even an after-work activity like a happy hour. Whatever it is, remember to participate and contribute to the conversation – ask questions and be an active listener. Not only does doing so ease others and increase their engagement, but it is the first step to meeting students and building friendships. We encourage you to also be mindful of balance! If the same intern or peer is orchestrating almost all meetings and get-togethers, make sure to contribute and make your presence known! Matching others’ energy and effort is an amazing strategy for creating mutually valued relationships.

Utilize Employee Resource Groups/Orgs.:

Almost all companies have developed meaningful employee resource groups specifically for your own benefit and means of connecting! Reach out to your fellow peers and encourage involvement at a program level. As you already share a piece of identity through involvement, creating these connections will prove easier than any other. In today’s age, most orgs. even have online profiles on groups like Facebook or Yammer, so we encourage you to start a master post and make some connections today.

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