
While it’s helpful to build relationships and connect with people any time of year, January is an excellent opportunity to expand your network since you are on break! First, it’s important to keep in mind your goal(s) for this activity. You can tap into your network to learn more about your career interests as well as get advice and resources as you consider next steps in your career journey, position yourself for future internship and job opportunities.
Making connections can be as simple as having conversations with people you’re surrounded with as you intern, research, study abroad, or engage in other activities this upcoming summer. You’ll naturally introduce yourself to fellow students, colleagues, or individuals in your community and you have an opportunity to learn from them. Check out the tips below for helpful information, including best practices for having informational conversations now or in the future. Remember that others can also benefit from connecting with you!
January is Flash Mentoring Month!
Over 3,500 Harvard alumni representing a variety of fields and professions have signed up on the MCS Firsthand Advisors platform to connect with you. January is a great time to get advice on different career pathways, strengthen your informational interviewing skills, and expand your network.
What is MCS Firsthand Advisors?
MCS Firsthand Advisors is a platform that connects you with Harvard alumni from around the world for a:
- Career conversation,
- Resume review, or
- Mock interview.
What to do:
- Search alumni profiles and sign up for informal conversations with alumni that interest you.
How to do it:
- Go to the MCS Firsthand Advisors platform, click the “Get Advice” button, and set up a password. Then use the platform to search, message, and schedule a meeting time with an alum.
What to say:
Check out the MCS Expand Your Network webpage to prepare and to get the most out of your “Flash Mentoring” discussion. Questions might include:
- What was your first job after you left Harvard?
- How did you spend your summers while you were a student?
- What skills did you learn at Harvard that have helped you throughout your career?
- What are your favorite parts of your job? What do you find most challenging?
- Based on my skills, education, and experience, what other career paths do you suggest I explore?
- Who else would you recommend I speak with?
Explore options, get connected, and jumpstart your career during Flash Mentoring Month!
Tips & Resources for Making Connections
- Check out the MCS Leveraging Your Harvard Network to Make Connections webinar to learn how to best build relationships and connect with people who can help you with your career interests.
- Read Interstride’s Creating Opportunities Through Professional Networking blog for helpful information.
- Check out MCS’s Expand Your Network Page
- LinkedIn and the Harvard Alumni Directory are terrific resources for connecting with alumni. Refer to the MCS tips for help to connect and get advice for a future internship, job search, or career plans.
Final Thoughts
Be intentional about exploring your interests. Gather information and get helpful resources to inform future work, internships to consider, or courses you might take. Remember to have fun with the process as you build your network.