Making Connections & Employer Research

Summer is a great time to explore industries and employers you’re curious about — whether that means reaching out to fellow students, recent alumni, or professionals working in fields that interest you. Making these connections is often the most effective way to explore pathways, navigate the application and interview process, and position yourself for future internship and job opportunities. Candidates who stand out tend to show genuine knowledge of the organization, its work, and the broader field.

Get a head start by utilizing some of the resources below.

Tips for Making Connections 

• Review the MCS Guide to Making Connections to think about how you might reach out and structure conversations with professionals and alumni.  
• Use the MCS Firsthand Alumni Advisor Platform to speak with an alum for a career chat, resume review, or mock interview. Simply click “get advice,” enter a brief message, and select your availability. 
• See MCS tips for LinkedIn and Harvard’s Alumni Directory for help connecting online with alumni who want to help you with a future internship, job search, or career plans. 
• Check the Employer Events Calendar regularly for information about employer webinars and networking receptions this summer. 

Career Field and Employer Research

• MCS Resources and Tips by Field: Discover Career Pathways on the MCS website. 
• Firsthand Vault Guides (free through MCS): Access industry guides, “a day in the life” profiles, and more. 
• Search Engine Alerts: Set up Google Alerts and/or other notifications to email you when a particular organization or topic is mentioned online. 
• LinkedIn: Join groups in relevant industries and sectors, browse discussion boards, follow company pages. 
• Industry Publications: Read relevant news about organizations and sectors that interest you in publications like The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Bloomberg, and MIT Technology Review. 
• Employer Websites: Keep tabs on organizations you are interested in by periodically checking their websites, especially the career section, and joining their mailing lists (if it is an option). Consider using Generative AI to assist with your research.

Stay tuned for more tips and resources to come. 

For updates as well as tips to prepare for the recruiting process, be sure to update your Email Preferences. Under “Build Career Skills”, select “Engage with Employers” to join the Recruiting and Employer email list.