Professional Networking is an art we all keep learning all our lives. There’s no one fixed mantra that works for all. This becomes even more critical for youth who are just starting out on their professional journeys.
Sriya (19) has finally landed her internship in a UI/UX design firm. But a few weeks ago the only thing on her mind was ‘how to get people to respond and take notice of me’. What followed was trying different ways to network, creating her own unique style for presentation and many unique, sometimes quirky ways to follow up.
In the entire process, Sriya realised a ‘follow up’ is much more than just a reminder. She realised its importance when to comes to professional networking. She understood that not getting a response implies she was not able to make them take a notice of her. This was a solid feedback to alter her way of connecting the next time. Last 3 weeks have been intensely grilling for Sriya, she shares her 5 key approaches to land an internship from scratch.
Sriya’s top 5 professional networking tips
1. Emailing agencies from a google search
I mailed 15 design agencies, despite having doubts whether these big agencies would accept my application, a person with basic knowledge. 5 companies replied and all of them declined. One of those five sent me a questionnaire to respond. While filling the questionnaire, I felt that I am not a fun, crazy, dramatic, poetic person. But then I realised I am an unique individual in my own right and answered everything authentically.
Though I was consoling myself that it is ok if I get an offer or not, the moment I was told I am not qualified I felt sad and I took a break from whatever I was doing. I asked the company to let me know the reason so that I can improve myself.
I also called the other companies who hadn’t responded at all.
An effective google search can be a powerful start to professional networking
My learnings:
- All those agencies only worked on websites and apps which made me curious about what’s more there other than those two in UI/UX design.
- After reading through their projects, and the portfolio I understood that I am more interested in UX design than UI design (I knew it before only but now it is strong).
- Looking at their websites I got to know different ways in which I can present my projects in my portfolio and the details that I missed to document about my projects.
2. Walk in interview
I was in Bangalore for a day for my sister’s interview. In the street I saw an Insnap company hoarding which said “walk in interview” and mentioned the words UI/UX designer. I immediately connected with them for an interview.
Always keep your CV handy for impromptu situations. Be prepared for professional networking at all times.
3. LinkedIn messages with specific details
This time I am only asking related to the UX internship as I am very much interested in learning about it.
Before this decision to ask for an internship related to UX, I had a discussion with my dad and guides; each of them had different views. Finally, I thought let’s try this way also, and went ahead with this.
Don’t limit to one approach. There’s no harm in trying many, different ways.
4. Customise your communication
I looked up websites of UI/UX design agencies from a Google Search. I applied for 3 internships, this time changing the email slightly by highlighting certain using bold. The highlights were –
- provide an overall summary at one glance
- share details only about myself
One size doesn’t fit all. Customisation is key in all your communication.
5. Personal Contacts are your first bet
I shared my CV, portfolio with everyone in my known circle. I got a few contacts and also landed an interview with a UI/UX start up. I went through 3 rounds of internship with the tech, marketing and HR heads.
Don’t underestimate the power of your personal contacts. Reach out to everyone.
The firm liked my portfolio and had also seen few of my YouTube videos. They are team of 5 in UI/UX. He said that I can get involved from the start of brand kit (UI) – product management – UX and design of screens – developing – marketing. Initially I get exposure from all these and later specifically get involved in UI/UX. I can also participate in the discussions. They have also started using Figma recently it seems and asked am I familiar with it or not. I said I know basics.
I had exactly wanted overall exposure and I am glad I finally nailed my dream internship 🙂 The journey to finding an internship has been eventually enriching and I look forward to this exposure with the industry.