Calling All Young Professionals! Hellooo! Happy, Healthy 2024 to you and yours!

Feb 07, 2024

It’s been a while since I Blogged. Life has been tough on the personal front, but we are here to serve you in an even bigger and better way this year!

After losing my beloved mom in December, I needed to step back and look at the big picture. She always told me, “Do what you’re here to do!” and HERE I AM back doing what I love– empowering young people to live their best lives and get the skills and support to succeed!

As my mom taught me, it’s all about relationships. It even says so in the clouds…

Said another way, human connection is everything– so much so that it is this month’s theme here at Visions Internships both for the purpose-driven young professionals and social impact organizations we serve.

For many of today’s young professionals, especially since COVID, the idea of connecting with people they do not know can feel overwhelming, even scary. So let’s focus on one of the scariest skills for many young people– NETWORKING!

I know, I know, EYE-ROLL! You’re probably like… “UGHH, What is the point of networking!?” “Who do I talk to?” “What do I say?”

Here are 5 tips to network with more ease:

1. Practice self-care - Position yourself for success by getting a good night’s sleep, eating healthy foods, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and having some fun!

2. Make 2 lists - Jot down 5-10 cool positions and another 5-10 ideal employers you’d like to look into. This will shift your thinking from “I have to network” to “I get to network!”

3. Create/update your LinkedIn profile with your audience in mind - Focus on the value you bring to the marketplace. When you meet new people, online or in-person, have a mindset of Giving vs. Getting, and you will be rewarded ten-fold!

4. Ask great questions - Many people avoid networking because they think they need the perfect ‘elevator pitch’ (not true!) – keep it simple by setting up casual informational interviews and job shadowing so you can ask great questions, listen, and learn!

5. Follow-up - As I love to say, the real secret to success if F.U.– Follow-Up! After you meet someone, be proactive and drop them a friendly Thank You note (NOT a request to hire you) within 48 business hours. This one act will, undoubtedly, set you apart.

Keep an eye on what’s coming up for Young Professionals this month at Visions Internships:

1. Wednesday, February 14th 2-3pm Pre-Internship Training (PIT) Info Session

This interactive info session will introduce you to PIT– a 4-week early-career virtual bootcamp offered in April and October. PIT is especially designed for purpose-driven young people seeking the skills and support to succeed. Email [email protected] to sign-up and please put “PIT Info Session” in the Subject line.

2. Wednesday, February 21st 12-1pm Get Support Before U Submit (GS-BUS)

This group coaching session is the perfect (and free!) ‘first-come first-serve’ opportunity to get professional feedback on your resume, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile to build your confidence and improve your job search experience. Email [email protected] to sign-up and please put “GS-BUS” in the Subject line.

3. Book a Career-Check-Up (offered Friday afternoons 2-4pm)

In this free 25-minute 1:1 session we will discuss where you are and where you want to be professionally, as well as identify your top challenges and next steps, including possibly working more closely with Visions Internships. Email [email protected] and please put “Career Check-Up” in the Subject line.

Now I have a question for you: How can YOU connect with the people and causes that mean the most to you this month?

To Your Success!
Amy.