Networking 101:

Sometimes my friends get really stressed out when I ask them about networking. But this shouldn't be the case! Usually they assume that their network is spread thin, they haven't had the right job opportunities to have great referrals, etc. The reality is that they have been networking since they first stepped outside of their house. Beginning to build a network is usually just as simple as talking to the people you know and telling them that you're looking for a summer internship.

If you are a freshman looking for an internship, I suggest doing the following:

1. Talk to your parents and extended family and ask them if they know anyone who works in your area of study.
2. Ask your close friends from high school and grade school if their parents know anyone who works in your industry.
3. Talk to your professors.
4. Talk to your advisor, faculty fellow, or other faculty members you have met.
5. Talk to your friends at WU about your interest in finding a summer internship.
6. Go to the Career Fairs and introduce yourself to employers. Ask for their business cards. Even if you are not eligable for an internship at their firms this year, at least you've already made a significant contact at a firm you're interested in.

If you have run through all of these steps, you will already have a significant list of people to go to for help finding an internship or job down the road.

The bottom line is in order to find a job, tell other people that you are looking for one. show them your passion for what you do, and they might even be willing to help you out.