When teens sign up for summer programs, they’re usually most excited about getting the chance to live on a college campus, try new activities, take trips related to their career interests, or make new friends outside their hometown. And who can blame them? But there’s another benefit that students shouldn’t overlook: the power of networking. By using summer programs to cultivate a strong network early on, high school students can open doors to various opportunities, from internships and scholarships to college admissions and career guidance.
Start learning how to network early
Networking doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and the only way to improve is with practice. Getting started as a teenager means having more opportunities to get comfortable introducing yourself, articulating what you’re passionate about, and figuring out what kinds of questions to ask others to make great conversation. Networking is about making connections, but it’s also about learning. Summer programs provide a great opportunity to practice advocating for yourself in different environments, both in and out of the classroom, so you know how to get what you need out of future networking conversations and opportunities.
Industry experts
Summer programs put students in the same room as leading experts across a wide range of industries. These are rare opportunities, and you can make the most of them by asking the questions you most want answers to. Whether you’re trying to figure out if a career in their field is right for you, what you should know and expect, or what steps to take now for future success, these experts are invaluable resources.
Renowned professors
Summer programs introduce students to life on college campuses, which are brimming with people doing important and fascinating work within the university and beyond. Professors can help you better understand yourself and your interests, why certain topics resonate with you more, and what to do next in pursuit of those interests. Summer programs provide unique opportunities to learn how to speak with and build relationships with professors. Such relationships can be pivotal for graduate school or job applications, but they can also enrich your college experience and your life outside of the classroom.
Fellow future leaders
When you participate in a summer program, you do so alongside other students who are just like you: smart, driven, passionate and determined to make the most of the opportunities afforded to them. All the hopes you have for yourself, they also have for their own lives – and you can be allies to one another on the path towards future success. Keep this in mind, be open to meeting new people, and enjoy the process of embarking on your lifelong professional journey amongst friends and collaborators.