![John's headshot](http://tbcdn.talentbrew.com/company/375/cms/img/headshots/johnyheadshot2.jpg)
The Intern Card: John's Advice for Networking as an Intern
John Youssef | Undergraduate Intern | Texas, United States
Originally Published: July 22, 2024
John Youssef has one goal for his summer internship: leave with no regrets.
That means performing well in his role on the Client Solutions Group Client Specialty Hardware team within Inside Sales, and networking both in and out of sales to grow his knowledge of the business and learn of areas he might want to pursue after graduation.
A mechanical engineering turned business analytics major at the University of Texas at Dallas, John values both technical and social business skill. “I like having my options open,” John says. “I think I can be great at whatever I put my mind to.”
John is interested in eventually taking on a leadership role in the future. “I'm really big on good hospitality and seeing people grow, so I would like to be put in a managerial position where I can mentor people and just be there support system,” he says.
John shares how he's harnessing the power of networking to make the most of his internship experience.
![John's headshot](http://tbcdn.talentbrew.com/company/375/cms/img/headshots/johnyheadshot2.jpg)
The intern card is real when I'm reaching out to people, especially leaders. They’re all just happy to have us here. Anyone is willing to talk with you for at least 30 minutes and give you really meaningful advice. They’re invested in me doing well here.
John Y.
![John at an Austin FC soccer game with a group of interns.](http://tbcdn.talentbrew.com/company/375/cms/img/photos/johny4.jpg)
Network Before:
To reach these dreams, John started where we all did: applying for jobs. He applied for what felt link hundreds before landing his current internship role. He started building his Dell network during the application process.
After learning about internship opportunities from two of his cross country teammates who loved their experiences in finance and software engineering last summer, John was encouraged to apply. He did his research, too. He located current team members on LinkedIn to ask about their roles and what they enjoy about their jobs so he could approach interviews prepared.
Network During:
John’s networking didn’t stop there. Now that he works out of the Round Rock office, John takes every opportunity to meet new people and learn about their roles.
“The intern card is real when I'm reaching out to people, especially leaders,” John says. “I want to know what different people do so that if by chance I'm not interested in pursuing like the role I'm in right now full time, I know what other people do.”
John is only halfway through his internship experience, but he already knows his favorite part is the people. “They’re all just happy to have us here,” he says. “Anyone is willing to talk with you for at least 30 minutes and give you really meaningful advice. They’re invested in me doing well here.”
Network After:
For John, networking won’t conclude with his internship at the end of the summer. His openminded attitude means he’s interested in a number of different development programs at Dell. Keeping in touch with the connections he’s making this summer might may help him line up a position after he graduates from college. “Maybe if they have a job opening, they'll remember me and reach out if I could be a good fit,” John says.
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