Most students wait until an internship opens before they start networking.
By then, they are usually competing with hundreds or thousands of applicants while asking complete strangers to refer them.
A better strategy is to build the relationship before you need anything.
The LinkedIn message template
Hi [Name], I'm a [year] studying [major] at [school], and I'm interested in pursuing opportunities in [field].
I came across your profile while researching [Company] and noticed that you [work on the ___ team / previously interned there / also attended ___].
I would love to hear more about your experience and the work you do. Would you be open to a quick 20-minute Google Meet sometime in the next few weeks?
Thank you!
[Your Name]
Who you should contact
Start by identifying companies where you would realistically want to intern.
Then search LinkedIn for:
- Alumni from your college
- Former interns at the company
- Employees in the department you want to join
- People who started their careers recently
- Employees with a similar academic or professional background
Recent graduates and former interns are often especially helpful because they still remember what the recruiting process was like.
You can send a connection request or use LinkedIn InMail. LinkedIn Premium trials and free InMail credits can help you reach people outside your network.
What to do when they respond
Ask to schedule a 20- to 30-minute Google Meet.
Do not ask for a referral during your initial message.
Your goal is to learn about the person, their work, and the company — not to immediately extract a favor.
Questions to ask during the call
Prepare five or six questions before the conversation. Good questions include:
- What does your typical day look like?
- How did you initially get into this field?
- What helped you stand out when you applied?
- What skills does your team value most?
- What do students usually misunderstand about working at the company?
- What would you recommend I work on before applying?
- Are there any projects, courses, or experiences that would make someone a stronger candidate?
Listen carefully and ask follow-up questions instead of rushing through a list.
Spend most of the conversation learning about them, but briefly explain your background, interests, and the type of opportunity you hope to pursue.
How to end the conversation
Close by saying:
"Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me. This was extremely helpful, especially what you said about [specific topic]. I'm going to use your advice as I continue preparing for internship applications."
Do not force a referral request into the conversation.
The thank-you message
Send this within 24 hours:
Hi [Name],
Thank you again for speaking with me today. I especially appreciated your advice about [specific detail from the conversation].
It gave me a much clearer understanding of [the company / the role / the industry], and I'm going to apply what you recommended as I prepare for recruiting.
I really appreciate your time.
Best,
[Your Name]
For someone who was exceptionally helpful, you may send a small coffee gift card as a genuine thank-you. It should never be framed as payment for a referral or used to pressure the person into helping you later.
A personalized thank-you message is usually enough.
Stay in contact
Do not disappear for six months and return only when you need something.
Send an occasional update when you:
- Complete a relevant project
- Earn a meaningful certification
- Attend an industry event
- Use advice they gave you
- See news related to their company or work
Example:
Hi [Name], I wanted to thank you again for recommending that I learn more about data visualization. I recently completed a project analyzing [topic], and your advice helped me decide how to structure it. I hope everything is going well at [Company].
Keep these updates brief. One meaningful message every few months is enough.
The referral request template
When a relevant internship opens, send:
Hi [Name],
I hope you've been doing well. I really enjoyed speaking with you earlier this year and appreciated your advice about [specific topic].
I recently saw that [Company] opened applications for its [Exact Internship Title], and I'm planning to apply. Since we last spoke, I have [briefly mention a relevant project, role, course, or accomplishment].
Based on what you know about my background, do you think I could be a strong fit for the position? If so, would you feel comfortable referring me?
I completely understand if you are not able to. I've included the job posting and my résumé below to make everything easy to review.
Job posting: [Link]
Résumé: [Link or attachment]
Thank you again,
[Your Name]
Why this message works
The message does four important things:
- It reminds them how they know you.
- It shows that you followed their advice.
- It gives them a clear reason to believe you are qualified.
- It gives them an easy way to decline without pressure.
A referral is someone attaching their professional reputation to your application. Make sure your materials are strong before asking.
What to send with your request
Include:
- The exact internship title
- The direct application link
- Your updated résumé
- A two- or three-sentence explanation of why you fit the position
- Any deadline they should know about
Do not make the employee search for the job or determine why you qualify.
What not to do
Avoid messages like:
"Hi, I saw that you work at Google. Can you refer me?"
Do not:
- Ask for a referral in the connection request
- Send the same generic message to dozens of employees
- Pretend to be interested in someone's work
- Pressure someone who does not respond
- Send a gift in exchange for a referral
- Ask someone to recommend you for a role you do not qualify for
- Follow up more than once or twice without a response
The complete timeline
Three to six months before applications open
Identify target companies and begin contacting employees.
Two to four months before applications open
Hold informational interviews, improve your résumé, and complete relevant projects.
Before the internship opens
Stay in contact and apply the advice you received.
When the internship opens
Follow up, request the referral, and provide every document they need.
After they refer you
Thank them immediately and keep them updated on the outcome.
Final rule
Do not network only when you need something.
The students who receive the strongest referrals usually start building relationships months before the application opens. By the time they ask, they are no longer requesting a favor from a stranger. They are asking someone who understands their goals, has seen their effort, and can credibly recommend them.