CJ Cregg’s Introductory Guide to Networking

After hearing from a multitude of mentors, study tour hosts, and Ohio State alumni, a reoccurring piece of advice that had been hammered into our #new2DC brains is the power of networking. Aside from moving out of Ohio and learning how to be grown for the first time, this summer has also been a crash course in how meeting people and networking in DC, I have composed a reflective list of what I’ve learned (with the help of the West Wing’s notorious Press Secretary, CJ Cregg).

1. The first place to start is in your inbox. Send those email invitations, peruse LinkedIn connections, investigate what your interests are and see if you can find a connection to a professional who works in that field.
   
2. Reach out to people you may not know, but have a connection to. My supervisor at my internship brought it to my attention that a colleague at the Archives graduated from my high school about two decades ago. I sent her an email and we’ve been eating our lunches together in the Portrait Gallery Atrium regularly since. She has become an important mentor for me and making those connections within the workplace goes far beyond “I need a job”-style networking.
   
3. Reaching out to supposed strangers may feel uncomfortable at first, but the majority of people want to help you and answer your questions (and are, at least, very willing to talk about themselves and their own experiences).
   
4. Utilize connections from your past that may seem random or forgotten. Your high school or Ohio State alumni, people from your hometown or even Ohio more generally, those who family or friends may be able to link you to are all valuable resources. Coming to Washington as a rising junior who doesn’t know what they want their “end game career” to be, talking to people from a variety of sectors has been revolutionary to my experience thus far.
   
5. At one of the first policy salons we attended, the young alumni panel, a piece of impactful advice was offered. The worst thing someone can tell you is “No.”
   
   
   
6. Being inquisitive and asking questions will get you far in your learning experience of a summer that is DC. From informational interviews to colleagues in your office to people you share an Uber pool with, asking questions will teach you things you didn’t even know you were asking about.
   
   
7. Practice professionalism and good judgment wherever you go. Whether that means carrying a blazer while working on the Hill to always sending a Thank You email after someone agrees to have coffee with you. Going that extra mile sets you apart, makes you memorable and maintains your and Ohio State’s reputation.
   
8. Finally, if you ever feel in too deep, take a breath, a step back, and tackle your inbox one reply at a time. Something that sets WAIP apart from a more general internship in DC is the built in support system it provides. You're surrounded by other students who also have to write a capstone paper and backed up by faculty who put in every support so you can succeed. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
   
9. AND last but certainly not least, some more general advice and Katy's Golden Rule... staying hydrated never hurts.

Best of luck... What’s Next?

Phoebe Potiker