Moving to Washington, D.C., can feel overwhelming at first, especially when everyone talks about how important networking is. One of the biggest things I have learned during my time here is that building connections does not have to be intimidating. The people you meet can become mentors, friends, and future colleagues, and sometimes all it takes is starting one conversation. Here are the tips I’ve learned throughout my time in D.C.:
- Always keep your business cards on you! This is truly a city of connections, and everyone has gotten to where they are through connections! Do not be afraid to attend networking events and pass out your business cards. Once you give your business cards and they give you theirs, be sure to follow up, which leads me to….
- Always follow up! Once you make a connection and get a business card, be sure to follow up! Just sending a quick follow-up email will form a connection. Although it feels a little awkward at first, starting the conversation is so important! Offering to buy someone coffee can start a lifelong friendship.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions! This is a town of interns and former interns! Almost every single person in this town has been in your position, so they welcome questions. Every person I have met in Washington, D.C. has been so open to every question I have asked. They are more than willing to sit down for a coffee and have a chat.
- Attend every networking event you can! When I moved to Washington, D.C., I found “forced” networking events awkward. Here in D.C., the networking events are not awkward. Everyone here attends networking events so often that they are so good at them that they do not feel forced.
At the end of the day, networking in Washington, D.C. is really just about building genuine relationships. The more willing you are to put yourself out there, ask questions, and stay connected, the more opportunities you will find. Every conversation has the potential to lead somewhere meaningful, so take advantage of every chance to connect.
Mackenzie Chapman
Texas A&M University System Federal Relations Office
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023