How to internally network?

I'm currently interning at a big 4 in a non - consulting department, and i'm wondering how do i network with consulting department without giving off the idea that i don't like my current position. What is the proper way of internally networking?

 

Hi confusedkid, the silence is deafening, sorry about that.... Any of the threads below helpful?

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Just don't tell people on your team.. ? I don't think people really care, unless they think they're giving you the opportunity of a lifetime. In fact, a lot of times, they're happy to retain people within the company, especially if it's a good fit for what you want to do.

But people won't want to hear you talk about how you can't wait to put your current role behind you. As long as you don't do that, and keep your networking quiet, you should be fine. Just be respectful and hopefully you have a good relationship with your manager because you'll need it.

Also, let them know you're just exploring other departments at the company, because you love working there and want to learn more, blah blah blah.

 

Honestly, transferring between departments in the same firm is hard af. Your boss WILL do everything they can to prevent it (discouraging it to their superiors, telling you you're not ready/ you need more years of experience in your current role)

You're way better off looking externally

 

1) find alumni from your school 2) affinity groups (minority, common interests, etc) that might have consulting members 3) assuming your counselor isn’t closely involved with your team or any members, ask for feedback and he/she might suggest people you can speak to

 

It's definitely something to be careful about, I too have an opportunity at a Big 4 and they made it explicitly clear that the area I am working in is where I have to end up for a full time offer (I interviewed for valuations but they did not have a business need so offered audit, I told them valuation is where I would like to end up full time which they did not take well). After you start full time is a different story but they essentially told me if I try to move/network with another department I would not receive a full time offer.

 
Most Helpful

The proper way is to treat networking as what it is - building relationships with people. Attend functions after work you know folks will be at, send some emails asking to grab coffee or whatever to introduce yourself, etc. Find someone working on a project or whatever you find interesting and ask them about it. If you have issues socializing with folks, or just aren't great with people, then I would gauge your boss or superiors and ask them to introduce you - or even say "hey, i'm enjoying my experience and really love the culture of the firm, how can i get some exposure to the consulting folks over in XX " Otherwise, just do it.

You are an intern - your 'job' is to both interview for the full time position of whatever you are doing and figure out what you do, and don't, like. Most importantly you should prioritize what you want out of the experience and do it. It's not easy, it can be harrowing, but you'll be fine. Do your work, make a great impression where you are and that in many ways will take care of itself.

 

Internal networking is a part of everyone's career, not just those who want to switch departments. If you approach it in a learning fashion, you'll be fine. Find people in the consulting department and ask for time on their calendar to learn more about their job function(s) and how your job family ties in. You can include your management team and ask for their assistance in making introductions. Rules for this:
1. Don't shit talk your department to others in the same company

  1. Try to obtain a holistic view of how your firm operates and what each department does

  2. Don't ask for a job from the first person you meet. It's something to ease into and that will come naturally over time.

 

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