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How do I get refferals for Co-Ops and Internships I'm applying for?
What’s the best way for students to get referrals for co‑ops or internships? I’m trying to understand how the process usually works and what steps actually make a difference. I've already completed one Co-Op as a financial analyst at TJX, but did that without referrals or networking. Any advice from people who’ve been on either side of the referral process would be really helpful.
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Lauren’s Answer
Open for others to weigh in, but I suggest starting with LinkedIn if you haven't already. Connect with family friends and people you know from school. Look up the company you’re interested in and check if you have any connections there, even if they are second-degree. Reach out to them and see if they can introduce you or recommend you. While I haven't been referred myself, I have referred someone to my company. In that case, their strong resume played a big role. Focus on improving and customizing your resume for the specific job you want. Even with a referral, your resume and interview will need to shine on their own. Keep going, you're on the right track!
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Open for others to weigh in, but I'd say use linked in as your best friend! Add all of your family friends and school connections. Then search the company you're interested in and if you see that you have any connections to someone who works there, maybe even a 2nd connection, reach out to them to see if they'd be willing to introduce you or put in a good word. I have never been referred but I have referred one other to my company - in my case i don't think my referral was weighted heavily as they had a strong resume. I would spend more time refining/tailoring your resume for a specific job versus trying to find referrals as even if you get referred your resume and interview would need to stand on its own.