How do I stay connected with my site after it ends?

The people at your practicum site are often your first professional network. They can alert you to openings, introduce you to others, and vouch for your work years later. Those relationships fade quickly unless you keep them warm.

Set yourself a light rhythm

You don't need constant contact. A short message every three to six months is enough to stay on someone's radar. Put reminders on your calendar so it doesn't depend on memory.

Reasons to reach out

The best check-ins give something or share good news:

• An update on a new job, graduation, or a project that used skills you built at the site
• An article, report, or event related to their work
• Congratulations when their program gets funding or their report is released
• A note about how the project you worked on is being used, if you hear about it

Keep messages brief and don't expect a long reply.

Offer to help

Once you're further along, you can give back. Offer to talk with the next practicum student, share a resource, or help with an event. Relationships last longer when they aren't one-directional.

Stay visible in other ways

Connect on LinkedIn and engage now and then with their posts. Attend local public health association meetings or conferences where you might see them. If you move into a related role, you may end up working with the same organization as a partner.

When you need something

Because you stayed in touch, asking for a reference, an introduction, or advice won't feel abrupt. Be specific about what you need and make it easy to say no. The article on networking anxiety during your practicum has more on building a few genuine relationships instead of many shallow ones.

Start with a sincere thank-you note at the end of your practicum, which sets up every contact that follows.