As the summer weeks drift by, your professional network might be the last thing on your mind. You had great conversations with professors last spring, or maybe you built a strong relationship with a boss at a previous internship, but now there is silence. It is easy to let these connections fade, but a sudden message in September asking for a job recommendation can feel too transactional — and recruiters and mentors can spot that from a mile away.

The solution? A summer check-in, which is a low-pressure, thoughtful update that keeps you top-of-mind and transforms a one-time contact into a lifelong advocate. To turn a brief introduction into career momentum, you need to master the art of the casual update.

Shift the Focus from "Ask" to "Update"
The golden rule of the summer check-in is simple: do not ask for a favor. The moment you ask for a job, a referral, or a recommendation in your first email, the conversation feels more loaded. Instead, focus entirely on sharing progress and showing appreciation. A simple message detailing an article you read this summer that reminded you of a prior conversation shifts the dynamic from a transaction to a relationship.

Connect Your Progress to Their Advice
The most flattering update you can send a mentor or professor is showing that you actually listened to them. Did a professor suggest you read a specific book or learn a new tool? Did a past supervisor advise you to work on your presentation skills? Send a quick note like: "I wanted to let you know I took your advice and spent this summer learning Python. It has already made a huge difference in my projects. Thank you for that suggestion!"

Keep It Brief and Scannable
Your contact is likely just as busy during the summer as they are during the academic year. Keep your email or LinkedIn message short — under 150 words. State why you are reaching out, give a brief 1–2 sentence update on your summer, and close with a supportive, forward-looking question about how their summer is going. This keeps the barrier to reply incredibly low and easy to manage.

Normalize the Follow-Up
Many students hesitate to reach out because they fear being annoying. But professionals love hearing from proactive students who are motivated to grow. When you regularly check in without wanting anything in return, you build a foundation of trust. That way, when a position does open up in the fall, you are already the first candidate they think of.

Ready to Get Started?
Unsure how to draft your outreach messages, or want to make sure your LinkedIn profile is ready before you hit "send"? The UMBC Career Center is here to help you polish your strategy and build a professional brand that stands out. Schedule a one-on-one Networking & LinkedIn Strategy appointment on Handshake to map out your outreach strategy and optimize your digital presence today.

You made the connection at an event — now what? Following up after a networking conversation can feel uncomfortable, especially if you're worried about saying the wrong thing or coming across as pushy. The truth is, thoughtful follow-up is not awkward — it's professional. It's also one of the most effective ways to turn a short interaction into a lasting relationship.

Why Follow-Up Matters

Networking doesn't end when the event does. A follow-up message shows appreciation, reinforces your interest, and helps people remember who you are. Most professionals these days expect a follow-up — and many are happy to continue the conversation if you take the initiative.

Keep It Simple and Timely

You don't need a long or perfectly worded message. Aim to follow up within 24–48 hours with a brief note that:

• Thanks them for their time
• Mentions something specific from your conversation
• Expresses interest in staying connected
• Shares information or resources

A few thoughtful sentences can go much further than silence.

Focus on Connection, Not Asking for a Job

The goal of a follow-up isn't to ask for a job — it's to build rapport. Instead of jumping straight to requests, focus on continuing the relationship. Over time, strong connections naturally lead to opportunities, referrals, and advice, which is crucial given that you're now 20x more likely to get a job from a referral than a cold application.

Use Retrievers Connect to Follow Up with Confidence

Not sure how to reach out? Retrievers Connect makes following up easier and less intimidating. The platform is designed specifically for UMBC students and alumni, creating a supportive space for career conversations, informational interviews, and mentorship.

Because everyone on Retrievers Connect is there to connect, you can reach out knowing the expectation is conversation — not perfection. And if you're hoping to take things a step further and participate in a Retrievers Connect-powered mentorship program, graduate students can check out the Graduate Student Mentoring Network, or the GSMN.

Consistency Builds Confidence

The more you practice following up, the easier it becomes. Each message builds confidence, strengthens your professional presence, and helps you develop a networking style that feels authentic to you. It also tends to sting less when you don't hear back right away. Just go down your list and reach out to the next person. It can start to feel that easy.

Ready to Build Connections That Last?

Start turning conversations into career momentum by using Retrievers Connect to follow up, stay connected, and grow your professional network — without all the awkwardness. Good luck – you got this!