Refining the Summer Check-In

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.