Lauren Berger is the founder of the Intern Queen.The website internqueen.com began in 2009 after she successfully completed 15 internships.The site is a platform of internships for students to take advantage of,  free of charge. The online outlet also gives daily tips on college life and how to utilize resources for that “perfect job”.

Once a year, for the past for 4 years, an Intern Queen Party is held where hundreds of college students  get the opportunity to meet and interact with those “important people”. The purpose of the party is to network with those CEOs, Producers, and Editors from the companies and brands everyone dreams to work with. Lauren stresses the importance of follow ups, and to make it persona, l this way these potential “bosses” can remember you.

Her Source sat down with Ms. Berger for a quick interview before the party:

Can you give some advice for recent grads?

Lauren Berger:   “Making sure all of their social media platforms are up and running consistently is key. You don’t want an employer to look you up on twitter and see you haven’t posted in two weeks,  making sure you’re maintaining  your sense of professionalism on there. If you’re a recent grad your mentality needs to be  ‘My job is to get a job’ . You have to make sure you are doing everything in your power everyday to get that job. You have to remember you are leaving them with an impression of you.

What should you say in a follow up email after a networking event?

Lauren Berger: “I would keep it short and sweet, no one wants to read a long email. I would just say ‘Hi ___ it was so nice meeting you at the event (reference one thing that you talked about) it was great hearing about your company (mention their position) I hope we can stay in touch.’ If you don’t need something from someone don’t ask, wait to ask for something until you actually need something.

How do you maintain yourself in the  “Non-Paid Zone”?

Lauren Berger: “Every time I had an unpaid internship, I always had a part time job and I would have 12 course credits at school.”

Why is it important to take an internship with no turn around?

Lauren Berger: “You want to be open minded with these internships. It’s about networking and contacting with as many professionals at the company so that one of the opportunities turn into a job. You want to stay in touch and get that letter of recommendation. Don’t fall out of touch.”

Lauren Berger’s new book “Welcome to the New World” is now available!

-Tiy Hampton (@_tiy_)