Who should you network with? Be sure to network with a broad group of contacts. Focus on those within the professional area that you’re interested in, but also seek out those who are adjacent to your field. For example, if you’re interested in sales, you should network with salespeople, but also with those in marketing.

Also seek out those who are great leaders or who have a good understanding of the organizational culture. In addition to learning about your area of interest, you’re also wise to expand your understanding of what it takes to succeed, how people have built their careers and what they’ve learned through their journeys.

Also be intentional about your networking. Make a list of who you’d like to meet, and ask your contacts to make introductions on your behalf. Set aside time on a weekly basis that you’ll devote to networking.

Also use the snowball approach to networking. When you talk with one person, ask them for one or two more people they would also suggest that you connect with. In this way, you can build your network naturally and based on the recommendations of others.

You’re also wise to put yourself in situations where you’ll meet and get to know new people. Attend meetings and training opportunities that are available as part of your intern experience—and participate in the association or professional groups that you’re allowed to attend.

It will also be important to spend the right amount of time networking. You’ll want to devote energy and invest time, but you’ll need to be careful that you don’t take away from your primary responsibilities or disengage from them.

Check in with your boss and be sure they’re comfortable with you taking the time to network. Get your work done and prioritize your tasks and work obligations—and then network outside of the time it takes to fulfill your commitments.

You’ll harm your credibility and integrity if you shirk your responsibilities or if you’re perceived as self-promoting.

Another key to effective networking is to be open, curious and focused on the person you’re meeting with. Avoid being too intent on finding a job or using your new connection—as these may damage your ability to build the relationship.

Instead, focus on learning from the person—and be fully present as you ask questions, pay attention and listen. While these sound simple, they are rare today. With so much distraction, people value those who can invest time in learning and building a relationship.

So should an intern network after their internship has ended? Yes.

You’re wise to make networking a way of life—including networking both during and after an internship. You can create relationships while you’re in the midst of your internship, but you can also stay in touch with people afterward.

You can also reach out to people you weren’t able to meet during your internship—letting them know you were an intern at the company and didn’t get a chance to connect during your time there, but would value connecting now.

Throughout your career, you’ll be wise to build relationships—so networking is something you’ll want to do consistently and continually.