Internships are a great opportunity to start building your career. In fact, 70% of college students who had intern experience got a job right out of college in 2016! My advice, is to start interning as soon as possible.
Here are 8 tips I can give you to make the most of your summer internship
1. Make a to-do list
As an intern, you are going to get all kinds of assignments handed to you- sometimes even from different departments. It can be a bit overwhelming if you are trying to keep track of it all in your head, so get yourself a work journal and start a to-do check list! The first thing you should do when you get to the office is make a daily tasks list and add to it throughout the day. This will give you a simple overview of your workload and make sure you never miss a deadline!
2. Go out of your way to remember everyone’s names
Connections are everything. Typically, interns only have 12 weeks to make a name for themselves, so get out of your cubicle and meet people. Make friends with the interns, ask for assignments and most importantly, when you are introduced to someone, remember their name. Greeting someone by their first name is a genuine act that shows you are a professional. A lot of people have a hard time remembering names, so make yourself stand out by remembering.
3. Document your experiences and accomplishments
Look at every day as an opportunity to build your resume. That big project you’ve been working on, the news releases you write and even the great idea you pitched in a meeting is giving you the experience future employers are looking for. Don’t forget any of it! Document your accomplishments and those projects you did so when the time comes to display the value you added as just an intern, you will be ready.
4. Stay off your phone
This one should go without being said. No one wants to see someone sitting on their phone in a meeting, especially an intern. If you have a hard time staying focused, try leaving your phone at your desk to limit the temptation of checking it. Even if you think you are being discrete about checking it, trust me, you’re not. People notice and it is annoying.
5. Always have a pen and paper ready for notes
You should never have to ask to borrow a pen. Being prepared shows you are a professional who takes this internship seriously. Writing down your new assignment or deadlines when they are given, will help you later when beginning the task.
6. Ask questions
Don’t be afraid to speak up or ask questions. You are in control of how much you get out of this internship.
7. Arrive early and leave late
You want to be in before your boss is in the morning and already hard at work by the time they arrive. When all your work is done, don’t just leave. See if there is anything else you can help out with or another project you can begin. This will show your commitment to the job and willingness to learn.
8. Be positive
Smiling often and being friendly can go a long way in an office. It is important to make yourself approachable and professional every day. Even if you feel a bit overwhelmed by the workload or meetings, keeping a positive, determined attitude won’t go unnoticed.
