An internship is a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience and increase your chances of finding a full-time job after you graduate. Understandably, it can be intimidating starting your first one, so here are some tips to help you be the best intern you can be!
1. Be prepared
Do your research before you get there. Read up on the company’s purpose, history, and culture. You should also explore the industry and industry buzzwords. If you want to, you could also ask your boss for any reading or pre-work you should do before your first day! Even when you are at your internship, be sure to always have a pen and paper with you to take notes. You never know when you will need to write down certain phrases or vital information for your projects.
2. Show your commitment
Show up to work on-time, and be sure to get all your work done by the deadlines. Be sure to ask questions if you have them, and express your enthusiasm and motivation for learning. It’s imperative to communicate your interest in your work. You should also ask your employer for feedback on the projects you work on. In doing this, your employer will give you areas to focus and improve upon so that you can make the most of your internship.
3. Network
Remember, an internship also offers you the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from people of different age groups and backgrounds. So be sure to introduce yourself, and try to meet everyone in the office (or at least your department). Know their names, positions, and responsibilities. Not only will this give you insight into the way your company works, you might also pick up a few extra projects along the way. Who knows, you may even find yourself a mentor! Here is some more information about mentors.
4. Seize opportunity
Ask your supervisor about tasks you can work on when you don’t have anything specific to do. Take on the mindset that you want to contribute as much as you can before you leave your internship. By asking for more responsibilities, you may land a project that you can highlight on your resume and promote in future job interviews. By seizing each day, you will be able to keep yourself busy and set goals for yourself.
5. Give it your best
Doing the best you can is the most important rule when completing work-related tasks. By jumping into each task with everything you have, you are more likely to do a good job. To prevent mistakes, make sure you write down all relevant instructions as they’re being given to you. If you want to go above and beyond your requested duties, make sure you check with your supervisor before doing so. Sometimes it’s better to do what was asked rather than turning in a massive project that no one has time to evaluate. You also want to leave behind a legacy in which you made a positive difference in the organization. The people you work with will most likely serve as references in the future!
By the end, be sure to thank your employer for the wonderful opportunity! Hopefully, with these tips, you will leave your internship with a valuable experience that taught you about the workplace and allowed you to forge relationships with professionals. Be sure to keep in touch even after the experience is over!