Get the Most Out of Your Internships
Landing an internship in college isn’t easy. Once you put forth the effort of securing a spot for yourself, make sure that you do your best while you are there. While a workplace can feel pretty intimidating compared to the classroom environment that you’re used to, don’t let your nerves get the best of you. Interns are mainly in place to observe and help out, so any mistake you make likely won’t be an earth-shattering one. Here are a few ways to make your internship a good one:
1. Take mental inventory of those around you. As soon as you walk in the door on the first day, look around and take the pulse of what you see. Are the employees comfortable and easy-going as they go about their business? Is the environment formal and quiet? Do your best to match the tone of those around you and blend in.
2. Remember the manners your mama taught you. Common courtesies never go out of style. Show respect to everyone around you and it won’t go unnoticed. The janitor, doorman, receptionist and CEO all appreciate a warm greeting and a pleasant demeanor.
3. Interns don’t turn down any tasks. If you’re working directly with an advertising media director, for example, you might be asked to run a lot of errands rather than learning the nuances of a network media buy for the Super Bowl. By all means, run those errands with a smile. Pick up some coffee while you’re at it. You get the idea, you are there to learn, but you’re also there to make a good impression and perhaps get your foot in the door later. The Super Bowl can wait.
4. As the internship draws to an end, take what you’ve learned and consider whether or not you’d like to come back for a paid position after graduation. If so, don’t be afraid to let it be known that you are interested. If they liked what they saw in you, they might be willing to wait for you to complete your college education.
Once you’re back on campus (or at home if you go to an online college), be sure to send a thank-you note to your direct supervisor. If there was anyone else who was especially helpful to you during your internship, send them something as well. You can use these people as references later when you are looking for a job, so keep in touch as time passes by.
Julie Clark Robinson is a prolific writer. Her many subjects include Arizona colleges and Delaware colleges which meet students’ full financial need.