In high school, I had a couple part-time jobs. Some days I had early shifts and some days I had late shifts; I worked on weekends (expect Sundays... yay for Blue Laws); I even had the dreaded on-call shifts. Part-time jobs are a great way to get people acclimated to working-- you get a dose of reality for a few hours without drowning in the normal 9am-5pm.
This summer, I did not have a part-time job. Instead, I spent my summer working as an intern. My acclimation period was now over. Goodbye part-time and hello full-time: This summer, I swam in the workforce without any floaties on, and there were definitely some days when I felt like I was drowning.
As my summer internship comes to a close, I realize that my learning goes way beyond the office (studio, classroom, cubicle, or any other place an internship might be). During my summer as an intern, I learned that...
1) Experience is priceless, but you shouldn't be
Nine times out of ten, interns are underpaid or not paid at all. Yes, as an intern you're the 'newbie' and might not necessarily know as much as everyone else, but that doesn't mean your time or effort should go unrecognized. Maybe a fresh perspective (you) is (are) exactly what the company needs. Your ability, work, thoughts, contributions and everything in between has worth.
2) Being on-time is not (and never will be) overrated
If your day starts at 9, be in and ready to work by 8:55. Even if the rest of the office (including your boss) doesn't show up until 9:30, your punctuality speaks volumes.
3) Being low-(wo)man on the totem poll does not mean being your boss's b*tch
You'll have to do the tedious tasks, that goes without saying-- BUT, don't let people take advantage of you. Sure, do the coffee runs for a while, but make sure that you talk to your boss about how you will be spending your time in the near future. This will exhibit your motivation, excitement, and willingness for the future and the new tasks the future will (hopefully) hold.
4) Taking direction is good, but so is doing your own thing
It's great when your boss lays out exactly what he/she wants you to do for the entire day. But, if you ever have some time and no one has told you how to spend it, do your own thing. Of course this doesn't mean go on social media or text all your friends-- instead, take that free time and do something productive that's related to your internship with that time. Look more into the company, read some articles related to the field of business you're in, etc. Be willing to follow, but also be willing to lead yourself when the opportunity presents itself.
5) Talking to everyone shows what kind of person you are
Don't just talk to the CEOs, mangers, or people who can obviously help you further your career. Talk to the guy sitting next to you; thank the custodial worker on your way out at the end of the day. Respect everyone and everyone will respect you.
6) Having a great attitude makes you stand out
The majority of people you will come across are negative (or cranky or pissed or maybe they're just hungry, who knows). Be in a good mood everyday. And if you're having a crappy day, fake it till you make it. People will admire and respect your constant optimism; I promise it will make you stand out. You'll quickly become the person everyone wants to be around and work with.
7) Everything (and everyone) teaches you something
No matter if you disliked your internship or it was the best experience of your life, I guarantee that you could list a hundred things that you learned. Everything and every person you meet teaches you! If you hate how your boss leads your team, recognize why. Even if you don't learn a thing from him/her all summer, you certainly learned that that's the kind of boss you would never want to be.
8) You will come to recognize what makes a business successful
As an intern, you get to meet and talk to all kinds of people: employees, managers, CEOs, and more. You hear the workers talk and you hear the big cahoonas talk (and by talk, I mean complain about each other). You get to see both sides of the story and how the business works. You'll quickly pick up on what's working successfully and what isn't.
9) "You can never be overdressed or overeducated."
Dress professionally and speak professionally. If people in your office try to morph casual Friday into casual Wednesday-Friday, don't participate. If people in your office use vulgar language or joke inappropriately, don't stoop to their level just because you want to fit in. In essence, you are working there to make connections and better your future career opportunities. Speak, act, and dress professionally at all times, even if the people around you don't.
10) Being a sponge is the best thing you can be.
Take it all in. Take from this opportunity what you can. Make connections, learn about the job, and learn about yourself.
