At the beginning of the summer make some goals for yourself. A common goal is to expand your resume. It is important to take advantage of your interning experience, so you should try to learn as much as possible while you are there, because on-the-job experience is extremely valuable. Another goal to keep in mind is getting your foot in the door at the company. Someday you will graduate and look for a job. Would you like to return to that company? Keep your options open and make sure to make a great impression for future employment opportunities.
1. Read The Boss
Everyone’s interning experience is different. It is important to start off by figuring out what your boss expects of the people around you and yourself. Once you see what is expected, be sure to exceed the “norm” of the office, because your position is not always necessary, and you are still trying to prove yourself in this company.
2. Listen
Once you start your internship, it is important to listen to your boss and co-workers. As you get closer to the people around you, you will see more of the day-to-day operations of your future job. This can also get you a longer leash around the office and more responsibility.
3. Put The Time In
If your boss tends to be someone who stays late, make sure you become the kind to stay late as well. It is important to be available to your boss as much as you can be. Even if there isn’t much to do, it is important to be accessible.
4. Ask Questions
Not knowing how to do things is actually pretty well accepted as an intern. It is important that you ask when you do not know how to do things. Equally as important is to never ask the same question twice, which means you should become a diligent note taker.
5. Always Try
On the other hand, if you know that you can figure something out on your own, do it. It is important to challenge yourself and show your boss that you are willing to try. A good work ethic can make up for a lot of your interning mistakes (which are bound to be abundant).
6. Fix When Possible
An important thing to remember is that you do not need to go to your boss with everything you find. If you can fix something on your own, you should do it. If you do go to your boss with a problem, have a solution ready for them.
7. Don’t Give up
If at first you do not succeed, try, try, try again! This phrase will come in handy during your internship. You are going to make mistakes, and the people around you are expecting it, but don’t let that get you down. Elect Dory’s philosophy from Finding Nemo: “Just keep swimming!” Just keep working and trying your best!
8. BYOE
Most companies have office supplies provided, but you should make your space your space. If you have a cubicle, you should personalize it. You are going to be spending plenty of time at work; you should make it as comfortable as possible. At the same time make sure your desk never looks cluttered. Also, it never hurts to bring in some baked goods for the office.
9. Be Independent
The last point is one of the most important aspects of becoming an intern. Make sure you are independent. If you are constantly bothering the people around you, you are defeating the purpose of having an intern. This can at times mean you bring things to do during down times in the office.
Becoming an intern can be an extremely rewarding experience. Make sure you stay busy while at work, but let yourself be a kid outside of it. Your internship will teach you a plethora of information so stay open minded.
