It’s almost May, folks, and that means that the school year is almost over. For some, that means graduation and a summer of bliss before taking on the real world. For others, it means summer classes or being a camp counselor, or just traveling. But with more and more employers wanting quality work experience on resumes, a vast number of college students will be taking on a summer internship for the first (or fourth!) time. While the point is to have a learning experience and everyone’s internship will look different, there are some common things you should know to expect before you start your 9-5 this summer.
Make sure you know the dress code.
There’s nothing more embarrassing than be over-dressed and unable to do what your employer needs you to do or being under-dressed and looking like a sloppy kid. Make sure you communicate with your boss or co-workers before day 1 rolls around so you know how to fit in and look pro-fesh.
Remember that it’s a learning experience.
…and that it’s perfectly okay to mess up. In fact, you will mess up. That’s the point. This shows you what you’re made of and also shows you how much you still have left to learn!
You don’t have to love everything (or anything) about it.
On that note, you probably won’t love everything about your internship. Being at the bottom of the totem pole means that you’re probably going to have to do a bit of grunt work and that means that you may not love what you do.
Sometimes you’ll figure out what you don’t want to do.
In the same nature that this is a time for learning about yourself, you may learn that you actually hate your major or your field. It’s okay if you have this summer purely as a time to figure out what you don’t know what to do.
The first day will be frightening.
I don’t think there’s any way to get around this. Seriously. Please call me if you figure out how to not have nerves the first day you start anything new. It’s going to feel like you’re a five year old being dropped off at kindergarten again. So many emotions.
Scratch that. The first week will be frightening.
You’re just never going to know exactly what you’re supposed to be doing and you’re going to feel out of place for awhile.
It’s okay to ask questions.
It’s great even. I tell myself this because I actually hate bothering people and asking them for the fifth time what I should be doing, but it’s better to be responsible and show that you want to be there to work.
You’ll learn to not fear rejection.
Because sometimes your co-workers may just be too busy to deal with you and they may not be super polite about it. You have to just thicken your skin and be figure out that it’s not that you’re doing things wrong.
Remember to be invested.
Because as much as this is a learning experience for you, a company is also invested in training you and working with you. Remember to be invested in the company you’re working for.
Be Yourself.
Above all, you have to always put yourself into your work. Your co-workers probably don’t want you to be on edge and rigid the whole time. Remember to let yourself relax and be yourself, as well!
Be Grateful.
If you have an internship, you’re ahead of around 40% of college students. There are others who would like to be in your position. So make sure you are grateful for the opportunity you have. Say thank you to your employer and co-workers and to all of the people that helped you get to where you are.
Above all, just remember that everyone's experience should be unique. You may love your time, you may hate your time, but you will definitely learn about yourself and your interests along the way. Don't be too hard on yourself, find joy in the small victories and have a wonderful summer!
