When I was finishing up my internship last semester, I took some time to reflect on the experience. Before starting with the small NYC-based PR firm, I assumed that I would learn all of the hard skills that I needed to succeed in the industry, and that was partly true. Beyond learning how to use various software, and mastering Excel, I gained valuable skills and insight that I had not expected to.
1. I learned to ask for help.
It might seem daunting, and you might think that you have to have all of the answers right away, but you don’t. Companies understand that most students have not held that position before, and the majority are relying on schoolwork and instinct to move forward with projects. They also want interns to succeed. If a student sits quietly struggling to complete each task, because they are too nervous to ask for help, that can hold up the whole process for a supervisor. Interns often take on the lower-level work, that is the foundation for many other tasks. Without the intern’s work being completed, that project also remains incomplete. Don’t worry so much. Exhaust all options, communicate openly, and ask specific questions to help you to move forward.
2. Networking is key.
This is something many people take at face value, but it goes deeper than just who you know. If you meet a new person, first, remember their name. Put in the effort to get to know something about them, and allow them to understand you. Second, make a great impression, and not just the first time. If you meet that person again, or reach out to them for a referral, they will have something to say about you, and you want it to be good. You want them to remember you for being helpful, proactive and having a good personality. Make that happen.
3. I really enjoy the industry
It is so hard to figure out what you want to do just by taking quizzes and reading what other people have said about it. Getting first-hand experience will allow you to really get to know the industry and the various job positions within it. I thought that writing would be the highlight of my internship, but it turns out that researching floats my boat. I would never have known that, had I not taken an internship. Also, you have a chance to ask other people, from different departments or at varying career-stages, what they like or dislike about their jobs, and how they got to be where they are.
4. The importance of staying busy
Some days are lighter than others. I would go in one morning and barely have time for lunch, and the next day, I would be looking for something to do. Wanting to get the most out of the experience, and in an effort to help out as much as possible, I reached out to different campaign leaders to see if they needed help. This kept me very busy, and allowed me to get to know more people within the company, and to wear more hats.
5. Confidence
The shining star in every person. Just like glitter, a little confidence goes a long way. I was learning a lot every day, and it felt good to go home and talk about what I did that day. I felt like my work was valued, and that, if I went to interview for a job, I would have something to talk about. Magic!
