Some programs and majors in college require or highly suggest that students gain experience through internships. An internship is meant to provide formal, practical experience for beginners in an occupation or profession. Internships are also thought to be a stepping stone from education to career. They are typically offered to and held by undergraduate students, allowing them to experience how their studies relate to and operate in the real world. As a marketing intern in the healthcare sector, I have learned a few important tidbits through my little successes and failures. Here a few things you should know before you start an internship.
You will learn a lot.
Be prepared—you will learn a lot about what it's like to work in a specific organization, your potential career interests, and yourself. You'll learn how people act, write, communicate, etc. at your internship and what the culture of the workplace is like. You'll probably learn how to work the copy machine, where things are in the office, and who to talk to when certain problems arise. It's really different from the classroom and other kinds of job you may have had in the past. Keep your eyes, ears, and mind open and aware because it's overwhelming at first.
Take initiative, and be proactive.
Surprise your boss and coworkers by being the intern that brings ideas to the table and is active in taking on more work. Sometimes they're looking for fresh ideas from people who haven't been with the organization for a long time (which is you). Be professional, speak up, and take on responsibilities—it shows you have dedication and a hard work ethic.
Ask questions.
People don't expect you to jump in as a first time intern and know how everything works right away. If you really don't know how to do something, where supplies are, or what's being asked of you, clarify right away to avoid confusion and miscommunication. But don't be that person who constantly bothers their supervisor with questions all day, every day. Be observant, and try to figure out the problem on your own first. Who knows, you may learn a trick or two along the way.
Communicate with your coworkers and supervisors.
They are people too, believe it or not. Make your internship a little more fun by getting to know your coworkers in the break room or at lunch. It's also important to communicate issues that come up, results from studies, days you may need off, or ideas for projects. Talking face to face and coordinating over email are great ways to get a conversation started at your internship.
Make connections to your education.
Apply what you've learned at school to what you're doing at your internship—it will help you grow. Internships allow you to see what it's like after you get your degree and where you can potentially work once you formally finish your education. Continue to make connections and transfer what you learn in the classroom to your internship projects and tasks. It will help concepts and ideas resonate with you better and make you a lifelong learner.
Good luck, fresh and veteran interns! May you prosper and do well.
