Finding an internship may have been a walk in the park for some, but a major obstacle for others. When one is constantly searching for an internship, there is no better feeling than receiving an offer. In that very moment, one knows that the summer ahead is bound to be fun because of the amazing opportunities that may happen. But one major concern is always being alone during the experience. So here are some tactics to make sure that does not happen!
Before you begin to convince yourself that you do not need any friends at your internship, I'm going to break down why that's not a good idea.
Your employer is expecting you to be friendly and become friends with other people at your job. At some point or another, you will need your co-workers help, whether it's working together on an assignment or retrieving the minutes from a meeting that you missed.
Your best friend may not fully understand how significant or funny something is at work. So, although you would love to tell him/her about everything, the story will be even better than when it is shared with someone who can relate.
Eventually, you are going to start feeling isolated. No one likes tension or feeling uncomfortable, especially in the work place. There are a vast number of things people bond over, such as hobbies, hometowns, sports, music, college majors, and the love of all things Beyoncé related, which can allow you to easily make friends at your internship. Here are some suggestions on how to do just that.
1. Everyone eats. But eating alone can be a little sad sometimes. More than likely, someone else wouldn’t mind a little company for lunch. Find someone who is going to lunch at the same time as you or vice versa. Before you know it, you’ll have a lunch buddy that you can get to know, while satisfying your taste buds.
2. Just like lunch, people are looking for travel buddies as well. If you work in a major city, more than likely you will either take the bus or train to work. If you work in the suburbs, it never hurts to offer someone a ride. Taking transportation together is a great alternative because on the way to and from work, the conversation can discuss happenings that took place on the job, a television show that you and your coworker are looking forward to seeing, or simply getting to know one another better.
3. Most internships are set up for you to work in teams or on a group project. As you work with other people, let your cooperation skills shine and interact with your coworkers. It is a great time to get to know people and let others get to know you. Soon enough, you guys will be exchanging jokes and having serious conversations about your political views. If others in the group are having a conversation about the NBA playoffs, a trending topic on Twitter, or a new song that came out, feel free to share your opinion. Your opinion may be witty or even offer insight or a new perspective, thus inviting you to more conversations with your coworkers. Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to start a friendship.
4. Ask other interns and coworkers for help before going to your supervisor. We’ve all heard the saying, "Two brains is better than one." A majority of the time that saying is right. Not only does this give you the opportunity to learn what you did not know, but it may create a bond that you were not expecting. So, make sure to introduce yourself. Ask good follow up questions such as, “Where are you from?” “Where do you go to school?” “What are you studying?” “Where else have you worked?” These questions could potentially show that you have more in common with the person than you may have thought.
It's great to make friends anywhere you are, whether it is at school, at a job, or even while waiting in line at Starbucks. It helps to expand your network. After all, you never know where you or these other people may end up in life. You might just meet your next best friend at your internship. So, put on your best smile and make a friend!
