Congratulations! You made it. You're about to become a New Yorker. Here are some tips for interning in the city:
1. Research the company before you start
The worst thing you could do is walk in on the first day and not have any clue about the work you’ll be doing. Research the kind of work the company does and their mission—it will show that you’re truly interested in working there and everyone there will be impressed by how much you know already.
2. Make sure you get some sleep.
No matter where you’re commuting to New York from, you’re going to have to get up early to make it to the office by 9 or 10. This is one of your first jobs in the industry you’ve chosen and you don’t want to be that person falling asleep in the middle of a meeting. (I’m guilty of almost doing this and trust me, it’s embarrassing.)
3. Get into the habit of planning ahead.
You’re not going to be having a lot of free time now to do your homework or really anything else now. Your schedule is most likely going to be completely full between balancing your internship and classes. Try to plan out any free time you have to do your homework so you’re not scrambling to get it done after a long day at your internship. Don’t worry though, if you plan out your schedule right, you’ll still find time to go out with your friends or binge-watch Netflix TV shows.
4. Bring some lights snacks and a drink along with your lunch.
If you’re like me, spending hours on the train trying to get there and back, you’re going to want some snacks to get you through the ride. Try to bring at least 1 or 2 snacks with you and some water—you’ll be thankful you did.
5. Don’t EVER leave without your phone charger
This is one of the most important things to remember as a commuter. Even if you live in the city or close to it, you don’t want to be going around New York at night with a dead phone.
6. Leave earlier than you normally would.
Trains are almost always late, and if you don’t leave early enough, they make you late too. Showing up on time (or early) will show that you’re committed to the internship and your employer will be impressed that you make sure you’re on time.
7. Remember how lucky you are.
Don’t forget to enjoy this time! You’re interning in one of the greatest cities in the world and not everyone gets to have that experience. It takes some people months or even years to get to work at the place they want. Have fun and good luck!