I was in your shoes not long ago; this past summer I interned for the first time and I really didn't know what to expect. No one I knew really had internships yet because I started a little early being I had just finished sophomore year of college. I knew the basics: have a good work ethic, apply yourself, and just make the best of it. And although this wasn't bad advice, it really just didn't help or comfort me in any way.
I know all internships are different; some will be very hands-on while others are primarily desk-based and in front of a computer. As an intern at a news corporation, I did a lot of interactive work on sets but I also spent the majority of my day sitting in front of 3 screens working on 10 different tasks at a time. Because of this, I was able to understand both sides of the spectrum. I learned a lot this summer so please take this advice:
1. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
If someone asks you to do something and you're not exactly sure how to do it, you need to ask for clarification. It will only take them a minute to explain it to you compared to the 20 minutes it would take you getting frustrated, feeling incompetent, and still not getting the job done.
2. Never say no.
If someone asks you to grab lunch, do it. If someone asks you to do a task, even if you're already busy, do it. Show them that you are capable of taking on tasks and that you are willing to help. They will appreciate your diligence and hard work whether you hear about it from their mouths or not.
3. Make relationships with everyone in the office.
It will make your day go by smoother but it's also really nice to have a community-like feel at your workplace. Sitting at a desk can get very monotonous so having someone to talk to every now and then could really break that stagnant air. Plus if you need help, like when you don't know how to do something (refer to advice piece #1), you can ask them and they will be more than willing to clear up any confusion.
4. Learn anything and everything you can.
Ask to help others. Learn the systems in your desktop. Take advice from the workers around you. Always be curious and willing to be taught.
5. Do not be on your phone.
Get it out of your sight because you don't need the temptation. You are here to work, not to text your friends about last night's episode of Game of Thrones. I never had my phone on me and my managers always praised me for focusing on work, not my Twitter feed.
6. Eat and drink properly.
It sounds silly but what you consume during the day is vital to your work performance. Drink lots of water and don't be snacking on potato chips the entire time. When you have a full stomach, you're going to get sleepy, especially if you have a warm office (learn from my first week's mistakes).
If you can, pack a salad and some sort of protein (i.e. chicken, tofu, beans, etc.); you will remain nourished and energized for the rest of the day, and if you do end up getting hungry, snack on a granola bar or some pretzels.
7. Don't be late and don't procrastinate.
Show up to your job 10-15 minutes early, trust me. It sounds unnecessary but it shows that you are eager to work, not trying to push off your start time as you walk in right on time. And don't procrastinate your work. If someone asks you to get something done, you have to do it.
Don't log into your Facebook really fast or check your phone for a message from your significant other; the workers around you will pay attention to you... you are the new kid on the block.
8. Wear comfortable shoes.
You may look stylish in your stilettos, but you're going to look really silly at the end of the day when you can't walk out of the building. Even if you have a desk job, you still don't want to be focusing on your discomfort. Also, beauty doesn't have to be pain.
9. Don't be afraid.
It can be intimidating when you're surrounded by professionals while you're just trying to figure everything out, but know your abilities. At the end of the day, you are working with them so clearly you are just as qualified.
10. Make them proud.
Remember that your workplace chose you for a reason so don't let them down. If you think they wouldn't like you to do something, don't do it. Work hard and prove to them every day why you were picked.
11. Be respectful.
Obviously I'm talking about how you talk to others, but also be conscious of your actions. Don't go to the bathroom too often. Stay away from your phone. Don't work on your personal hygiene at your desk (i.e. brush your hair, spray perfume, do your makeup... take it to the bathroom during your break). Be there to work and not distract the people around you.
12. Put in the extra effort.
If you finished your assignment, don't just sit around doing nothing. Make yourself useful even if it's just checking into what you may be able to get started for the next task or even the following day. It will make the day go by faster when you stay busy and it will also be a great example of your work ethic.
