Internship Tips and Advice
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

5 Tips To Being A High-Quality Intern

Ask Questions, then learn how to ask better questions.

Sam Williams
Jun 27, 2018
Texas A&M University
112
5 Tips To Being A High-Quality Intern
Pexels

Your excellence got you the internship of your dreams! Now what do I do?

1. Be punctual.

https://giphy.com/gifs/redbullracing-time-2017-3o6nUTwJgyXI9zDuSs

The easiest way to be a successful intern is to be on time. Simple, right? Wrong! This can be one of the hardest adjustments for an intern because consistent timeliness in other areas of life hasn't been made a priority. You're running late to your accounting class? No big deal… You're getting dinner with your friends at 6:30? Eh, I'll get there at 6:45… This is not how the professional world works, my friends! You are expected to be on time or early to anything and everything.

2. Don’t be exceptionally talkative or quiet.

https://giphy.com/gifs/stephen-colbert-secret-quiet-yow6i0Zmp7G24

As an intern, it's widely encouraged that you try to be outgoing and personable. This not only makes you a more effective employee but also allows you to make quality business connections that can extend beyond just your internship. However, while it's important to be personable, you must refrain from being the most talkative person in the room. Every great intern knows how to take a backseat in any given conversation. Talking over your co-workers or manager, attempting to impress them with your knowledge or skill can come off as very disrespectful. Therefore, even when you are certain you already know how something is to be done, allow your superiors to explain it to you. You may also find that you don't know as much as you thought you did!

3. Take initiative.

https://giphy.com/gifs/work-bored-lazy-FBYTrYyjsyq7m

This is HUGE. Do not be the intern who sits at their desk playing solitaire until their boss gives them something to do. Take initiative to find quality work for yourself. The key word is "quality." Don't simply make your rounds at the office asking if you can fill up everyone's coffee mug. Go to your co-workers! Most of them are very busy and would love a helping hand in whatever they are doing. Not only will you create a good reputation for yourself, but you will get more knowledge and experience out of your internship along the way.

4. Ask questions, then learn how to ask better questions.

https://giphy.com/gifs/DUrdT2xEmJWbS

Questions are a thing of beauty for an intern. They are expected of you. One very common fear of almost every intern is the fear of asking questions. Many interns believe that asking questions makes them appear to be unintelligent or ignorant. However, from your boss' perspective, a lack of questions shows a lack of interest. School can only teach you so much, and most industries require a major learning curve from being an educated college student to becoming a full-time, self-sustaining employee. In addition to asking questions, learn how to ask better ones. Don't just run to your supervisor for help every time you encounter a challenge. Seek out the answer yourself first to learn how to ask the right question to get the exact answer you need.

5. Have fun!

https://giphy.com/gifs/suits-P5pgyAkdzuRDq

An internship should be fun! You're getting a taste of a company that you could be working for many years to come. Plus, the company you intern with wants you to enjoy working for them, because if you don't, why would you come back as a full-time employee? It's important to evaluate whether you enjoy working for your company, because if you do, you're probably in the right place!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
17613
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
295671
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
91336
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
153755
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
66957
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments