The new school year is quickly approaching, and along with new classes, professors, and friends, comes new opportunities to network and become immersed in the field you are inevitably pursuing. While often times an internship can be viewed as just another impressive edition to your resume, it can lead to so much more that shredding papers and fetching coffee if you make the best use of your abilities and opportunities offered to you. No matter what semester you choose to complete an internship, here are a few tidbits and tips I picked up on from completeing my first internship.

1. Make Sure You are Benefiting, Too

While there is a certain stigma in the business world that interns don't really have rights and aren't allowed to be overly demanding, it's important to make sure you are not just being used for cheap labor and selling yourself short. If you decide to accept an unpaid internship, try your hardest to negotiate or come up with some kind of compromise so that you are getting more than just experience out of the deal. While many companies can't afford to pay interns, gas money, meals, college credit or housing, some can possibly be provided if you do your research.

2. Leave a (Good) Impression

It's not enough to just show up to work every day and do a decent job, make the most of your opportunity to impress your co-workers or boss my going above and beyond your typical duties. While you always have to be careful to not overstep your boundaries, your ability to work hard and take initiative will make a lasting impression on the people who might just be responsible for your first, real adult job after college.

3. Say YES!

You will be given many optional offers during your internship, so be open to all possibilities and try your best to have an open mind. It's usually better to try out an experience and learn that it is not for you, rather than pass up a chance and wonder what might have been.

4. Make Your Intentions Clear

If you really hope to work for a company or an organization one day, an internship is a great foot in the door. Take time to learn about each role in the office and see where your niche might fall. Don't just let your co-workers assume you are interested in a future position, network and communicate to them what role you might like to fill one day. The earlier both you and the staff start to envision you as a permanent part of the company, the easier it will be to make your dreams a reality, and make you irresistible to hire.

5. Ask Questions, But Listen More

While they say there is no such thing as a stupid question, your co-workers are busy and don't have limitless time to explain every little thing to you. Definitely ask questions if you are curious about a certain topic or want to prevent making a mistake, but also be sure to listen carefully and take notes if needed to understand your assignments and duties. You are getting the chance to work alongside people that you hope to be like one day, so listening to their success stories and pieces of advice can be very helpful when it comes to navigating the post-college lifestyle.

6. Networking Isn't Just for Social Media

You will probably meet so many different, talented people during the duration of your internship. Never be afraid to introduce yourself to someone new or to strike up a conversation. Take time to know your supervisors, but also the other interns, since you never know where they might end up. An internship is basically one long opportunity for networking, so put yourself out there and make a positive lasting impression that will leave you remembered long after you are out of the office.

7. Do the Little Things in a Not-So Little Way

As an intern, you might get stuck with some downright boring jobs that no one else wants to do. It's important to remain positive and realize that you are making a difference and learning, even when the work doesn't feel all that important. By paying attention to details and striving for perfection, your co-workers will be able to see what a great job you can do, which will lead to greater responsibility.

8. Stay Grateful

While you may not be CEO of your own company yet, everyone has to start somewhere. And while the long hours and heavy workload can seem demeaning at times, always do your best to remember how lucky you are to be in your position and to be getting an experience not everyone is lucky enough to be apart of.

While internships can become tedious and an ultimately thankless job, the connections you build and the experience gained make the experience worthwhile. Following a few simple tips and working hard every day can lead to your dream job and countless opportunities you never even imagined for yourself.