Congratulations, you landed an internship for the summer! The tedious applications, the waiting game, and the interviews are over and you were chosen. This is a fantastic feat that you should be proud of.

Now, what's next?

I've asked myself this question all week as I move to New Jersey for mine. Internships are essential this day in age. It is a tell-tale sign for future employers that you have the necessary experience they need or may be looking for. This will be my first summer having an internship and I truly do not know what to expect. One thing is for sure- this is just the beginning.

There's often this idea that unpaid internships aren't nearly as impressive as paid ones. Whether your internship is paid or unpaid, in your field or just for experience, it looks great on a resume. Some of the best experience you'll get comes from working with someone personally or with a small, start-up company that needs some assistance. The way to make up for it being unpaid is getting a part-time job or receiving college credits in return.

No matter where your internship takes you, make sure you explore. Get to know your surroundings, especially if they are new to you. Find out the best spots to get some lunch or the popular hang-out spots on the weekend. This is an easy way to make friends and enjoy your summer outside of the internship. If you're staying local, still find an opportunity to go on adventures with your friends. Take a break for a weekend and go on a road trip. Take a flight to a new destination. Don't let your internship stress you out too much. Treat your weekends in the summer as a time to relax. It won't be like the semester where you'll constantly have work to do on Saturdays and Sundays.

Don't burn any bridges. Regardless of your dislike for anyone, you should still remain cordial enough to consider them a future contact. Make as many connections as you can at as many places as possible. You never know when you'll need to contact that "one person you met" while at your summer internship. Connect with them on social media, exchange numbers, e-mail each other from time to time. Show them that you are still thinking about them even though the internship is over. This will pay off immensely in the future when you'll be active in the job hunt and you need a recommendation or information from a company you're looking into.

I hope your summer is full of learning and new experiences. Take advantage of the amazing internship opportunity you have been given. May we all have a summer to remember!

Love,

A Fellow Summer Intern