Applying for summer internships can be one of the most stressful processes to go through during college. It seems as though everyone around you knows what they are doing over summer while you're sitting there staring at the thousands of internships on LinkedIn and wondering how many you can apply to before you drive yourself nuts.

So, you go through the process. You go through the applications, the interviews, the acceptances, the rejections and the considerations. You cry, you smile, you're confused and you're nervous.

But, you get the internship. Maybe the one of your dreams, maybe not. So, now what?

After two months of a pretty dang cool internship, I'm here to answer the questions that I had when I began and give the advice I wish I had been told before I started.

Is it true that interns just bring people coffee all day?

No!! Sure, maybe if there's a scheduled meeting that you're going to and your boss wants coffee there, you make sure it's provided. The way that internships are advertised in the movies is nothing like the reality. Unless, of course, it's in the job description.

What if I get there and realize I don't know what anyone is talking about?

A summer internship is a learning experience. I can tell you from personal experience that I have learned far more from my two months of interning about the industry I want to go into than I have in my 3 years of college. When you get there, you're going to need to ask questions. You're going to need to speak up. It may be hard at first because you don't want to come off as unqualified, but the more you ask the more likely you are to give the impression that you are actually interested in succeeding at the company.

The biggest and most important lesson that I learned working at the biggest PR agency in the world is that the second you walk into the building is the second that you need to put your guard down. You cannot be afraid to introduce yourself to people and offer your help to those around you. If you are not in a formal internship program, it can often be hard to find work that would fulfill an 8 hour day. That's when confidence comes in to message anyone you've worked with (or have an interest in their department) and ask what you can take off their plates for that day or week.

Additionally, working an 8 hour shift as an intern is not like working an 8 hour customer service shift. One is not necessarily more tiring than the other, just a different type of tiring. Imagine being in a class from 9 am to 5 pm. Mentally exhausting, right? Right. Don't assume you will get used to the routine right away. It will take a week or two, but soon enough it will just feel like a normal daily routine!

Lastly, make and keep your connections! Keep in touch with your supervisor during the school year. Add coworkers on LinkedIn. Meet with the recruiter for the company if you're interested in another summer internship or post-graduation job. You will thank yourself later!