As the school year comes to an end, the stress doesn't exactly stop. Finding a job/internship is always on the table and hanging over our heads. Of course when we finally get one, we're nervous for our first day, we don't always know what to say, or if it's far from home then we're worried we'll get lost. While interning in London this summer, I've gotten some pretty practical advice from the local working Londoners that I want to share with you all to help give you a bomb internship experience.
1. Create your own environment.
Whether the vibe of your new office is laid back or competitive, you were most likely picked to be there out of a large pool of people. Show your appreciation by working hard and proving yourself. You bragged about yourself on your résumé, now put it into action.
2. Set your expectations high.
By this I don't mean to expect some glamorous job. I mean set high expectations for you. Don't go into it thinking you'll be doing coffee runs and making copies all summer. You were hired for a reason – share your ideas! Dive into the company's customs and really try to wrap your brain around the work that they do so you can contribute everything you can.
3. Expand your view of the work world.
In the London study abroad program, each student is assigned a different internship. The range of assignments I've heard blows my mind. I feel like most people picture an internship in a cubicle typing something irrelevant on the computer. Expand your horizons, people. Your trainer or director could have you working with clients or wanting you to attend events within the first month. The amount of networking that goes on behind the scenes of the work world is a web of opportunity. Get caught up in it.
4. Lastly, and probably most importantly, show enthusiasm.
You and your employer know that you're in this for the experience. Whether you're desperate to fill your résumé or just don't want to be bored all summer, you've dedicated your time and effort to whatever job you've attained. Act as if you want to be there. Don't walk in late, sleepy, and do the bare minimum. You'll be wasting your own time and everyone else's. Set your foundation for your future now, while it's still impressionable. You want your employer from this summer to speak highly of you so you can rock it again next summer.
