So this is it. You have finally completed all of your undergraduate coursework as a Community Health major at the greatest university on the planet. What's next? A little ol' internship? Should be a piece of cake… right? Wrong. Between countless tasks thrown at you all at one time to combating boredom when not a single soul has any projects for you to work on, dealing with workplace drama, and probably spending too much money on going out for lunch, not ever internship site is a walk under the Century Tree. Come with me and I will show you some tips on how to win over your supervisor in 480 hours and get that coveted letter of recommendation, so you can get a real job or something like that.
1. Do your research on your internship site before your first day
No one wants to walk into the first day on the job unprepared and get caught off guard. As soon as you receive your internship assignment, start diving into trusty google and do some research about where you will be spending most of your last semester! Figure out what you need to know about your site before you even get there. This will really impress your supervisor when they ask you if you are familiar with what their organization does.
2. Use your time wisely and be proactive!
Chances are there is always something to do at your internship site. Maybe that something is as simple as watering the plants, reorganizing files, or simply straightening up around the office. You only have a limited time with your site, so make the most of it. Stay off of your phone and try your best not to stare blankly at the wall in front of you. If you have run out of tasks for the day, make sure you ask those around you if they need any assistance. When you do have a project to work on, stay on top of it, and finish as soon as you can. The projects you are given are often small pieces of a much larger puzzle, and people are counting on your piece to be finished so they can move onto the next! Finishing up tasks in a timely manner while completed chores around the office without being told says something about your work ethic, which will show to your supervisor.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for help
Sometimes you will have tasks so big and daunting you have no idea how to tackle the monster. Don't be afraid to ask for help and clarification from your higher ups! I assure you, your supervisor would much rather you ask a bunch of questions to fully understand your task and complete it correctly the first time. If you feel a project may be too much for you, tell them that too so maybe they can have someone else team up with you.
4. Network and make relationships with everyone you meet
Most of the time, getting a job is all about who you know, so be sure and make relationships with everyone you encounter. Talk to them about their careers and their roles within the company. Share your aspirations and ask for advice on how to get into the field you are interested. If you work diligently and impress those around you, it is very possible that a job opportunity will become open to you.
5. Be Flexible
Tasks can vary from very important research to making restaurant reservations for your supervisor. Be flexible and willing to work on anything with a positive attitude, and that will get you far! Never complain about tasks that you don't want to do, grunt work is all part of the interning game!
6. Go above and beyond
This clichéd statement is fundamental to leaving a good impression on your supervisor. If you are one who is always on top of their work, organized, optimistic, and you have a positive attitude there is no way you can go wrong. At the end of your internship your supervisor will look back at your time in the office as a positive experience and, with any luck, write you a gleaming letter of recommendation!
7. Have fun
I know being an intern seems like a lot of work for little to no pay, but in the end it is an invaluable learning experience. Have fun and make friends while you are there! Find ways to pass the time such as listening to podcasts. Make the most of your time as an intern, because the adult world creeps up on you fast…
Closing thoughts
As my time as an intern closes and graduation and a real full time job looms over me, I would like to stop and thank everyone around me who have been there through my peaks and valleys, and you should to. College is not easy, and making it to the end is a huge accomplishment! Congrats on becoming an intern, the last semester flies by, and before you know it all your friends will be dispersing to their new jobs and so will you. Make time for those you love, and make time for yourself.
Best of luck and all my love!
Jaden
