Well, it's the season for summer internships again. Whether you're interning at a business corporation, insurance company, in a public relations department, or at a news station, here are some tips to successfully prepare for your internship.
1. Research the company.
How much do you really know about the place you are interning at? The best compliment to your employer is to have some background on who they are and what they do. It also makes the statement that you are prepared, diligent, and not just completing the internship to fulfill a course requirement.
2. Introduce yourself.
This may sound like common sense, but one of the best ways to stand out is by getting to know your staff and co-workers quickly. Meeting the people you will be working with will help establish connections and it will familiarize yourself with the company.
3. Be prepared.
Grab a notebook, pen, laptop, and anything else you might think you need for your first day. If you don't know what to expect, it can't hurt to be prepared as much as you can. Make sure to pack a lunch or snack because no one wants to be "hangry" on their shift! And lastly, bring your BRAIN! Think of all the creativity and ideas you can bring to the table. Never underestimate your capabilities. (Helpful hint: show up to your shift on time!)
4. Dress for success.
A good friend once told me, "Don't dress for the job you have; dress for the job you want!" I am a firm believer in this. Be a go-getter! By dressing the part, you will be sure to fit in with your professional counterparts and indicate that you are taking this internship seriously. Plus, you never know who you might meet on the job. (Helpful hint: dress appropriate, business casual. NO flip flops!)
5. ASK QUESTIONS!
One of the most daunting parts of starting an internship is having the fear that you will not know everything. And guess what, you probably won't! But that's okay because that is the purpose of having an internship. You are not expected to know everything! So when you don't know the answer, take initiative and ASK. That's your time to learn and your supervisor is going to be looking for who's willing to jump in. (Helpful hint: write stuff down so you don't have to ask the same questions over again!)
6. Be respectful.
This one is pretty self explanatory. You don't have the same experience as your coworkers do, so don't expect for your work to hold the same weight. By respecting authorities, you can honor their experiences and invest yourself in learning from them. (Helpful hint: be observant! You can learn so much by just watching people.)
7. If you're ever going to be late, CALL!
This is the responsible option for when the worst case scenario happens, i.e. traffic and/or emergencies. Don't leave your supervisor waiting on you.
8. Stay. Off. Your. Cell. Phone.
This one might be the hardest guideline of all, but unless you are using your cell phone for work purposes, put that thing away. If you're constantly distracted by Snapchat, texting your friends, or liking the latest Insta photos, you are missing out on an opportunity to invest yourself in developing skills for your career.
9. Don't touch things that you're not supposed to.
Yes, that includes the donuts in the break room!!! It's a good rule of thumb to not touch equipment unless you have permission to do so. While you might be exposed to new tools, you don't know how the business or company operates fully so it's best to leave it alone.
10. Give your input.
Don't be afraid to speak up. Just because you might not be getting paid to be there, doesn't mean that you are not part of the team. In fact, you have a very important role! So give your feedback, ideas, and fresh edge!
11. Stay organized & informed.
This means keeping your workplace clean, knowing your meeting schedules, and staying up to date on any of the latest info. Obviously, don't let your internship consume your life. But keeping an eye on things can play to your advantage and show your dedication to the job.
