This summer (yes, even though I only have freshman year under my belt) I was “the intern." I may have come in nervous and a bit intimidated, but I left feeling inspired, having reaffirmed that this is what I want to do with my life- to be a professional journalist.
Here are a few things that I learned on the job, and what worked for me to have such a successful experience.
Think About the Future
A large part of an internship is experience, right? Use your time this summer in the office to ask yourself, “Can I see myself doing this as a job, or even more, for the rest of my working life?” If so, congrats, but it may not be so, and that is totally okay. Also, remind yourself that just because your have a frustrating or boring day doesn’t mean that you aren’t cut out of the job.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
I think one of the times that I impressed my boss the most was when I suggested writing an article about something challenging (hello, John Kasich’s presidential candidacy announcement). I knew that if I didn’t say something, or even ask if another staff member was covering the event, I would have regretted not taking the opportunity, so I took it. The result? I got to feel like a real journalist covering history happening in my very own great state of Ohio. At your internship, it is so important to try to push yourself past what you think you may be capable of- you will probably surprise yourself if you do!
But Don’t Get Too Comfortable
I think that one thing that I am the happiest with about the turnout of my internship was the professional nature that I tried to maintain, especially with taking feedback and how I conducted myself in the newsroom. Make sure that you respect deadlines if your internship has them, and remind yourself that no matter how cool your superior seems, they are still your bosses and therefore require more respect than friends. Make sure that you are prompt, dressed professionally and put-together, and always remind them that you are there to help and not to create more work.
Always Be Aware of your Actions
People in the office are watching you. And, they take notice when you do both good and bad things. They also are more than capable of telling your boss that you are doing something right or wrong when he or she isn't looking, so act as though everyone in the office is also capable of giving you a bad report or grade, but also is capable of being the person you want to hire you in the future- in a newsroom, this is 100 percent possible!
Try to See Possible Mentors/ Examples in Your Boss
I know mine was (and has been since before my internship) to me. In my editor, I see someone that I want to become- someone with balance in their lives, someone who still loves their craft, regardless of the craziness, and above all, wants to keep the newsroom a place where girls like me can start to realize their dreams coming true before their eyes.
