This summer I've ventured to Kansas City, MO to intern with the training specialist at the USDA building in the APHIS department. Being an intern for the U.S. government is a lot different than any other internships/jobs I've had, however, there are 5 tips that I've only sharpened while being here that I believe will be helpful for any intern going forward.
1. Show up to work Early.
Nothing says that you're enthusiastic about your job than showing up early. Don't be that person strolling in as the shift starts. Also, always greet those working in the office with you. Being to work before your boss is even better, because your boss will feel like even though you're paid a fraction of what they are to be at the job you do care about what you do and there's some passion there.
2. Come to the job with an open mind.
I personally thought government jobs would be very strict and boring; however by being willing to put my preconceived notions aside I've been able to learn a lot and display my skills. Everybody has an opinion about their experiences. The best way to truly capture the essence of something is just to go see things for yourself. Be willing to do things on the job that you've never done before and do it with a purpose.
3. Accept invites to socializing outside of work.
While there are lots of things to learn at the job, there are just as many things to learn when work is over. If your supervisor or their co-workers invite you out it is a good idea to accept the offer and pick their brain apart while letting them get to know you. Outside of the office, you may get a chance to highlight skills that you couldn't at work that could propel you into a full-time career with the company as a result. The people in the office are potential co-workers so it doesn't hurt to at the very least be semi-familiar with them and cordial.
4. Don't get too comfortable.
You will likely see the lazy workers that get away with slacking off on the job or taking many personal calls, but remember: YOU ARE NOT THEM. You still need to prove yourself, and by behaving like other workers from a negative standpoint, you are not showing what you can bring to the company. Don't take any unannounced breaks, personal phone calls, or engage in heavily controversial conversations. Politics/religion are two of the popular topics that you should avoid at all costs when they are being discussed; this is your time to listen and not be heard.
5. Take charge when necessary in order to make the most of the experience.
If your supervisor has you doing tasks that aren't teaching you anything such as stapling papers or licking envelopes, don't be afraid to tell/show them what else you're capable of. If your boss talks about a project that they don't have time to complete and you have the skill set to do so, don't be afraid to make that known. If you don't know how to do the required work, ask questions and learn that new skill so that you can have it for the future. Remember, while the supervisor may have an intern to help them, its just as important that you as the intern are helped by your supervisor so that maybe one day you too can be a supervisor.
Internships are really all that you make them and simply being an intern without following tips such as these is essentially pointless. Being an intern is a lot like being Dennis Rodman of the 1990's dynasty Chicago Bulls. Rodman didn't score much but he did all the dirty work. The rebounding, physicality, and great defense are what eventually made him both a champion and a Hall of Famer. As an intern, you should do any and everything to help your team win and maybe just one day you'll be a different piece of the puzzle like Michael Jordan or Scottie Pippen.
