Odds are, at some point in your high school or college career, you’ll work in some kind of internship. And for good reason- internships help you learn about potential careers, grow your network and can even maybe lead to full-time employment. While interning, it’s important to always put your best foot forward and work hard to impress your co-workers. Use these tips to help you maximize the return on your internship experience.
- Be on time- Get to work or any kind of meeting early, or at the very least on time. Don’t leave early and stay until your work is done. If you’re given a deadline, meet it or get in early. Showing co-workers you understand how important timeliness makes them realize you’re mature and responsible.
- Get to know your colleagues- While interning, you have unprecedented access to professionals in that field. Use their knowledge! Ask them to lunch or coffee. Typically, people working at the company will be more than happy to share their expertise and advice for someone just starting out. Just make sure to prepare questions so there aren’t any awkward pauses.
- Raise your hand– Along with reaching out to higher-ups, interns should also not be afraid to ask to shadow someone else or in a different department. As an intern, managers realize your need to get exposure to all different sides of the business. Also, learning about different areas of the business may make you realize you like a different area better. Interns are expected to soak up as much new information as possible, so don’t be afraid to raise your hand and try something new.
- Be positive and work hard– It’s no surprise that sometimes intern’s duties can be mundane. Instead of complaining or blowing off a-what may seem basic assignment, put in the effort and do your work in the best, most efficient manner possible. Also, make sure whatever document you’re working on is easy to read and pleasing to the eye. Also, don’t let little assignments get you down. Have a good attitude, put in the hard work, and odds are more responsibilities will come your way.
- Ask for feedback– Sit down with your manager periodically throughout your internship in order to get an honest review of your performance so far. Make note of both the positives and negatives, and don’t make excuses for your mistakes. Instead, ask your manager for advice on how to avoid that mistake the second time around. Truly listening and absorbing what your colleague has to say will not only make you better at your job, it will also make you stand out to your manager as someone who is eager to learn and improve.
Internships are a great way to learn about an industry and to learn how to work with others, but these five tips will really help you learn as much as possible. On top of that, using this advice will help you stand out as a more serious, responsible candidate ready to take on more opportunities.
By: Maddie Ballard
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