An article named "Quintessential Careers Making the Most of your Internship(s)" had the top 12 tips for internship. I have listed the tips by my level of importance.
1. Set regular goals: It is important to have an
idea of the what you would like to contribute to a company, what you would like
to gain and how the challenge will be tackled. By accomplishing realistic goals
it helps build my confidence, which in turn allows me to take on more
responsibilities without the fear of failure.
2. Network, Network, Network: Has been proven to be
the most effective way to obtain opportunities, in particular job offers. Having connections with people are good,
because instead of chasing for a job with a resume, you have live profile in
peoples eyes. They can speak on your behalf by stating that you are trustworthy,
reliable, and likeable. This is an area I need to begin taking advantage if I
don’t want to continue being overlooked. I will take up more responsibilities
at work and make sure to join their social events.
3. Take Initiative: Companies love people who take
initiative because the person is reliable and takes on responsibilities that
are not assigned to them. It’s more convenient for pay off one person for two
peoples work load. I plan use my resources as much as possible in order to
complete duties, such as managers and supervisors.
4. Find a mentor: Mentors are vital in new
environments where there are high expectations. They can give you advice and
share their personal experiences on how they handled difficult situations. I
would find it helpful to have someone guide me through the hoops at the internship.
I will do it by inviting them to lunch, complement them on their strength, and
ask them if I could shadow them.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions: I have come to
understand that the companies that we will be placed don’t expect us to know
everything. Asking questions shows your interest in learning about their company’s
culture. I will use anyone available to answer the questions I have
(supervisor, colleagues, mentor).
6. Get as much exposure as possible: Like I had
mentioned before, getting to know the culture is important, by going into
different departments you could learn about their goal for the future. You can
take this information and do you own research and impress them when the chance
presents itself. Taking part of social events is another way you can expose
yourself on an intimate level with the people you work with. I’m will not rely
on being invited to learn more, If I can take a personal tour or research on
the company I will do so.
7. Have regular meetings with supervisor: Having
regular meetings with a supervisor is helpful to know where your strengths are
or where you need to improve in. We may not have a supervisor at all times, so
I will try to have meetings over email, or ask fellow colleagues if there is an
area I need to improve in.
8. Never Shun to learn more about your company:
Yes! Learning about the company is helpful for interns who are looking to make
a good impression and get a job offer. Like I had mentioned before use
employees, supervisors, personal observations of the environment, and the Internet
to do some research on the company. Companies want people who are eager to
learn about their achievements.
9. Tackle all tasks with enthusiasm: Showing enthusiasm is necessary where ever
you are when your reputation is at stake, even if you don’t take like the work
that is being given to you. People are more likeable when they have a positive
attitude. I view internship as a place where I will gain and polish my skills.
Even if a job does not come out of it, I can take the experience wherever I go.
10. Enjoy
yourself: So true! Don’t be uptight, obnoxious, or participating in romantic
relationships. Being annoying and having
an office romance can only create problems, so I will make sure to stay clear
of these options. You lose more energy being an uptight person who always taking
things seriously, in comparison to a person who has fun with their
responsibilities. I will definitely make
sure to enjoy internship; I don’t want to regret being too serious, because I
will only miss building relationships.
11. Avoid
negativity: There are many ways one can get noticed, whether it’s good or bad.
It is important to humble at the internship while doing the work with grace.
One should been seen for positive attitude not negative. It is important for me
to complete work while taking consideration that it is a opportunity that I
will not put to waste.
12. Leave with Tangible Accomplishments: This needs to be
the last tip to keep in mind because it has to do with all the accomplishments
one has build at internship, that will be placed in a resume or portfolio. One
important thing to keep in mind is not to burn bridges when you leave. I will take sure to take a journal and write
down my accomplishments in order not to forget.
