Advice for First-Time Interns

Ronica,

This summer I will be taking on my first internship. What should I do to make a great first impression and take the most from the experience?

-Working Woman

Working Woman,

Planning ahead and taking time to think about your goals before you start your internship is a key to success. Internships are a crucial part of making the most of your time in college and will help you land your dream job upon graduation. Use these tips to make the most out of your internship.

Do your homework: Before you start your internship, research the company, the department and the people you will be working with. Understand the company’s history and purpose. Identify what you would like to learn at the internship and be able to articulate that to your boss and co-workers. Even if they cannot give you all of the opportunities you would like, they will see that you are motivated and focused on long-term goals.

Dress for Success & Don’t Be Late: So perhaps you stroll into your Monday morning lectures 15 minutes late, dressed in sweat pants with a non-fat latte. You might get away with this at school, but this cannot be the norm at your internship. Before your first day, ask what the dress code is at your company. If all full-time employees wear suits, you will probably be expected to wear a suit as well. You can find great deals on suits and blazers at discount stores like Loehmann's and TJMaxx. Even if casual clothes are permitted, never wear tank-tops, flip-flops or ripped clothing. If all full-time employees get to work at 8:30 a.m., you should too. If everyone leaves at 6:30 p.m., you should always ask to stay and help until the last person leaves. You must set yourself to the same standards as everyone else. If you show that you can handle the job of a full-time employee, others will believe you can as well.

Network: In the job market it is not only about what you know but also who you know. Take time during your internship to meet as many of the employees as possible. Ask questions and ask for advice. The key to successful networking though is keeping the people you meet at your job in your life once the internship is over. Stay in touch with your mentors and continue to reach out to them once the internship is complete. Having these resources will help you when you are looking for full time employment. Even if there isn’t an opportunity at the company where you interned, your network might be able to connect you with people in their network at other companies. Remember to pass on the advice, mentorship and connections once you are in a place to help others.

I hope these simple tips help you prepare for your internship. Have some tips I didn’t mention? Feel free to post a comment or email me at AskRonica@Gmail.com.