Securing an internship is a great way to gain real-world experience in a field that interests you. Naturally, you want to succeed and make the best impression possible. But here’s the catch: if this is your first time in a professional environment, how can you know how to conduct yourself as an intern?
Whether it is a summer internship or part-time work experience during the academic year at college, this blog will help you avoid common pitfalls so you can bring your best self and focus on developing new skills, building networks, and forging a promising career path.
What to do as an intern
1. Research the company and its culture
You would be surprised by how many interns show up on their first day without having read beyond the company’s website homepage. Understanding the business you are working in is essential, but it is just as important to arrive knowing what to expect regarding the company’s unique culture and values.
Prior to your placement, be sure to ask about the office environment, including dress codes. Once you are there, observe how employees interact with one another and how decisions are made.
By understanding and embracing the company’s culture and values, you can better integrate yourself into the organisation and contribute effectively to your team and the company’s goals.
2. Set your own goals
As an intern, you will often receive a certain level of direction from your internship coordinator or main point of contact. But at the end of the day, your success is your responsibility, so it’s important not to depend on your supervisor’s input.
By setting clear and achievable goals, you can stay focused and motivated throughout your internship. Personal goals can include developing new skills, improving time management, or building relationships with new people.
Professional goals can include completing specific projects or tasks, acquiring industry knowledge, or gaining exposure to different departments within the company. Whatever your goals may be, the only way to achieve them is through hard work.
3. Network like there is no tomorrow
Your coworkers and supervisors should not be viewed as mere authority figures who assign you tasks. They are fountains of knowledge, and it is up to you to make the most of the learning experience available to you.
Building professional relationships during your internship as a college student can open doors to future opportunities and provide valuable career support and guidance.
Early on in your placement, spend some time identifying who in the company specialises in an area of interest to you. Then consider ways to network with that person. These will vary depending on the organisation you are working within, but here are some ideas to get you started:
- Attend company events: Participate in company meetings, workshops, social gatherings, and any events open to employees.
- Join professional networks: Connect with colleagues (perhaps even the CEO!) on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn.
- Engage with coworkers: Take the initiative to introduce yourself to people in different departments.
- Seek mentorship: Identify and reach out to potential mentors within the organisation.
- Be proactive: Volunteer for projects or tasks that allow you to work with different teams and departments.
In all cases, our top tip is to introduce yourself to coworkers with both your first name and last name. This will help you differentiate yourself within the organisation.
4. Ask questions
One of the best things about being an intern is that nobody expects you to be an expert. You are there to learn, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or admit when you don’t know something.
Asking questions shows your curiosity and eagerness to learn, and it can help you gain a better understanding of your tasks and responsibilities. Admitting ignorance allows you to seek guidance and expand your knowledge.
What not to do as an intern
1. Be late or unprofessional
Even if your internship is unpaid, it is still a valuable opportunity and should be treated as such. Arriving on time each morning (and for every meeting) and staying the entire day is one of the best ways to make a strong first impression, as it demonstrates that you respect your coworkers’ time and that you are committed to making the most of your placement.
The tasks you are assigned as an intern might not feel imperative. But you should still approach them as important work and complete them daily – even if they are as simple as making phone calls or sending an email. Avoid missing deadlines and certainly do not spend your day scrolling idly through social media – unless that is a task you have been set!
Additionally, maintaining a professional demeanour and appearance is essential. Dress appropriately, follow company policies, and maintain professional communication.
2. Settle for your assigned workload
Taking initiative and asking for more responsibilities is essential for standing out as an intern. While it is important to complete assigned tasks, making the effort to go above and beyond can showcase your dedication and work ethic.
Actively seek out opportunities to contribute and take on additional responsibilities. This can include volunteering for projects, offering to help colleagues, or suggesting improvements to current processes.
3. Forget to document your work
Internships can be a whirlwind experience. By the time you find your footing, your placement may come to its natural conclusion. Therefore, it is important to document each task you complete. Forgetting this step is likely the worst thing you can do as an intern!
Keeping a record of the projects you worked on, the tasks you completed, and any significant achievements or milestones will make it easier to show your contributions and progress during your internship. This will become especially useful when updating your resume, preparing for future interviews, or seeking recommendations.
4. Hesitate to ask for feedback
Seeking feedback on your performance is key to professional growth and development, yet many interns fail to do so. Regularly seeking feedback from your supervisors and colleagues shows your commitment to learning and improving in your role.
Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement. Remember to view feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack.
Conclusion
Embracing a growth mindset can go a long way, especially during an internship. This means staying open to learning new things, taking on new challenges, and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone.
The work you are assigned as an intern will not always be exciting, but it is important to resist the urge to slack off. Take your tasks seriously and always focus on the bigger picture.
Gathering feedback and taking it on board will help you improve your skills and performance. Immerse yourself in the workplace environment, take advantage of networking opportunities, and build relationships with colleagues. Finally, be proactive in seeking out more responsibilities beyond your assigned duties.
Keeping these tips in mind, you are now you are ready to maximise your internship experience. Best of luck!
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