Here's how you can develop crucial skills during an IT Operations internship.

Learning daily in your IT operations internship is crucial to succeeding. One way I found to learn every single day when it came to my IT operations internship was to study and learn vocabulary words and phrases that were commonly being thrown around and team meetings and on our discussion boards

Solving problems is often a much more effective motivator than anything else, so look for problems that need solving. As an intern, you have a fundamental advantage in that you can look at systems and processes from a fresh perspective, hence it's often easier to find problems than your think. Some of the problems you find may be minor irritations for the existing team, something they work around without noticing, but the impact of solving them can be significant.

Growth is not a comfortable experience, so you should be feeling uncomfortable most of the time if you are to make the best use of the internship! This doesn't mean you have to be constantly frustrated and struggling, but if you are finding it easy, you're not pushing yourself hard enough.

The key is to listen - you will be surrounded by people with varying levels of experience and you have a great opportunity to learn. Another tip is to assume there is a good reason why things are done a particular way. It's easy to annoy colleagues if you come across as criticising the way they work. Instead of asking the question "why do you do XXX", phrase it "I was trying to understand this process a little better, could you help me?".

During your IT operations internship, it's essential to prioritize building technical skills like troubleshooting and system administration, alongside soft skills such as effective communication and problem-solving. Remember, dedicating time to self-learning, especially during busy periods, is vital. Keep these tips in mind as you embark on your journey in IT operations.

Although it isn't essential, many people find a home lab is a very effective way to grow your skills. An environment you can break and fix numerous times will avoid you learning lessons the hard way. It also shows you are owning your career and taking initiative, so a win-win. Try asking colleagues for advice on the best tools or products to deploy at home.

Start by familiarizing yourself with IT infrastructure and operations management principles. Gain practical experience by shadowing experienced professionals and taking on tasks independently. Enhance your critical thinking skills by troubleshooting issues and proposing solutions. Practice clear and concise communication with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration. Learn to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines efficiently to handle multiple responsibilities.Be open to learning new technologies and methodologies to adapt to the ever-evolving IT landscape. Request feedback from mentors and supervisors to identify areas for improvement and track your progress.