Here's how you can navigate relationship-building pitfalls during an internship.

Take the initiative to schedule brief meetings with colleagues during your first few weeks. These interactions will help you get to know your team and gain insights into unspoken expectations and valuable information that might not be apparent. Also, approach each workday with high emotional intelligence. Consistently demonstrating EQ in your interactions will aid in establishing rapport. Moreover, fostering positive relationships can be as simple as maintaining a positive sense of humor, ensuring it's never at the expense of others. Research indicates that happy employees are more productive, contributing to a positive work environment. Remember, laughter is beneficial not just for the soul but also for creating a vibrant workplace!

By going the extra mile and consistently striving to be helpful interns can build strong, positive relationships that will benefit them throughout their career. Be Proactive: Don't wait for tasks to be assigned to you. Identify areas where you can contribute and offer your assistance. This shows initiative and a willingness to take on responsibility. Exceed Expectations: Aim to deliver more than what is asked of you. Whether it's completing tasks ahead of schedule or providing additional insights, going beyond the basic requirements demonstrates your commitment to excellence. Consistently meet deadlines and fulfill your commitments. Your colleagues will appreciate your dependability and view you as a reliable team member.

When asking for feedback, think about what specific areas you'd like to improve to get more helpful advice. Find a good time to talk to your supervisor or mentor so they can give you their full attention. Come prepared with focused questions about your performance or a particular project to get actionable tips. Always remember to thank them for their feedback as this shows that you value their input. It also reinforces a supportive environment and demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth.

Staying open to feedback is humbling but it’s one of the best ways to continue to learn and grow. It’s difficult to self assess our own blind spots - feedback provides this. Being mentored in a safe environment is key. A great question I heard was - What does it look like to be on the other side of me?

Regularly seeking feedback rather than waiting for formal performance reviews or final evaluations at the end of the semester can help you make continuous improvements and demonstrate your proactive attitude. Also, set benchmarks and always follow up on the feedback received by showing gratitude, implementing suggestions, and sharing your progress, reinforcing the value you place on their input.

Networking can open up new opportunities not only for your career but also for personal growth. I think it's essential to stay open to new experiences, attend events, and engage in discussions during breaks. By participating in these events, you can meet potential future colleagues or even discover the company of your dreams. Based on my experience I expanded my horizons and built connections during the events.

With the rise of remote work, it's crucial for interns to understand both the explicit and implicit expectations. Adhere to Deadlines: Ensure you meet all deadlines and join meetings on time. Engage on Video: Keep camera on and actively participate in discussions. Ensure your Zoom background is professional—avoid distracting settings like moving beach scenes, etc. Keep pets from wandering in front of the camera. Mind Your Meeting Etiquette: Just as you wouldn’t eat breakfast or lunch during an in-person meeting, refrain from doing so during virtual meetings. If no one else is eating, neither should you. AI: Embrace AI to enhance your productivity. As an intern, you can play a role in bridging AI competency gaps within the workplace.