9 Career Takeaways from 9 Different Internships

If you're like most people, at one point in time you've been undecided about what you want? to? "be when you grow up." For me, that exploration continued right up until just a couple of years ago?,? when I transitioned my companies FindSpark & MCG Social from side project to full-time job -- ?complete ?with other full-time employees and interns of our own.

Now, I have my dream job -- to help others find their dream job and excel once they land it.

Before I figured it all out, throughout high school and college I explored my interests through lots of internships for a ?wide range of companies. Looking back, here are some major things I learned along the way:

(Note, these aren't in order of importance -- they are in the order I had them!)

Be Specific About What You Want & What You Do

Snooty Jewelry // Role: Intern

My first internship was at a vegan jewelry boutique. Unique and very specific, this spin gave Jeanine a story and community of people that picked her out of the noise.

Too often I hear people say that they'll "take any internship." It's way easier for people to help you and to get noticed when you're specific about your goals, the type of companies you want to work for and industries you're interested in.

Someone Needs to Clean the Bathrooms

Lost Nation Theater // Role: Marketing & Design Intern

This was a true small business experience, where I did everything from marketing and production to bathroom cleaning and replacing an actor in one of the shows. Of course, you want meaningful learning experiences as an intern beyond the stereotypical coffee fetching, but you also have to be willing to roll your sleeves up. Doing so with a smile is how you'll become indispensable.

Supervisors are Mentors

Club Loaded // Role: Design Intern

Club Loaded books shows at venues around Long Island and New York City. As a Junior in college, I had the goal of being a designer for bands, so this was a dream role for me. I was able to work closely with their main designer, Liz Degen, and got valuable direct feedback on my work, even when it was hard to swallow. Although I was never a very good designer, my work always got better after her feedback.

Your supervisors want to help and guide you, but you can't always wait for it. Be proactive about reaching out for advice and mentorship.

Hang Out with Your Team

The Knitting Factory & Partisan Records // Role: Design Intern

At this internship I created graphics for the label?'?s bands and properties. This included ?event posters and designing MySpace pages (yup!). I learned a lot about the music business, and a lot of that learning happened while hanging out during lunch, at shows, or out on the roof during smoke breaks (I'd go even though I don't smoke).

Never turn down an opportunity to spend time with your colleagues outside the office, especially when you're new.

Do What Makes You Uncomfortable

+1 Music // Role: Intern

I was a general intern at this record label and PR firm, and did everything from CD mailings to press clips to helping at events. One event was the National Air Guitar Championships?.? I was asked the day of the event if I like to drive, and immediately replied "Nope!" -- I hadn't driven since high school. Unfortunately, they were strapped for time and hands, and still asked if I would take the CEO's car and pickup supplies for the event.

Luckily, I had studied my Not for Tourists map of Williamsburg many times on my commute to work, so even thought I was anything but thrilled to drive, I ended up doing it anyway and pretty much saved the event. Because of that (amongst other things), at one point, the CEO told me I was the best intern.

When you're uncomfortable because you don't think your skills are sharp enough to accomplish the task, use the opportunity as a chance to grow!

Be Accountable

Time Out New York // Role: Marketing & Events Intern

B?y far my favorite internship experience, I worked on a team of interns all under the same supervisor. My endless enthusiasm for any task created a wonderful cycle of getting bigger and better assignments. I came on to do Marketing & Events, and ended up assisting with graphics and even got some of my work published. One of my big projects was working on wrap reports for event sponsors, which taught me the importance of showing your sponsors and partners how they benefited from being connected to what you involved them in.

Personally, working on wrap reports made me realize the importance of delivering on what you say you can do and exceeding expectations.

Use Social Media Shamelessly

Gawker // Role: Design, Video, and Social Media Intern

During my internship?,? I vividly remember my boss saying, ?"?if only there was a way to schedule tweets so we don't have to post live during the event.?"? We did a quick search and found this fancy thing called Hootsuite. We were pushed to promote the content we made through our personal accounts, and it was through this role ?that I started to develop what is now my expertise in social media.

You should be proud of what you do, what you've accomplished, and talk about what you're interested in. I find people are too worried about what others think. Do what works for you, and the followers will follow.

Determine the Culture You Thrive In

Flavorpill // Role: Design Intern

Although I was only at Flavorpill for a short time, I really enjoyed the culture and team atmosphere. You could tell the team was close knit, and from day one they made sure I was introduced to everyone through gatherings like their team lunches and "what's going on the weekend" and stretch breaks. To this day they still send me invites to their bigger team events every now and again.

Every culture is different, and it's important to take note of what sort of environment you'll do your best work in.

Stay in Touch

RecordSetter // Role: Social Media & Design Intern

I was offered an internship at RecordSetter right as I got my first job. Instead of turning it down, I took it on as freelance work. I worked with their team for over a year through virtual work and assisting at events. When they were ready to hire their first community manager, they came to me and scooped me out of my job at Sterling Publishing.

You never know when opportunities will open at places you've worked in the past, so make the effort to follow up and keep in touch with colleagues and supervisors.

I'm still in touch with at least one person from all these past internships, and have even had the pleasure of collaborating with some of them through FindSpark and MCG Social.

What have been your biggest takeaways from past internships? I love to hear! Share in the comments!

I wrote this post as part of the Hustle Summit Prep Series. Hustle Summit (by FindSpark) is the most epic networking event you'll ever attend. Join me to meet top NYC companies like HBO, L'Oréal, BuzzFeed, Grey, & more on Friday, July 17th: https://bit.ly/1BHxVDL

This post was written as part of the #Interning series, which is tied to LinkedIn’s new student editorial calendar. Follow the stories here or write your own.