Advice to Interns, From Interns

Internships have become a staple to the college experience, as a greater number of colleges and universities are requiring them before graduation. They are also a key ingredient to gaining the proper experience to enter the workforce and hit the ground running as a new graduate. However, it can be hard to navigate this uncharted territory if you've never been there before; that's why we asked the AppleOne/All's Well Orlando Interns to give their best advice! Here's Lindsay Gehring, Cody Panasuk, and Tiffany Burzynski's best advice for future interns:

What have you learned during your experience as an intern?

Lindsay, our Business Development Intern for All's Well, said she learned how to talk to clients and people of authority. This is hard to navigate if you have no experience, so gaining that confidence is a game changer. She also learned to draft professional correspondence, such as emails, and how to present herself more professionally.

Cody, our Business Development Intern for AppleOne Technical, gave a similar sentiment. He learned how to represent himself in a professional environment (i.e. drafting emails, talking to clients and candidates). Being a young, emerging professional and being able to properly present yourself as such will put you ahead of other peers graduating who haven't had this type of exposure.

Tiffany, our Recruiting Intern for AppleOne, completely agreed with Lindsay and Cody, but also added that she's learned a lot personally as well. She said the skills she gained and practiced while interning will aid her not only in her professional life, but also her personal life and relationships with people around her.

What are you most proud of?

Lindsay is most proud of going on client visits, having something to say and actually being listened to and taken seriously. Too often this generation is thought to not have anything of value or anything to bring to the table, and Lindsay is excited by the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong.

Cody is also proud of having attended a client visit that he helped to set up, as well as helping the company to save money. Being able to contribute to the bottom line and making a tangible impact is a rewarding experience (hint: tangible facts about your contributions look excellent on your resume!).

Tiffany is most proud of participating in contributing new ideas during brainstorming with seasoned Account Executives. Being given the opportunity to sit in on important discussions and to play a part in the ideas being decided on is such a valuable experience when entering the workforce post-graduation.

What is your one piece of advice for other interns?

Lindsay's main piece of advice is to have an open mind, work hard, and take the initiative to go the extra mile. Companies look for self-starters who don't have to have their hand held; showing your company you are that person puts you a step ahead of the game. It will pay off!

Cody adds to learn from everything, your mistakes and your successes. The main purpose of an internship is to learn as much as you can. Remember it's okay to not know something, just be honest and take it as an opportunity to learn!

Tiffany's advice is to be open to as much as possible. Everyone has their own fears and reservations, but this is the time to try to put those aside, or even overcome them; take advantage of that opportunity!