Creating A Meaningful Internship

So, you got the internship - now what? 

It’s easy to forget that we need to put in as much effort into the internship itself, as we did into getting the offer.

When I landed my first internship, I thought that was it. Once I accepted the offer, all I had to do was show up at the office and do my job. But there’s so much more to internships, especially if you want to make the most of them. 

Common misconception: Internships are just like jobs.

I’ve had four internships during my undergraduate career, including my current role at LinkedIn. It wasn’t until my second internship, at Clari, when I found out how much more effort I needed to put in if I really wanted to reap the benefits.

I utilized my business school resources, my mentors, my network, and the internet to help me succeed. Since then, I’ve adopted a few techniques and thought processes to guide me.

Below, I’ve shared 11 Steps to help you make the most of the internship that you worked so hard to attain.

Before:

1.) Do your research 

• On the role: Refer to the job summary and reach out to your recruiter or hiring manager for more details on the specific work you’ll be doing, your expectations, and any other questions you have (ie. What type of clothes should you wear? What time should you arrive?).
• On the company: Use the company website to find out their org structure, products, target market, news, and more. 

2.) Set goals 

• Anyone you talk to will ask you what the goals and intentions of your internship experience are. Make sure you have a clear motivation and communicate this to people so they can help you get there! People are willing to help you, but they can’t do so if they don’t know what you want. 

During: 

3.) Keep a journal 

Include in your journal:

• Lessons & skills learned
• Questions 
• Reflections (at multiple checkpoints)
• Details of all your projects
• A record of everyone you speak with

4.) Communicate with your boss

• Be open and honest with your boss, and start the relationship strong. Be prepared with your goals, meaningful questions, and what you’re looking for in the Hiring Manager-Intern relationship. 
• If you don’t already have them, make sure to schedule frequent (at least once a week) check-ins so you can stay updated on your expectations.

5.) Find your ‘person’

• Whether it’s a mentor, buddy, or friend - formal or informal - make sure you have someone that you trust in the organization to go to with any questions.

6.) Network your a** off 

• Your network is one of the few things that will last years after your internship. Make sure to connect with everyone you can, no matter their position - you never know how you could help each other down the road!

7.) Have fun! 

• It’s not just a job, it’s an experience meant to help you learn, grow, and discover what you want to do for your career. Playing ping pong (or virtual games!) with your fellow interns is just as important as finalizing your project on time. 

After:

8.) Ask for recommendations 

• Ask anyone you directly reported to for a recommendation to carry with you throughout your career. It shows initiative and gives you a personalized ‘stamp of approval’ for your future endeavors.

9.) Update your LinkedIn profile & resume 

• During and after your internship, it’s important to keep these updated with the necessary skills you’ve learned. You can record them in your journal and transfer them over periodically.

10.) Say thank you!

• Thank your hiring manager, mentor(s), colleagues, or anyone that highly impacted your internship with an email or handwritten note. They go a long way!

11.) Stay connected with your colleagues

• Make sure to nurture the relationships you create during your internship. In order to stay in touch, you should add anyone you speak to or work with to stay up-to-date with each others’ careers. 
• Create a regular cadence in which you talk with your mentor and/or hiring manager (every 2 months, once a quarter, etc.) to maintain your relationship. 

Remember:

You’re not just an intern

• You deserve to be there just as much as everyone else in the organization. Utilize everything there is to offer, and don’t be afraid to ask anything.

Treat everyday like it’s an interview

• Because, essentially, it is a looooong interview for a full-time offer. Be professional, polite, honest, and always bring your A-game. Strive to create a lasting professional impression every day of your internship.

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Summary

It is essential to put effort into your internship...

• Before - do your research and set goals.
• During - communicate, network, and keep records.
• After - nurture your relationships.

Internships are just as much of a learning experience as they are a job. If you put in the work to learn about yourself, your future, and your career, you can create a meaningful internship that will set you up for success. 

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Natasha Badger is in the Sales & Marketing industry, and has a passion for helping students succeed. To send her a message or see her other work please visit her profile.