How to fall in love with your internship?

Buckle up because your internship isn't just about coffee runs and photocopying documents – it's a journey to discover your inner workplace personality. We're here to spill the tea on how to make your internship not just a checklist item but a useful and fun adventure. So, grab your notepad and let's dive into the secrets of falling head over heels for your internship!

1.?????? Get to know your team

Introduce yourself to everyone in your department. Try to have contact with each person and get a sense of what they do. You never know when someone else in the company is doing something that might interest you later down the line. You may not want to work for the company in the future, but you will definitely want to get a recommendation from them. After all, the people you meet in this setting could become friends, professional contacts and possible mentors for years to come.

Here are some icebreakers that can get you started:

-????????? What’s something you believed earlier in your career but think about differently now?

-????????? What’s the best piece of advice you wish you’d received, at the beginning of your career?

-????????? What skills do you think will be most relevant in this field over the next few years?

2.?????? Set clear goals & expectations

It’s always a good idea to meet with your supervisor at the beginning of the internship to find out their expectations. If your supervisor doesn’t set a meeting with you, you should ask for some time to meet. What are you expected to accomplish every day? Every week? Keep in mind what your own goals are for your internship and what you would like to learn. Discuss your interests with your supervisor and ask if there are opportunities to get involved in those areas. By setting specific goals with your employer, you’ll gain structure and meaning for your internship while also avoiding unnecessary frustration or conflict.

3.?????? Don’t be afraid to ask

If it’s appropriate, ask to sit in on meetings or shadow other employees so you can learn the ins and outs of the business. This also shows interest and professionalism. Asking questions will not only give you an understanding of how something needs to be done but why it needs to be done as well. It will put your tasks in context, and you’ll feel a bigger sense of accomplishment because of it. Don’t be afraid of asking a question that you might think is dumb. At the end of the day, your co-workers and colleagues would much rather help you learn how to complete a task correctly than having to go back and fix it for you because you wouldn’t ask for advice.

4.?????? Be open to feedback

Every so often, ask your manager how you're performing. What are you doing well? What could you be doing differently? What could you do better? Are you meeting the goals of the organization? By asking these questions, you'll make it easy for them to give you input that will help you grow. Once you have received feedback, try to apply these new behaviors immediately so that your manager is able to see that you are open to feedback and willing to better yourself.

5.?????? Under-promise & over-deliver

Always follow through whenever you agree to complete a task! If you feel like you can’t deliver on your promises, communicate that to your supervisor (on time). Explain why and what your next steps will be. Learning how to prioritize responsibilities can help avoid situations where you may underdeliver. Over time, by completing your assigned and accepted tasks, you will gain a reputation for being dependable.

6.?????? Take initiative

Being an intern doesn’t mean sitting back and waiting to be told exactly what to do. In fact, a good internship program will encourage you to take initiative, too. By taking initiative, you are demonstrating your self-confidence, motivation, determination and work ethic. However, taking initiative doesn’t mean working however you choose, it does mean that you should initiate solutions to problems. Being proactive and developing trust in your own judgment will help you become a star intern and get the most out of the experience.

7.?????? Think long term

It might seem obvious, but being an intern is nothing like being in the classroom. It’s your first chance to test the knowledge and skills you’ve been building in school while learning and adapting to a real-world environment. An internship will tell you a lot about where you might want to go with your career. Having this experience and information will help you think long term and adjust your plans and goals for the future. Unfortunately, not all internships are created equally, and you may not find any passion for the projects that you work on. Don’t think of that as a failure or a waste of time. Instead, see it as a learning experience and an eye-opener on what you don’t want for your career.

8.?????? Stay in touch

Not every internship will result in a job offer right away. If you liked the company and the work you did for them, it’s a good idea to stay in touch so that when an opportunity does open up, you will be top of mind. As your internship ends, send personalized thank you notes or emails to the people you’ve worked with. Mention projects you worked on together, express your gratitude for their guidance and give them your personal contact information.

Here's some inspiration for your thank you notes:

-????????? “I appreciate all the experience and knowledge I have gained during my internship …”

-????????? “I would like to stay in touch …”

BONUS TIP: Follow the company on social media. If you see a new job at the company that interests you, reach out to your contacts before you apply. They may be able to refer you to the position or give you insights for a better application.

?Alright, now you know that you're not just clocking in, but you're leveling up your professional game. Remember, it's not just about surviving but thriving. So, go on, be the workplace star and say "yes" to those opportunities. Cheers to conquering work life and adulthood! When the experience is over, don’t forget to update your resume with your latest accomplishment. Best of luck in your internship and beyond! ???? #InternshipGoals

PS: If you have big plans for your internship, and want to take it to the next level, make sure you read our previous blog Five steps to finding the best international internships in 2023 | Hays !