Internships: Building a Firm Foundation for Your Career

You’ve aced the interview, accepted the offer, and announced your internship on LinkedIn. Internships are exciting, and you’re eager to prove yourself in your new role. But as you prepare for your first day on the job, remember that this is the first step in a long career journey that will bring many opportunities.??

While you’re learning and growing your skillset, be sure to keep in mind the people you’re working with and aim to build lasting relationships as you collaborate and network. Whether you find yourself dreaming of a full-time position with your current company, or feel ready to move on to a new experience at the end of your internship, you never know when or how your path will cross again with those you encounter during this phase of your career.

Here are three key tips to keep in mind as you embark on your internship journey.

Keep Your Best Foot Forward

Your internship is your first impression with a company, and you want it to be a good one. Of course, you’ll be on top of your game on your first day, but consistently performing and looking for growth opportunities within your role will make a better impression than starting strong and tapering off as your internship goes on.

Build Relationships

The professional relationships you build now can help you further your career years down the road, so make sure that on top of learning and growing in your role, you’re focusing on building relationships. While your closest relationship may be those on your team, don’t limit yourself to just those you work with on a daily basis. Show initiative by requesting informational interviews with individuals in positions that interest you and ask them how they got where they are and for any advice they may have.?

Stay In Touch

Once you’ve completed your internship, the relationships you’ve built can benefit you long after you leave that role. I’ve seen candidates return to the company where they interned years later to take the next step in their careers by leveraging those early relationships. And it doesn’t have to be a formal check in with your former teams. Maintaining those relationships can be as simple as staying in touch on LinkedIn or even referring others for open positions.

Remember, your internship is an exciting start to a long career, and the people you meet now can help you along your way. By focusing on the people, as well as what you’re learning in your role, you’re setting yourself up for a successful internship, and a rewarding career journey.