Tips for the first day of your summer internship

Two weeks ago I was blessed with the opportunity to share the stage with other members of Dallas HR presenting to a group of Plano teenagers gearing up for their summer internship through the Plano Mayor's Internship program. 

We answered several questions related to the first day on the job. I have written up a little recap of my answers and offer it up to other interns diving into the professional world for the first time this summer. My hope is that your experience is an enjoyable one full of interesting learning opportunities. 

First day on the job, what do I wear and what do I bring? Do your homework. Ask your connection at the company before you start. If you are still unsure, spend some time at the office watching even if you have to just sit outside in the lobby. Just watch people coming and going. As far as what to bring, a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and gratitude for the opportunity. 

What does “dress to impress mean” and what is “business professional”? 93% of executives believe someone’s style at work influences his or her chance for promotion. Dress for the job you want. People shouldn’t judge you in the first 7 seconds of meeting you, but they do. If it's a poor judgment, you’ll spend the rest of your internship working to convince them otherwise. People do not like to admit they were wrong and that is what they’ll have to do if they make a poor judgment about you right off the bat. Oh and don't forget to shine your shoes. 

How important is it to be on time? And what do I do if I am running late? Punctuality is paramount. If you are early you are on time. If you are on time you are late, and if you are late your forgotten. Now, If you are late, own it. No excuses of why you are late. Simply take responsibility and apologize for being disrespectful and reassure your supervisor that it will not happen again. Also, it's better to call ahead and notify your supervisor that you will be late.

What are some do’s and don’ts of what to say and what NOT to say in the workplace? First and foremost keep it positive. Be someone whom people want to be around. Be a ray of sunshine in someone's day. Listen more than you talk. Ask questions and be sincerely interested in those around you. Steer clear of politics and religion. 

Small talk in the workplace-what is appropriate? Elanore Roosevelt said, "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." Don't get pulled into idle gossip about others. Ask questions about peoples goals, dreams, and aspirations. Ask about what others are reading. When in doubt talk about their pets. 

Filler words (i.e. ummmm, whatnot, awkward laugh) how do I avoid them? Be aware that you do it, then work on eliminating them. The key is awareness. Ask your friends or family if you use in filler words. They will know. One way that was mentioned was putting the filler words down on a sticky note and placing them around your office or room each time you notice yourself saying the word. Then once you go a whole day without the word remove one sticky note. By the time you have removed all the sticky notes, you will have eliminated the word from your speech.  

What is the best way to communicate at work? (Emailing versus calling versus texting versus face to face) Face-to-face when possible. Studies have shown that as much as 93% of communication is non-verbal. So whenever possible make it face-to-face. Of course, you will need to take cues from your audience. Knowing how someone best likes to receive communication is critical. When in doubt, ask. 

What is phone etiquette and how should phones be answered when picking up my work phone? Smile before answering and then clearly annunciate your name and department if relevant. 

What is the appropriate cell phone protocol in a work environment? Keep it on silent and stay off your phone. Be present and engaged. You will a learn a lot more if you engage with your co-workers and truly embrace the experience. You'll be tempted to keep your head down on your phone during breaks or lunch, but I challenge you to lift your head up and search for someone to visit with during these times. Part of your educational experience is engaging in conversations with those you might not otherwise have met. 

What is proper email etiquette? (i.e. abbreviations, emojis, “CC”, reply all, etc.) Avoid using texting shortcuts. Make sure your email is grammatically correct. The idea is to clearly communicate your message. What LOL to some means laugh out loud and to others, it means lots of love. 

What do you do when you are asked a question that you don’t know an answer to? State that you do not know the answer, and you will find out. Then respond when you have done so closing the communication loop. 

What is the appropriate way to act in a meeting? Be engaged and attentive. Be mindful of your body language and stay off your phone. Lean in and focus on the speaker. Smile and be an island of positivity. 

What is your best advice for working with other generations? Do some light research. Understand there is a difference and adapt your communications to fit the audience. Being prepared and your willingness to adapt to their needs will give you a leg up on your peers. 

How much of your personal life should you share with coworkers? Depends on where you work and the people you are working alongside. While some may ask, keep it very surface until a relationship has been developed. 

When I get a professional job how do I handle Facebook, Twitter, etc.? Remember that people will judge you by what they see online. Do not expect to keep them separate. If you want to be taken seriously, maintain a professional social presence.  

How is the best way to be respectful and courteous of others beliefs if I don’t agree with them? Acknowledge their value and seek to understand why they hold those beliefs. Show your ability to hold an idea fully in your mind without accepting it as your own. It will show your intelligence and create an opportunity for growth.  

It’s my first week on the job and I made a mistake, what do I do? Take responsibility for the mistake. Don’t make excuses and explain what you learned from the mistake and how you will act accordingly moving forward. 

I hope these tips help you on your journey this summer. If you know someone who could benefit from these tips be sure and share this article with them. If I missed something or you would like to share your own advice please feel free to drop them in the comments below.  

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Dave Quinn, CEcD is Chief Inspiration Officer for DaveQuinn247.com and President of Beingwell365 LLC., a corporate wellness company inspiring its members to live their personal best through a holistic human centric approach to corporate wellness. If you'd like to set up a time to visit with Dave about possible speaking engagements or to find out more about becoming a member of the Beingwell365 family click here to set up a 30-minute discovery call.

Dave is a passionate father & husband, encouraging others to be a positive influence in the world around them. As an economic development mastermind, wellness advocate and vision caster, he loves inspiring others through talks on Leadership, Wellness, Economic Development, and Personal Responsibility. Connect with him in the social media world: Twitter, Instagram, and others @DaveQuinn247.