TLC 055: How To Maximize Your Summer Internship
Welcome! Today, reflect on the opportunities you have in front of you!
TL;DR
This summer I am launching a Book Club with a catch!
I want to create a space where people can gain insights from some of the world’s most well-recognized books while discussing actionable applications.
The community will provide accountability for those who need it. But others who simply want to hang out and learn can do so as well.
Interested? https://tally.so/r/nrlAKR
Securing a Summer internship is hard enough. You must find the opportunity, network, craft the perfect resume, apply, go through the interview process, etc.
This process can be draining but ultimately can result in a huge win. Now that you have the opportunity, the only question that should concern you is:
“How do I make the most of this opportunity?”
To answer this question, we’ll look at 3 advanced strategies to ensure you maximize your opportunity.
I call them advanced not because they are complex but because if you implement them, you’ll instantly create a gap between you and your counterparts.
1. The Feedback Loop
I believe this is the most important thing. When you arrive, you want to establish a fast and fluid feedback loop.
What is a feedback loop?
Simply put, a feedback loop is a conversation between two things. As one collects information from the other, their results have a better chance of improving or failing. The output from one action informs the input for the next.
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The unique thing in this context is you can create an efficient loop on your own.
What does this loop like?
Your manager may be great, or they may be terrible. Either way, you can control how often and to what extent you ask for feedback on your work.
Most interns assume that no feedback is a sign of good work. Where you will separate yourself is in how well you show a desire to improve at every stage.
2. Network Up, Down, and All-Around
No one could understand how every interaction impacts various stages of their lives. Someone you meet this summer may be a partner or crucial relationship for you in the future. So, you should make your best effort to network with as many people as you can handle.
These interactions don’t need to be formal and stiff, but rather, make an effort to ask at least one meaningful question to those you are working with and working around.
Sample Questions:
Up (managers, supervisors):
Down/All-Around (peers, younger interns)
3. Document Progress
This includes tasks, responsibilities, and achievements throughout your internship. Yes, you will ultimately gain resume bullets from this experience. But documenting specifics as they happen is an excellent strategy for self-reflection.
This translates into articulating your skills and accomplishments in future interviews and establishing credibility as a working professional.
Be Great,
EY Student Leader at the School of Management | Recent Uniqlo GMP U.S. Rep | RSM Excellence Academy Scholar | Photographer | Binghamton University
6 个月Documenting progress is probably the biggest thing I resonate with ?? even doing this during any experience in your life - most importantly I like doing it after challenging yourself to something new
HR Coordinator @ MetaPhy Health \\ I Empower Emerging Talent to Obtain their Dream Job through Career Development \\ MT|SHRM College Relations Team \\ UTK & MTSU Alumni
6 个月Internships offer you value depending on how much you put in. The same applies to college degrees. I hope lots of upcoming summer interns see this, Jerah!