My major requires me to take a few paid internships prior to graduation, and, as the title implies, I took an internship that I deemed boring within my first two weeks of being there. However, by the end of my summer, I had taken away quite a bit from my dip into (true) adulthood:
1.) What looks good on paper isn’t always good in reality
Remember that Prince lyric, “all that glitters ain’t gold”? Well, when looking for an internship, that applies true to form. I took an internship from a company at my school’s career fair and while I wouldn’t say I was “deceived”, the job itself was very different from the sell.
Takeaway: Be picky about where you choose to accept a job when launching your career. Take an office tour if possible before committing!
2.) The job description MATTERS
I know that sounds obvious, like, “duh, I can clearly see this does (or does not) fit my skills”, but as a student in college without a lot of funds to throw around and a graduation requirement you may feel the need to bend the criteria a bit…just don’t. Now, obviously in some circumstances things will have to change, but if you can help it, be a snob about the job! An entire co-op feels wasted if you’re not doing what you want to do in the future.
Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to say no. You spent a lot of money to get the degree in the field you want so be a little strict.
3.) The office environment makes allllllll the difference
Seems simple enough, “shoot for the stars”. In 2016, there are so many VAST types of companies that look different from most even 10 years ago. If you want to work at a Google-esque place, go for it! If you want a Dunder Mifflin, that’s cool too! But do not think because you are in a certain line of work you have to be at a company that may not express your personality.
Takeaway: Find your fit and be honest about where you see yourself working. Your last resort should not be your first choice
4.) If you don’t like it there, don’t just quit.
That sounds crazy coming from me, but I had an internship with a very traditional, humdrum workplace and while the setting did not fit me AT ALL, I did not quit…and I’m glad I stuck it out! Everything you do in life, as well as all experiences, shapes you into the person you are destined to be. It sounds romanticized, but all in all I think I made the right decision, even though it wasn’t the company for me.
Takeaway: Perseverance, ‘nuff said.
5.) No matter the case, be the best
This applies to any and all situations when adulting, and that means from 18 and on. Have a crappy job? Be the best worker there. Have to take classes with a bad lecturer? Be the most exemplary student in class. This is a crucial way to live your life especially when faced with adversity, because at the end of the day, no matter the situation and no matter the outcome, you can only control YOU. Clemson students are awesome but we can’t force anyone to view things from our perspective or behave how we’d like them to. It’s hard to remember that when you’re stuck at a table on the other side of someone’s desk staring at a grey wall with no windows for 8+ hours a day, 7 days a week, but hey…at least I HAVE a job. (Btw that was my situation this summer….yeah.)
Takeaway: Every interaction counts so make them all epitomize you at your best. We all slip up, don’t fret, just be better next time.
There are probably 127 more things I could tell you to help you land the best co-op ever but I will leave you with this: the right resources, the proper connections, and the necessary preparation will make it easy to work for the right company for you. Trust me, I’ve had two internships thus far and one of them was my dream company, dream job, awesome perks, great location, etc. It is possible and it is probable! When looking for internships don’t slack off and start early! Happy hunting!