As someone who never knew anyone who worked in the corporate world, it was definitely a shock to me. It was exciting, but also overwhelming at times. If you’re in the same position, this is your ultimate guide to having a great first summer internship.
Dress to Impress (on a budget)
Many offices require business casual, but sometimes it can be hard to discern what’s too much and what’s too little.
H&M has great basics for a low price. I personally rotated between two pairs of work pants and a couple of sweaters, pairing them with simple collared shirts. Keeping your outfits clean, simple and consistent goes a long way in making a good impression.
Don’t Be nervous
It’s completely normal to feel nervous at first, but confidence grows with time. The key is to show up prepared and ready to learn. Don’t be phased if you make a mistake at first or need something to be explained again.
Plan your Routine
No one likes the coworker who’s always late and leaves early. Plan your day based on your work hours to be ready, on time and make a great impression with your superiors.
Learn Professional Email Etiquette
If there’s one thing I learned about the corporate world, there are a lot of emails. Pay attention to how others structure their messages, use clear subject lines and maintain a respectful tone. Over time, you’ll develop a style that feels natural but still professional.
Network
The importance of networking cannot be understated in the professional world. Take the time to introduce yourself to people, ask about their roles and show genuine interest in their work.
These connections can open doors in the future, whether for job opportunities or mentorship.
make friends
If you are working alongside fellow interns, make an effort to get to know them! Spending the summer working together will only feel more fun if you get friendly with your peers.
ASk questions
Being in a professional setting without any experience can make it hard to speak up when something goes wrong. The best thing to remember is that your higher-ups are there to guide and help you. Be respectful and patient, and they will surely be open to your questions.
make your money last
After starting my first job, I was so excited to be able to purchase whatever I wanted. But it’s important to start learning financial literacy and how to save as soon as possible.
Build good habits early, like setting a simple budget, saving at least a portion of every paycheck (even 20% adds up) and avoiding impulse spending so your money actually lasts beyond the summer.
Keep in Touch
Whether with your higher-ups, supervisors or peers, keep in touch with the people you’ve connected with during your internship, either through LinkedIn or occasional check-ins. Maintaining those relationships can benefit you long after the summer is over.
Overall, internships are a great way to find out what career path is right for you. Although being in a new environment is stressful, I hope these tips help you feel more confident, prepared and ready to make the most out of your experience.