A summer internship can sound simple on paper: show up, grab coffees, take notes, sit in meetings. But in reality, it’s more like being dropped on another planet where everyone follows unspoken rules, Slack messages move faster than you can read them, and you’re wondering if it’s normal to have that many tabs open just to understand one project.Â
The good news? Upperclassmen have been there, survived it, and figured out how to actually make the most of it instead of just floating through the summer trying to get by. With that in mind, Her Campus asked upperclassmen for their advice for incoming interns who want to make the most of their experience — from advice on how to ask questions without feeling awkward, tips for turning small assignments into bigger opportunities, pointers for actually getting to know your team without it feeling like forced networking, and guidance on how to leave your internship with more than just a folder of files you’ll never open again.Â
Think of this as an upperclassman handing you the cheat sheet for summer internshipmaxxing — some of it is practical, some of it is unexpected, and some of it might just save you from spending your entire summer quietly Googling tips on how to make yourself stand out against the crowd.Â
Be bold
E.V., 20, tells summer interns to put themselves out there, and that being afraid can hold you back. “It’s better to take the risk and make mistakes than it is to stay safe and never push yourself to grow,” she says.
Network with everyone
Isabella, 21, explains that while creating connections with executive members of your company is important, you can get even more out of the networking side of your internship if you take time to get to know your closest coworkers too. “Many people suggest networking upwards with executive leadership, and while this is very beneficial, it is also important to network with all positions in an organization because there is value to be found in all experiences,” she says.
Be outspoken
Daj’zha, 22, who has previously worked in a marketing role at a small beauty business, tells summer interns to speak up for themselves — especially if something rubs you the wrong way. “Stand up for yourself when you don’t like something,” she says.
Maintain connections after your program
Damareese, 20, says she secured an internship for this summer by maintaining connections made in her previous role last summer. She says to “keep emailing, keep reaching out to people and connecting,” because you may just make a connection that can help you get your next career opportunity.Â
Go the extra mile
Julianna, 20, believes putting in extra time and effort into your program sets you apart. “Show up early, smile, even buy gifts. It’s easy to blend in but the ones that stand out are the most noticed,” she says.
Get involved
Bridgette, 19, who’s interned at a private equity firm in the past, tells summer interns to be open to new opportunities. “Be as involved as possible. Network with people in the company. Be ready and open to learn,” she says.
Don’t be afraid to take chances
Kylee, 22, says that playing it safe during an internship experience just isn’t the way to go. After completing two different internships, she explains, “I wouldn’t have these skills without first recognizing I had some weaknesses or gaps and pushing myself to work on them unabashedly.”
Advocate for yourself
Lily, 23, tells summer interns that speaking up and asking questions isn’t annoying — it’s helpful, for you and your employer. “Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, ask for feedback, and make sure you’re actually learning from the experience, not just staying busy.”