10 Tips to Know Before You Intern in NYC

Summer is almost here and that summer internship of your dreams in New York City is closer than you think. Moving to the city is nerve-wracking at first, especially if it’s your first internship, but it’s sure to be a life changing experience. I know first-hand the jitters of a first-year intern in the big city. I spent 10 weeks in NYC last summer and I want to share some tips I wish I knew beforehand. They will leave you better prepared to conquer the Big Apple.

1.  Never underestimate the power of GoogleMaps If you haven’t already downloaded it on your phone, DO IT. You don’t have to be directionally challenged to get lost in NYC, learn to expect the unexpected with NYC’s transportation system. There will be days you go into the subway station and find out your subway line is now under construction or just isn’t running this weekend. So many of my days were ruined thanks to the subway system abruptly changing its course on me. This is where GoogleMaps comes in handy. It shows you all of the subway lines in that station and can easily direct you to another route. I promise it will prevent lots of confusion and fewer times you have to annoy a random person to ask for directions.
2. You’re not alone when eating lunch alone Before I left for the city I was worried about eating lunch by myself during my internship, I didn’t realize how common it was. You will notice the majority of the people in your restaurant are alone as well, especially during the work week, which makes it more comfortable. Note to self: NYC is the greatest place to people watch, so sit near a window!
3. Find the building of your internship before your first dayUtilize that GoogleMaps you just downloaded to try out different routes and learn the subway system beforehand, so your first morning runs smoothly. I’m sure glad I did. The address for my internship online was wrong, so when I did my practice run the day before, I ended up at my boss’s apartment building. Good thing I figured that out before the first day!
4. Bring an umbrella with you everywhere It’s safe to say, when it rains it pours in NYC. The weather changes in an instant and during the summer it’s sunny, hot and humid, or pouring rain. I probably own 7 Duane Reade umbrellas thanks to all of the days I forgot mine and had to buy one.
5. Must eat at Cafeteria Yes, ladies, this is THE Cafeteria the Sex and the City girls ate breakfast at every morning. It’s a trendy 24 hour diner that is sure to keep you coming back for more. The cocktails are amazing and the food is too good to be true, especially at 3 a.m. My Favorite: Wild Berry Mojito and the Cafeteria Macaroni and Cheese.
6. Network Network Network New York City is home to some of the most influential people, whether they work on Wall Street, in the entertainment industry or in fashion, they are the people you want to meet. At your internship you are bound to make some great contacts so remember first impressions are important and be sure to keep in touch with them. Keep in touch with your fellow interns as well because you never know where they will end up. So, go out, meet and mingle with as many people as you can, because if there is one place brilliant minds gather, it’s in NYC at charity events and happy hour.
7. The subway experience I just want to warn you that the subway is disgusting during the summer and no, you will not look the same as when you entered. Don’t be surprised when you look in the mirror and your hair is no longer straight. But, you learn to embrace the grossness knowing everyone else around you is in the same boat. Keep the summer heat in mind when getting dressed for work, don’t leave with your blazer and heels on. Save that for the bathroom (“dressing room”) inside of Starbucks across the street from your internship.  I would suggest wearing flats and changing when you get inside because it’s never fun running to catch the subway in heels or missing the subway and having to stand 20 minutes in them.
8. Taxi Tips Make yourself seem like an NYC local when riding in cabs. If they realize you don’t know your way around they will take you the longest route possible so the price goes up. Also, they tend to drive as if their foot weighs 100lbs and there are no stop signs. I’ve learned all you’ve got to do it tell them you’re getting car sick and if they don’t slow down you’re going to get sick in their cab. They’ll get the point.
9. Take advantage of the weekend Go to central park for a run or with a blanket to picnic and lay out. Whoever said you can’t tan in the city? Sleep in late because you can always find Sunday brunch until the late afternoon. As much as you may not want to seem like a tourist, make sure to do some touristy things such as going to museums and Top of the Rock. Sign up for the Daily Candy NYC Weekend Guide for events and free activities. Also, Time Out New York has great lists of things to do and places to eat.
10.  The city isn’t as pricey as you may think As a college student living in NYC for the summer, you have no choice but to spend wisely and be very money conscious. I was pleasantly surprised to find out about all of the sample sales and sales in general. My biggest temptations were at Steve Madden and Bloomies but there are tons of sales everywhere so keep on the lookout and beware. Bryant Park has free concerts and on the weekends, there are sometimes free yoga classes at different parks around the city. Remember, the city is your playground! EXPLORE

Keep an “Empire State of Mind” because New York City is where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do. The opportunities that await you are endless.