When you enter college you think to yourself: How am I going to score the perfect friends, perfect grades and of course that perfect summer internship? After a summer of interning in New York City, I learned interning is not as fabulous as it looked like on The Hills. With the summer quickly approaching it is time to get your resume and cover letter together and start applying. Although many company deadlines might have already passed for summer interns, it’s never too late to try and apply. Interning is a great way to network and secure a job post-graduation.
Here are some dos and don’ts to landing your summer internship:
DO take an unpaid internship. Most of the time the internships you will apply to will be unpaid. Unpaid internships will show you the value of work and making money. After working an eight-hour day and running around the office, you will realize how much you are worth. Your potential will encourage you when you enter the working world to be paid your worth. Also, after your sophomore year of college, if an internship is unpaid you can receive a college credit.
DO NOT let them take advantage of you. When I interned in New York City at a modeling agency, I basically was their b*tch. I made coffee runs, ran around NYC and organized models portfolios. It starts to become frustrating but I learned that if I want to run my own company one day, I would have to start from the bottom. Take charge and show them you are there to learn. Remember, they were once in the same position.
DO ask questions and get involved. The best thing to take away from an internship is to realize if this is the type of career you want to pursue. Also, asking questions will show your interest in the company and if you happen to love the job, you will have a better chance of being rehired for the next summer. Make sure the questions are intelligent and do not be afraid.
DO NOT get involved with gossip. One of the worst things you can do as an intern is not get along with the staff. You are there to learn and network yourself, not get involved with the drama. Set yourself apart from the staff if they are gossiping and stay focused on your work. It is easy to get wrapped up with work drama but remember you have enough drama back at campus.
DO arrive early and eager to work everyday. The best part about interning is hopefully being hired as a full time employee after graduating. If you show your eagerness and responsibility as an intern, you will stand out and have a higher chance of becoming a full-time employee. Don’t forget to keep in touch with your boss or mentor after the summer is over and see if they need any help during the year, this will make an impression.
DO NOT over dress to impress. It is important to look professional and put-together for work but do not dress like you are going to the club. Dress comfortably but fashionable. It’s ok to wear flats instead of heels, and to wear pants instead of a skirt, but make sure they are meant for work. Invest in professional clothing and ditch the Forever 21 tight black dresses and skirts. This is not the place to show off your legs or cleavage. Keep it classy and cute. You might score a date with the hottie in the finance department without even trying.
Lastly, DO take risks and DO NOT get easily discouraged. Go the extra mile; intern in a city you would never think of working in and change your life for a summer. Don’t let one bad day in the office discourage you from working or working for a certain company. Interning over the summer helped me find a career path and showed me what I’m worth as a worker. Be sure to stay humble, responsible and eager to work.
Check out our other articles such as “How To Prepare For The Career Fair” and “5 Steps To Perfecting Your Resume” for helpful tips on how to prepare for the perfect job.