Most people in college typically work as interns to start preparing themselves for the real world. Whether they are credited or unpaid, these internships are to help guide college students in understanding what they want to do for a career. I am currently an intern at Thom Browne and have learned so much in such little time thanks to my amazing supervisors. Although many students are not as lucky as myself in finding an internship that gives you responsibilities and allows you to feel like a true member of the team, these survival tips will help in any situation.
-
Always have a positive attitude. Your boss will clearly see that you are not in a good mood, but by being positive and upbeat, it makes the work atmosphere far more enjoyable. They will also feel that you want to be there to learn and grow, not because it could be a requirement of school.
-
Say yes as much as possible. As in intern you will be asked to do a variety of things, but even if you do not want to do it, you should always say yes. By always saying yes, your supervisor gets the impression that you are willing to do anything for your company.
-
If you see a supervisor is struggling with something, offering help makes a huge difference to them. By showing that you are on constant alert, makes it clear that you do value your job.
-
No question is a stupid question. Your supervisors understand that you do not have much experience, so it is much more important to ask a question rather than making a mistake.
-
TAKE NOTES! Whether it is to remember the clear instructions of a task asked of you or so you can simply remember what you did that day, notes are always important. Note taking allows for you to be able to reflect on the knowledge you gained that day.
-
Wear comfortable shoes. You are likely to be on your feet all day, so comfort is key. Just make sure you are fitting the dress code of your work environment.
All in all, these five tips to surviving any internship are essential to remember, especially in the first few weeks. By showing that you are invested in your company, your supervisors will love you and appreciate all that you do. Finally, just remember, not all bosses are like Miranda Priestly from Devil Wears Prada, so you can do this!