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My Corporate Essentials for a Successful Internship

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FSU chapter.

Beginning a corporate internship is an exciting journey, and being well-prepared with the right essentials can significantly enhance your experience. As a young woman navigating the professional world, having the appropriate products can make a huge difference in your office experience. In this guide, we’ll explore my essential products that can help you excel in a corporate environment.

Being Organized

Being organized is key to success in a corporate setting. A high-quality organizer or planner can help you keep track of deadlines, tasks, meetings, and events. Select one with a weekly or monthly layout which will allow you to stay on top of your responsibilities and plan ahead.

Another great tool for staying organized is utilizing a business card holder. Networking is a vital aspect of any corporate internship, and having your business cards ready is essential. Keeping them organized and accessible is much easier with a divided cardholder. This small accessory not only ensures that you’re always prepared to make professional connections but also adds a touch of personality and sophistication to your networking interactions.  

Maintaining a Polished Appearance

Maintaining a polished appearance is crucial in a corporate environment. It’s important to stay in the business casual or business professional dress code of your workplace, but keep in mind you also want to be comfortable. I recommend investing in a comfortable, high-quality pair of flats. Loose pants and a modest blouse are always a safe bet, and you can never go wrong with a blazer or a button-up sweater for cooler weather. A long pencil skirt or knee-length dress are perfect pieces to appear more dressed up on occasion.

I also recommend investing in a practical tote bag (one that’s easy to carry to and from the office with plenty of organizational pockets). A professional tote not only compliments your outfit but also serves as a functional accessory to carry your work essentials.

Claw clips, headbands, and hair ties are great items to maintain tidy hairstyles. Investing in a mini brush or comb may be helpful to keep in your tote bag for a mid-day refresh or if you’re running late one morning.

Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining focus and productivity throughout the workday. Consider purchasing a durable, spill-proof water bottle that can easily be kept at your desk. I personally am a Stanley girly and enjoyed using mine over the summer at my internship.

Snacking throughout the workday helps maintain consistent energy levels and prevents the mid-afternoon slump. I suggest getting an extra package of your favorite snacks to keep in your desk drawer at the office. Additionally, having snacks on hand encourages short breaks, which fosters a positive workplace culture by promoting a balanced approach to work and well-being. 

A successful corporate internship goes beyond just completing tasks; it involves presenting yourself as a polished, organized, and sophisticated professional. I found that these essential products are designed to enhance your overall internship experience, from staying organized to making a lasting impression during networking events. I recommend investing in quality items that align with your personal style and support you in achieving success during your internship and beyond.

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I am currently a junior at Florida State University obtaining my undergraduate degree from The College of Communications. I am majoring in Media Communications and minoring in Social Entrepreneurship with an expected graduation date of May 2025.