As a college student, I feel like there are three words always haunting our brains: tuition, interviews, and internships. If you know me, I am not a financial expert, so please don’t come to me for tuition advice. When it comes to interviews, I feel like I do have a lot more experience, considering I’ve been in and held countless interviews. However, today we are not going to talk about any of those. Today, we aren’t going to dive into just internships, but how to leave a mark on your next internship
With career fairs coming up, graduation requirements needing to be met, wanting experience in your field, or simply just seeking exposure to different careers, internships are something that I highly recommend to anyone and everybody. Even if you don’t need an internship to graduate, I highly encourage you to try one out and see what you learn. That being said, these are not going to be tips on how to get an internship, but how to actually make the most of it.
1. Be Curious
Before we start, the most important thing you should bring to an internship is curiosity.
Why do I say this? Because just as this question made you do, it makes you think.
Questions like “Why?” and “How?” are going to be your best friends. Not only does it show that you actually care about what you are learning, but it also deepens your understanding of the concepts that are being presented and that you are absorbing. Even if you already know the answer, it is a great way to gain some insight and understand the perspective of that specific individual.
Also, remember that you are at an internship. You are not expected to have all the answers or know every solution to every problem. Internships are the perfect opportunity for you to ask questions without people expecting you to already know the answers. It is a wonderful way to gain experience.
Also, remember that you were chosen for the internship not because you have all the questions answered or know everything, but because you want to learn, and they saw your willingness to grow.
And one more thing: write things down. Whether it’s something you learned, instructions someone gave you, feedback, or even a question you want to remember, write it down. You never know when that information might come in handy later.
2. Don’t Be Scared to SAy Yes
Honestly, in my last internship, I wasn’t the most knowledgeable about what the company did and its everyday operations. However, one of the best and most consistent pieces of feedback I received was that everyone appreciated my willingness to do things.
Here is also where curiosity comes in: if you don’t know how to do something, ask. I guarantee you that most of the time, people are going to be willing to answer your questions and clarify what they want you to do.
Honestly, I am so grateful that I have learned how to get comfortable doing the uncomfortable because, by saying yes to things I didn’t necessarily know how to do, I was able to open opportunities to further grow and learn the most. If you are anything like me, I am a very hands-on person, and that is the way that I experienced the most growth and learning in my internship.
It is better to say yes, ask questions, and try it than to immediately say no to everything you don’t know just because of the fear of failing.
You don’t have to know everything before saying yes. Sometimes, you just have to be willing to try.
3. Go the extra mile
Here, I am not saying to go and run a mile every day after work. I am talking about going above and beyond in your internship.
Maybe that means helping out your coworkers with a task they need, volunteering to do something that everyone is dreading, or doing something that your manager had said they probably can’t do or something that they don’t necessarily like to do, but you can help with it.
It is all about initiative. Initiative can take you a long way, not only because it looks good and shows a strong work ethic, but also because it shows that you are someone they can rely on.
Not only do you become someone who says they can do something, but you actually go and do it.
Initiative and integrity go a long way, and that is something I am personally working on: only saying yes to things that I am actually going to follow through on. Persevere through it as well. Sometimes (especially if you are not athletic), you know that going the extra mile is going to cost you more time, more effort, and more perseverance, but in the end, it is rewarding.
Going the extra mile doesn’t mean you have to do everything for everyone. It just means looking for ways you can help and being willing to step up when you can.
4. Build connections
Internships are a great way to network with like-minded individuals. If there are other interns, it is great to connect with them, but also go the extra mile and connect with workers from other departments.
Even if it is someone from a completely different major or career path, it is great to get to know them, what they did to get there, their insight into life, etc. Not only do you gain connections on LinkedIn, but it also helps you gain and increase your understanding of the different roles that people have and how everyone works together for the bigger picture.
I had some of the best conversations with people who weren’t in my specific major, but I saw how everything comes together and intertwines with my major, and how I can take those perspectives, grab those insights, and possibly create a good recommendation for my team and help them be better.
You never know who you are going to meet or what you are going to learn from them.
5. Be Yourself
Even though this is the last tip I have, it is certainly not the least. I dare to say this is the most important tip out of all of the other ones.
Remember, there are many, many people applying for internships, many who interviewed, and many other people who meet the requirements, but YOU were chosen for a reason.
Don’t let your fear of rejection or of trying to be overly professional take away from the personality that got you picked in the first place. Whether you are more serious, more talkative, more creative, or more analytical, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you got chosen to fill that internship and learn from that great company that you accepted.
Additionally, if you are not yourself, you won’t be able to make the most of your experience because you are going to be uncomfortable. Be comfortable with who you are, and you’ll see that even in situations that are out of your comfort zone, you will do great.
There is so much value in the uniqueness that each of us carries. There are no two people who are the same, so embrace the difference, embrace who you are, and just have fun.
If there is one thing that I want you to take away from this, it is that being yourself is the greatest gift you can give to yourself.
Overall, just have fun. Be curious, have initiative, build those connections, go above and beyond, but most importantly, be yourself.
I know that starting an internship or any job is always a little nerve-racking, but trust me when I tell you that these tips will help you make the most of your internship. I am no professional, but the last time I tried these, I actually had one of my best internship experiences ever, and I would love for you to also make the most of yours.
I know internships are always going to be a thing, so I really hope that, in whichever season of your internship era you are in, you can find these tips helpful for your career.