It is officially internship season! After you have landed your dream internship and picked your start date, the nerves will start to set in. You have worked hard for this internship through academic acheivements, writing the perfect cover letter, and of course nailing that interview. Unfortunately, what seemed like the most grueling process is actually not. Now is your time to prove that you have earned this spot and will excell in all aspects. Sometimes this can be a lot of pressure, but just remember, collegiettes, you can do it.
How you prepare for your internship is almost as important as doing the work when you are there. Check out these tips for your pre-internship preparation:
- Do your research: This is everything from the history of your company to the office culture. The more you know going into your internship, the more likely you are to succeed.
- Ask questions: If you have any concerns or questions that you need answered before you start, then reach out and ask them. This shows initiative, and you’ll be one step ahead on your first day.
- Reach out to other interns: If you already know the names and emails of other interns add them on facebook or send them an email introducing yourself. This way, office introductions won’t feel so awkward.
- Come dressed to impress: Make sure you understand what is expected of you with office dress code, and then come in rocking it. You want to not only look your best for your employer but for yourself.
Now that you have mastered your internship preparation, it’s time to get to work!
- Take notes: You can never have too many notes. When you run into a question you may be able to answer it yourself.
- Come in early & stay late: Of course don’t go to extremes with this, but do your best to stay until a job is finished and never never show up late.
- Be Professional: Manners matter, especially in the work place. First impressions can make or break you, so be sure to make a great one!
- Speak up: They want you here because of your amazing ideas so share them, you never know if you have come up with the next big thing.
- Treat this as an ongoing interview: Maybe this is who you want to be your future employer, or at the very least someone who could write you a great reccomendation later. Keep that in mind with everything you do and make it a goal to really impress your future employer.
- Learn: Take this time to soak up as much information as possible, gain new skills, and figure out if this is the type of job for you.
Graduation is approaching quickly so use this internship season to dip your toes into what the real world may look like for you!