9 Ways to Maximize Your Internship
When you think of an internship, do you think of underappreciated grunts that pass the day knocking out those tasks no one else wants to do? The perception is not completely inaccurate. Answering phones, fetching the mail, making the coffee, and taking dictation are just a few of the tasks we all did to get our foot in the door. It’s like a right of professional passage, but an internship opportunity can be rewarding if properly utilized. This being the peak of internship season, let’s get into how to maximize yours!
In no particular order, here are nine things you can do to make the best of your internship opportunity:
1. Socialize
We’re talking offline socializing. Get to know the people in your department, your floor, unit, or whatever compartment you happened to be assigned. I’m not suggesting you invite yourself to dinner, but if a group of people are heading out for lunch, or if there is a group congregating in the break room, tag along and get to know the people behind the position titles. If you are living away from home, the social aspect of your internship could open you to leads on places to eat, things to do, and other tips to make your home away from home more enjoyable. The workplace is still primarily about people interaction.
2. Interview
Ask permission to interview positions you see yourself working at in the future. These would be a little more formal than the casual interactions, but they’re a great way to take notes on the various paths people took to get to where they are. Prepare a list of specific questions whose answers could aid you in plotting your own career path. Use these interviews to meet people in other areas of the company.
3. Work Events
As an intern you may already be required to attend conferences, seminars, workshops and other relevant activities. If not, ask if you can participate. Remember the purpose of taking an internship is to learn more about your field of interest, and these types of events are prime opportunities to learn more about the work involved in your chosen industry. If your office is not participating in a conference but you happen to know of one scheduled nearby, ask if you can be excused to attend. There may not be money in the budget to pay for your registration, but you won’t know unless you ask.
4. Speaking of Questions…
Ask a lot of questions! Ask about the history of your company or organization. Ask about why the current policy is what it is. Ask about the employer’s future direction. I’m assuming you landed this internship because you liked something about the employer. Here’s an unbeatable chance to learn as much as you can about what makes the office tick.
5. Volunteer
Internships provide ample opportunities to take initiative. Interns sometimes get stuck with clerical jobs because they’re sometimes the easiest to supervise, but no one will begrudge your wanting to help on important projects. The only way you’re going to be given exposure to these projects is by asking if you can be a part of them.
6. First One In, Last One Out
No one likes to bear the responsibility of setting up and tearing down. Yet it could be a distinguishing factor if people remember you as being the guy or girl who went above and beyond their job description. If you really want to insure your long-term employment at any facility, make yourself indispensable, and memorable.
7. Respect
Be respectful of the work environment. Dress appropriately. Give proper respect to your coworkers. Never do anything that would embarrass you, your employer, or your school. Keep your social networking outside of work hours, and never speak of your employer in your social networks lest you run the risk of saying something you’ll regret.
8. Keep Your Bridges Intact
An internship opportunity could turn into a future job. Don’t go messing up any chances you may have of coming back as a full-time employee. Whatever office conflicts may erupt during your internship, keep yourself out of them. For sure don’t go starting them. Remember your time there will be brief. Getting swept up in someone else’s drama is never worth it, even as a full-time employee.
9. Keep in Touch
After the internship, write a thoughtful thank you note to your supervisor and anyone else who played a role in making your internship a positive experience. Don’t be a stranger. If you see an article or hear of something that may interest your former coworkers, feel free to forward them as a way to keep your connection alive. But, don’t become a nuisance.
The OCD in me is cringing at the thought of publishing a list of nine things. Good lists come in ten, and I just know something else will pop into my head a couple days from now. Ah well, it’s a great opportunity for you to chime in with your own excellent recommendations in the Comments!
