From interning for a startup fashion company to brainstorming website icons at a marketing agency, I feel as though I have had more internships than most people my age have had significant others. I’m an independent dreamer who has high hopes for the future and have had a lot of strange and inspiring pieces of advice from the handful of internships and the people I’ve worked with.
When the Intern Knows Best
Expectations are the root of all evil.
Going into a new place, job, or situation with an expectation only sets one back from experiencing all new, exciting aspects of the situation at hand. One should indulge and be new to new experiences.
You need to fully understand your position before signing a contract.
It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the people at the agency, I just sent the same five emails three times a week; repetition starts to really wear on a person’s sanity! Going into a future job, I’ve learned to value mulling over a decision and not just jumping into it because it tentatively fits for the moment.
Caffeine. Seriously.
Coffee and caffeine are an important part of any internship, and life. Not only to bond with your coworkers when they hit the mid-morning sleep; oh no, coffee helps you stay awake when you all go out to the coffee shop down the street. Major bonding.
Work is not a bad thing. It is a learning tool.
Utilize all of the projects, research, Word and Excel documents, and everything else you are given. They are there to help guide and teach new things, aka the reason for interning in the first place (to learn more about the potential career in desired industry). Take the work and project lists that are given with a smile and get on with the day. Bonus: if you manage time well and get done early, ask for more work…you might even become the favorite.
Know the recent news for the industry you are working in.
Staying up-to-date and aware of recent news throughout the industry you are interning in puts you on top of the intern roster (if there are multiple interns in the office). Being able to talk business with not only your colleagues, but also prove to your boss(es) why you are the favorite intern, and why you should be hired on full-time after the internship.
Always ask questions.
The thing about questions is that they are always, always welcomed. Obviously to understand your project or work, but also to familiarize yourself with the people you will spend every day with until your internship is over. Step up and ask!
Find your voice and make sure people hear it.
This is one of the most important pieces of advice I have ever received and it was from a former chief operations officer. This advice goes a long way! Whether you are interviewing or writing pitches, have confidence in all that you do. Other people notice confidence and will be impressed with your dedication and hard work. You can only overcome challenges you let yourself face. Start figuring yourself out and know your strengths so that you can grow in your future career.