Survival Tips for Interns

During your internship you want to learn as much as you can about the company and the career you are exploring. The best advice is to work hard and take the experience seriously so that you will leave a lasting and positive impression on the employer. This relationship may prove to be a bridge to future opportunities. Other suggestions for insuring a successful experience as an intern include the following:

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• Build skills and experience using every task and duty that you are asked to perform. Remember that the routine tasks are all part of the job.
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• Be professional in your conduct and behavior. Arrive on time, check out the dress code and follow it, and complete assignments on time.
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• Listen to co-workers. Although your skills and contributions are valued, your position of intern is not the same as employee. Contribute in staff meetings when appropriate and learn from feedback.
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• Ask questions when you need to, but try to find information on your own. Your ability to problem-solve will enhance your reputation with your co-workers and supervisors.
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• Avoid office politics and gossip — keep all the office relationships positive.
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• Network. Establish contacts with co-workers, other professionals in the field, and your immediate supervisors. These are the people who can assist you as you build your career. Collect business cards and make notes on the back of each card to help you remember the person.
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• Keep a record. Your notebook will provide a record of skills learned, tasks completed, team projects with individual assignments, names of co-workers, meetings and special events. This record will prove valuable in revising your resume and in future interviews with potential employers.
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• Assess your experience. After your internship is over, review your learning agreement and your notebook. Did you accomplish your goals? What new skills did you learn? What new technology did you master? The answers to these questions will guide you in selecting another internship or in planning a strategy for a job search.
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