An internship is an ideal way to test your skills in the professional world and test the knowledge and skills acquired during your studies. This is one of the few ideas to start your own career. This is an amazing opportunity to prove in just a few months that you are the best intern the world has ever seen. Are you wondering what to do so that the internship is not just time wasted on brewing coffee? Here is a guide to help you progress successfully during your internship and make the most of it.
1. Shine during lunch break
Lunch break is the perfect time to learn about your colleagues and meet new people, to put it shortly: establish relationships. Perhaps your department needs help with a new project, someone needs a player for a football team, or it may turn out that a colleague is also crazy about “Game of Thrones”. You will be surprised at the amount of things you learn during your lunch breaks.
2. Be nice
Be nice to everyone, practice courteous conversations, and stay away from gossiping. You never know who in the company will be able to help you with the project. The more liked you are, the more willingly others will help you at work, introducing yourself to your colleagues and a potential employer is invaluable for a successful career.
3. Take care of your workplace
As an intern, you are not a slave or a janitor (unless you have been hired to do so), which does not relieve you of your obligation to keep your office in order. Put paper in the printer, wash your dishes, keep your desk tidy. Remember that you are not at home.
4. Gather feedback on your work
You don’t have to schedule weekly sessions about your image at work, but also don’t wait until the last minute. Feedback will help you gain the knowledge you need, polish your skills and get as much out of the internship as possible. Even if what you hear isn’t always pleasant, the ability to receive criticism is invaluable!
5. Keep asking
Be curious about your work and don’t be afraid to ask – only this way you will learn as much as possible about your profession. You only have a few months to get as much information as you can. Remember not to overdo the number and pace of the questions asked so that others can finish what they have to do. Most people will easily take the time to dispel any doubts that bother you. It’s also a great opportunity to be alone with someone and chat over a cup of good coffee.
6. Appreciate small responsibilities
Being an intern means you have to deal with a lot of boring and tedious things. But don’t worry, these are the first steps up the ladder of an exciting career. Take it as experience. And don’t whine – especially to the leaders and associates. Before you move on to more serious tasks, it is not uncommon for you to first demonstrate that you are fit for mundane work and can perform small tasks conscientiously.
7. Take the initiative
Do you think your business needs a Twitter account or have you discovered a way to save money by using a different paper supplier? Leaders love people who show initiative and come up with fresh ideas that can save money or increase profits. This could be a good way to show yourself. But instead of confusing their heads with a whole bunch of bizarre ideas, focus on the best and impress them with your knowledge (and your specific course of action).
8. Be careful with overzealousness
Despite what I just wrote, don’t be overzealous. Don’t expect constant confirmations and praise, don’t talk to people just because you need new professional contacts, and don’t ask for a permanent job after your first week of internship. Refrain from criticizing everything and from trying to change the whole current work system – unless that’s what you were hired for.
9. Be organized and don’t be late – with projects too
Don’t be late to work and meetings. Arriving a few minutes early is an easy way to make a good first impression. Always be prepared and don’t be late with projects. If you know you will not be able to complete a task, ask for additional time immediately. Organizing, being on time and meeting deadlines are important skills for professional success.
10. Take care of a professional appearance
Before your internship begins, try to find out a bit about the current work dress code – and follow the rules! Even if no one dictates a specific dress code at work, observe a little how your co-workers dress. The attire reflects the attitude to work; the more professional the better.
11. There’s always something to do
There may be times when time passes slowly and you do not have too many responsibilities .. Take the opportunity to ask for additional tasks, propose a new project if you came up with something interesting. Remember that you must always have the consent of your supervisor to perform duties that do not belong to you. Being open and honest is better than hiding that you don’t have anything to do and getting caught texting your friends.
12. And don’t forget to spend time together
Sometimes companies organize various activities during the weekends, such as volunteering activities, excursions and sports activities. Sign up for them – it’s a great way to make friends with your colleagues. If you’ve come to work from afar, your coworkers are your primary source of knowledge about sports centers, cafes and events.
