Congratulations! You perfected your resume and cover letter, mastered the art of the interview, and landed your dream internship! Now that you have the position, what can you do to make sure to be memorable and leave a positive impression? This internship is now an opportunity to grow professionally and make meaningful connections. Being able to stand out in this position could lead to exciting full-time opportunities.
Here are some tips on how to be the best intern:
1. Come prepared the first day
Do your research about the company and its history and culture, so you know what to expect. Have a general understanding about the industry and setup Google alerts for the company to stay up to date. Dress well and start your first day with confidence as a knowledgeable employee.
2. Treat the internship like a real job
Even as an intern, remember that your work will have an impact on the organization. Take the job seriously, and give your best effort in all your assignments. Smaller tasks could lead to larger tasks in the future, and you want to be able to present high quality work to open up opportunities. It can be easy to get stuck in a routine, especially after being at the company for a couple of weeks. Reflect and make sure that you are giving your best effort every day.
3. Have a good balance
Time management is important – interns have a lot of responsibilities and it is essential that you stay on top of your work. An organized, efficient worker is important, but if you cannot make a deadline you should communicate that with your coworker.
4. Challenge yourself and try something new
Take risks and ask questions. Being able to step outside your comfort zone shows that you want to get more involved with the company and learn more. Show that you are willing to try new things, be flexible, and broaden your opportunities by developing your skills.
5. Network
Reach out to your boss, a colleague, or somebody in another department and talk to them about their career journey. Find out what their time has been like in the company and learn from their experiences. If you have a good relationship with them, keep in contact with them and make a long lasting connection. These contacts may lead to opportunities in the future!
6. Remember your accomplishments
Write a journal or keep notes with specific details and facts about your performance as an intern. This will help in the future when you interview for various positions. Being able to speak confidently about your achievements will help you be a more memorable candidate.
7. Ask for Feedback
Do not hesitate to ask for feedback during your time as an intern on a regular basis. It will show that you are willing to make changes and improve. This will also give you the chance to learn more about your own strengths and weaknesses.
Sources:
http://www.businessinsider.com/15-things-interns-do-to-stand-out-2014-5
http://internsdc.com/internship-advice/how-to-be-the-best-intern-ever/