12 tips to get the most out of your internship Pt. 2
As promised in last week's blog - here are tips 7 - 12 for getting the most out of your internship!
Tip #7 Take work seriously
It’s not just you anymore, it’s a team effort and we all know there is no I in TEAM. Whether your team is a small department in a company or your team is a nonprofit. Your mistake can affect your boss, team, upper management, the company, clients, consumers and the list goes on and on. If you do happen to make a mistake, admit to it and fix it immediately. Just don’t freak out, mistakes happen and are a good chance for you to learn.
Tip #8 What is free time
There is usually only two free times during the day; they’re called breakfast and lunch. Do not get them mixed with coffee breaks, fresh air or Facebook. Your supervisor will notice over time if you’re constantly taking breaks. Taking extra free time is the equivalent of taking free money and getting behind, which you don’t want to do.
Tip #9 Feedback
Is ok? Is it not ok? Both. Every so often it is ok to ask for feedback, but have them written out and ready to go. Your boss is just as busy as you are, it’s best that you set aside a good half-hour and go over everything all at once. Good questions to ask: what can I do better/differently, am I meeting the goals, is there any additional work I can assist with, and even ask how your boss is doing. Build that relationship. Once you have all the answers to the questions, apply them as soon as possible.
Tip #10 Build Yourself
While you’re in an internship, you want to build yourself up the most that you can! You would do this by documenting everything that you have worked on. This may include: evaluations, reports, surveys, graphs, press releases and etc. These all would show exertion that can be used to build your portfolio for future employers and be an excellent way to improve your brand image. Of course, you would want to ask your boss permission if you could use your organization’s work.
Tip #11 Ending on a good note
Work your hardest till the very last day and make sure to give everyone a sincere 'thank you' for giving you the experience they did. People will remember that and cherish it. Even if you had stronger relationships with some workers, make sure you show you’re appreciative to everyone. It’s what being a professional is all about.
Tip #12 Reflect
Lastly, reflect on your internship, what did you learn from it? What will you continue to do in the future from this experience? Did you get everything that you wanted from it? Most importantly, reflect on the relationships that you gained, and think of how you will stay in contact with them in the future.
These are all important tips when it comes to doing an internship. From beginning to end, these tips will help you gain the experience you need for a future career.
Rachel Beatty is a student at Grand Valley State University, majoring in public relations and advertising with a double minor in psychology and studio art. She wants to work in community relations and help at-risk-youth. She focuses on the importance of philanthropy in organizations and the effects it has on branding purposes. Rachel is very active on campus in Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), GrandPR, Phi Sigma Sigma, and also serves on the JBoard of directors for the BISSELL Pet Foundation.