If you are heading out on your first internship this summer, we wanted to put together some advice, tips, and resources on ways to make the most of your summer experience.
1. Be Early & Prepared!
One of the best ways to start your internship is to be early and to come prepared. Employers appreciate students who show up a few minutes early to a meeting and come with a note pad and pen to take notes and come with a list of questions! These are two easy ways to show employers that you are eager to learn and thinking about how you can contribute to the team and organization.
2. Take Initiative and Go Above and Beyond
We often hear that employers appreciate interns who proactively ask for additional projects and contribute beyond the daily tasks that you may be assigned during your internship. The internship is an opportunity for you to grow and by showing some initiative not only highlights your enthusiasm but also your commitment to the employer’s mission and goals.
3. Be Curious and Ask Thoughtful Questions
During your internship experience, you may be invited to meetings across departments, with your team members, and will also have 1:1 meetings with your supervisor. Employers share that interns that ask insightful questions display their desire to understand the work from a deeper level. One simple task of writing down 2-3 questions before each meeting and doing some pre-reading on the topic in advance can make a good impression on your internship supervisor and will increase the positive outcomes of your overall experience.
4. Networking & Building Relationships
Your internship experience is a chance to build your network and to gain professional connections with others in your field of interest. We recommend that you engage with colleagues across departments, attend company events, and seek informational interviews or lunches to broaden your connections.
5. Seek Feedback and Reflect on Your Performance
Your internship is a great opportunity for you to gather feedback on your work and to build your competencies and skills in a variety of areas. It is a good idea to ask for feedback from your supervisor, peers, and other partners across the organization. This is an opportunity to gain valuable insights, find areas for improvement, and learn more about your strengths.
6. Document Your Achievements and Skills
Since the summer internship goes by quickly, we recommend documenting your projects, events, skills you gained, and other information throughout the internship. The information you keep along the way will be valuable when updating your resume and preparing for future job interviews. If you are receiving credit for your internship, you may also be required to submit papers, projects, and other information about your activities over the summer to your academic department.
7. Stay Connected
At the conclusion of your internship, it is recommended to thank your supervisor and other mentors you might have worked with through the summer. You can send a personal thank you note or email, connect with your managers on LinkedIn, and make sure to gather their contact details before your last day. You may also want to ask your manager for a reference at the conclusion of your internship. This will be important in the future as you seek your next internship or as you start applying for jobs after graduation.
Your first internship is an opportunity for you to begin your career development journey and to build a variety of skills and experiences. Please find a few additional articles below that can be helpful to you as you prepare for your upcoming summer internship!
How To Make The Most Of Your Internship: 12 Ways To Foster A Mentoring Relationship
10 Brilliant Ways to Make the Most out of Your Internship
5 Tips for Making the Most of Your Summer Internship | The Muse
