With the summer coming to a close, and classes starting up again, I figured it was just about the perfect time to do some reflecting and think about everything I learned this summer during my summer internship.
So, here they are:
1. If you don't know or don't understand something, inquire about it! There's no harm in asking!
College courses and clubs can only prepare you for so much. My internship focused primarily on local and state government, and as an International Affairs major, I was able to gain more insight through experience than I have through any class. That's not to say that college courses aren't important; rather, hands-on experiences are a good way to learn if you like what you think you want to pursue in life.
2. Being on time to a meeting, conference, and even just every day to work, is crucial.
Timing is so important, especially when people take time out of their day to schedule a meeting with colleagues or have a tête-à-tête with you. Everyone in the workplace has places to be and things to do, and time is very valuable.
3. Finish all your assignments on time.
It's not like high school—or even in some college courses—where you can get off almost scotch free with turning in an assignment late. Like an any job, there are people who depend on your timely contribution to the end project! Deadlines aren't suggested dates to turn something in, so manage your time well and you'll be a-okay!
4. Befriend everyone and anyone in your workplace!
Besides the all-women office that I was proud to be a part of, I also became good friends with one of the security guards! She worked the security desk, and we would have a small conversations about our respective universities each morning as I retrieved the daily newspapers.
5. Dress to impress!
Making a good first impression is important because it sets the tone for how you want others to perceive you. My mom gave me great advice when I was younger in regards to dressing for work or any special occasion. She said, "Dress up as if you'd meet the president at any moment," and I've always kept that in mind when choosing my work attire.
6. Always say yes to new opportunities!
I was fortunate enough to have coworkers who would let me tag along with them to tours, grant recipient events, and much more! Attending events such as those gave me a new perspective of the role of a field representative for a political figure.
7. Be prepared to account for last-minute schedule changes.
For one of my assignments, I created a powerpoint with still photos and text with my coworker about the St. Francis Dam incident. As it turns out, another county official had very similar talking points prepared for the speaker. One of my co-workers stepped up to the plate to resolve to issue and clarify the talking points just minutes before the presentation started.
8. Success comes from trial and error.
I'll admit, my knowledge of using non-Mac software is limited, but that didn't stop me from learning and correcting my mistakes.
9. Take in all the information and don't take your internship for granted!
Remember that out of those who applied, you—and perhaps a few others—were chosen for the job! Impressions don't stop at your résumé or during your interview, they're constant for the duration of your time there and long after you leave.
10. Enjoy every moment of it! It's a sample of what real life after college feels like.
All of the people whom I worked alongside with were adults with families who had a job and a steady income, a house, a car, bills to pay, etc—these are things that we as college students don't necessarily think about on the daily. As this is my senior year in college, I've had the chance to reflect on where I came from, and the prospective future ahead of me. I throughly enjoyed my internship, and I hope to one day give back to the community and people who gave me this opportunity.
