So you've obtained an internship, good for you! I'm sure you are excited and cannot wait for it to begin. After all, developing new friends, gaining an hands - on experience of the field you want to work in sounds exciting right? Before you begin, you may want some tips on what to do before you begin your internship. Whether it's knowing the dress code, current events or the "language", knowing these beforehand can help you immensely before you begin your internship.
1) Research about the company
This one is pretty big! Before beginning your internship, you may want to research about the company you are interning for. Knowing the gists of the company, history, and location is very important. You would want to know where other locations of the company are, in case you may have to travel to different branches. This information can usually be found on the "About Us" page. In the end, Making sure you understand the company's values can also indicates how dedicated you are to working at the firm.
2) Know the Dress Code
Knowing the dress code is very important as well. Walking in dressed casual can raise red flags (if you do your research you should be fine!). If the code is super casual, I'd still play it safe and dress business casual. At Google, employees wear jeans and t-shirts, and at fast food joints it's usually hats (with the logo) and polos. Long story short, knowing the dress code is very important. You never know who you might run into, and knowing the dress code can definitely impact whoever you network with at the firm.
3) Familiarize Yourself with current Events
Whenever your striking up a conversation at work, it may help to know what's going on in the current world. Keeping up to date on the news and the stock market can definitely come in handy. Usually, people are always talking about what's going on in the news or if stocks are going up and down. Keeping tabs on the market and news can help you strike a conversation as well and can lead to meaningful conversations at your internship.
4) Know the "language"
Some firms have certain catch phrases or words they use everyday. Knowing them early can definitely make you stand out as one who catches onto things quickly and can make your first few weeks easier at the firm. You'll know what's going on and it won't be as confusing as well.
5) Bring a notebook!
Bringing a notebook will help you remember the details that other employees will tell you on your first day! You'll be told what's where, what projects you have to do and more, and writing it down can definitely make it easier for you to remember. Not only this, it will make your co-workers appreciate you writing important information down.
Keeping these few things in mind can help your first few weeks interning easier. With the five topics listed above in mind, you'll be excelling!