1. Research the organization's goals and objectives

No matter how obvious this seems, it really is the core of an internship. To put it simply, if you believe oil drilling should be increased and social security is in serious trouble, don't go looking for an internship with liberal beliefs or background. It would be extremely hard to walk through the front door of work every day not being able to stand up for your organization's beliefs.

2. Find out who your supervisor will be

This is really important. If your supervisor doesn't have a degree or any prior experience in your related field, what will you learn academically?

It's also important to realize you can always learn something. If you find that perfect internship and it doesn't turn into what you expected, just realize there is a lesson to be learned everywhere, bad or good.

3. Be open to learning things outside your desired academic field

This seems counteractive to the previous, but I promise it's not. There is a difference between a focus on your academic field and "just some pointers".

If your supervisor asks you to do something a little different, be open to it and learn from it. If it's taking out the trash, take it out. There are so many lessons to be learned from taking out the trash: how much trash you fit into one bag, how many full trash bags you can carry, how much recycling is done, the list goes on.

4. Ask up-front if it could lead to full-time employment

Whether or not it could lead to full-time employment in the future, this is something good to know so you're not taken by surprise when there's no job offer and vise versa.

5. Do something meaningful to you

You want to be passionate about what you do. I know, it's not always easy to feel passionate about a job; but knowing you are educating, bringing awareness, or even being in the background of something personally meaningful will make you feel like a kid with a Tootsie Pop that has a star on the wrapper.