1. Dress for the job you WANT, NOT the job you have.
2. If, and when you have nothing to do, interact with other employees, they are there to help you learn.
3. An internship is better than a typical job.
A summer internship is not JUST a good resume booster, it has prepared me for the workforce by providing me with an opportunity to build my experience, and get a better feel for what I want in my future career. Not only am I earning (a weekly stipend) while I’m learning, but my internship has given me the chance to see where my strengths truly lie.
4. Be CONFIDENT! There is nothing more reassuring than someone who at least acts like they know what they’re doing.
5. Lunch is a perfect opportunity to bond with your employers and let them get to know your personality, especially in a smaller company.
A piece of advice I once received was this, no boss should be asking you to fetch food or coffee for them. If they ask you to perform menial tasks that do not teach you or benefit you, you are more than allowed to politely refuse.
6. Take in everything you can. This is invaluable work experience...aka be a sponge.
Soak in everything from everyone. All experience is good experience so it never hurts to listen and take things in. People can surprise you with their knowledge, if you're willing to listen.
7. Intern errands are a sacred tradition and not to be taken lightly. They are the first job your employers give you that say, "Hey we trust you with this task and we want to see how you handle it."
My first official intern errand was to deliver metal shelf talker samples to a Remy Martin headquarters in New York City. At first, discovering I had to head into the city seemed like a headache waiting to happen. It wasn’t until I was ten minutes into my train ride that I began to feel a type of independence I hadn’t yet experienced.
While I stomped my heels up to the front desk, I felt empowered. It wasn’t until I was being greeted by an older Frenchman that I shook his hand and introduced myself.After I had completed my mission, I called my supervisor and informed him of my mission status. He thanked me for my work and said he looked forward to seeing me when I return. I hung up, returned my phone to my pocket and let out a relaxed sigh. I returned to Penn Station and awaited my trip home. This was an experience I wouldn’t forget.
8. Something will always go wrong, stay positive.
There will always be a task you have no idea how to complete. There will always be a client or order than went wrong but do not fret, there are usually people in the office who can keep your spirits high even when you feel defeated. Things tend to work out, just maybe not how you planned.
9. Don’t underestimate how much coming into work a little early or leaving a little later can change someone’s opinion of you.
I once met Daymond John at an entrepreneurial event. I remember the intimidation I felt in the presence of such a successful and brilliant man. When I walked up to him, shook his hand and asked what advice he had for a woman entering the workplace, he said to me, "Be first in the office and the last to leave. Work your ass off." I would never forget that advice.
10. Stay humble, stay sharp, stay optimistic and be apart of the team!
An internship is a welcome into the working world. It is a unique opportunity to become apart of something bigger than yourself and to become blur the line between coworker, employer and friend.
