Summer 2015 meant something different for each of us, and for me, it meant gaining the title of “Sales and Marketing Intern” at a prominent magazine in New York City. As many know, an internship is an incredible way to gain experience, life lessons, and professionalism that will benefit you for years to come.
As the last day of my summer internship is quickly approaching, here are some lessons and tips I gained from the most impactful summer of my life:
1. Dress The Part.
This one seems obvious, but you would be surprised at how often people miss the mark when it comes to their appearance in an internship. Think about it: One’s appearance, including one's outfits and grooming, is the easiest thing to mess up, as well as the easiest thing to improve on. Look at how those around you in the office dress on a daily basis. If your boss is wearing ripped jeans and baseball caps everyday, it is probably safe to say that you don’t need to wear a three-piece suit on a daily basis. On the other hand, if you notice that your work environment is more formal, take note and invest in quality work pieces that will last you from this internship into the next. When you look the part, you will without a doubt feel more professional and confident in your role as an intern.
2. Ask Questions.
Again, this point seems obvious. But when you are thrown into a new, fast moving environment where everyone seems to speak in acronyms and business-related codes, this is so vital. Don’t assume you know what your supervisors want when they assign you things just because you don’t want to bother them with questions or ask them for clarifications. Not asking questions may make you seem bored or disinterested, which should be the opposite of what you are striving for in a work atmosphere. Be curious, open-minded, and confident when approaching your bosses with questions and you will be more likely to get the results you want.
3. Be Present.
This is so important to keep in mind, both in the professional world as well as on a day-to-day basis. Although it would be easy to check your Facebook or shop online while you have down time, it is so important to remember why you are where you are, and that “being present” involves being aware of your role in your environment. Take the opportunity to ask if you can help when you have free time, grab a coffee if you start to feel groggy through the day, and stay organized about the assignments that you have ahead of you.
4. Make Those Connections.
I made a point of mentioning this in my last article, How To Make The Most Of August Before Your Fall Semester, and again here, simply because it is so easy and vital to do. Whether you absolutely loved your internship and can see yourself in a similar career some day like I did, or you are counting down the hours until your end-date, the people you met along the way are valuable contacts. LinkedIn can be a great way to reach out to supervisors, coworkers, and your fellow interns to stay in touch, and may one day aid and impact your future job search. You never know when you will need a recommendation or have a question for someone you worked with. And, make sure to thank those you worked with before your end date.
5. Have A Goal At All Times.
We all have goals and aspirations, things we hope to accomplish or gain. This should be no different while working as an intern for the summer and will help you stay focused during your months in the office. Maybe your goal is to meet everyone in the department before the end of summer or to get to know the subway line in the city a little better. Or perhaps your goal is to reach and exceed a certain quota or standard that your company set forth for you. No matter what it is, a goal can keep you motivated and striving for improvement through the summer.
6. Know Yourself.
In my opinion, this is one of the most important things a person can do, both inside and outside of an internship experience. In this case, being aware of who you are is so important when it comes to an internship because interning is a great way to discover if you will like a potential career path. In my case, as I mentioned, I loved my internship. Being in the city and working for a magazine had it’s challenges, but it was a way for me to decide that following a similar career path would work for me and my lifestyle if I wanted to pursue something similar one day. However, not everyone has such a great experience, and it is so important to be honest with yourself when it comes to your internship. Be true to yourself, decide what you like and don’t like, and no matter what, learn from your experiences for the future.
