So, you landed an internship—nice!
Whether it’s your first experience in the professional world or just another stepping stone in your career journey, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of it.
An internship isn’t just about adding a line to your resume; it’s about learning, growing, and making connections that could help you down the road.
Here are 10 things you can do to make sure your internship is a game-changer:
1. Get to Know the People Around You
Don’t just stick to your desk (or Zoom calls). Introduce yourself to your coworkers, chat with different teams, and understand what they do. You never know who might help you in the future—or even land you your next job. And let’s be real, having good relationships at work just makes everything better.
2. Set Goals (and Actually Follow Through)
On your first day (or week), talk to your supervisor about what’s expected of you. Ask them for feedback regularly so you know if you’re on the right track. Also, don’t forget your personal goals. If there’s a specific skill you want to learn or a project you’re interested in, let them know. The worst they can say is no!
3. Pay Attention to How Things Work
Every workplace has its own vibe. Some are formal, some are super chill. Observe how people communicate, how meetings work, and how things get done. Understanding the company culture will help you fit in and avoid awkward moments (like sending a long, formal email when a quick Slack message would do).
4. Be Professional (But Not a Robot)
Yes, you’re “just” an intern, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t act like a professional. Show up on time, dress appropriately, and communicate clearly. But don’t be afraid to show a little personality—being professional doesn’t mean being boring.
5. Stay Organized Like a Pro
Keep track of your tasks, deadlines, and meetings. Write things down (seriously, don’t rely on memory), and stay on top of your workload. A cluttered workspace and a messy to-do list will just make your life harder.
6. Manage Your Time Like a Boss
If you finish a task early, don’t just sit there scrolling through your phone—ask what else you can do. But also, don’t let yourself get overloaded. If things are getting too much, talk to your supervisor about prioritizing tasks.
7. Keep a Record of What You’ve Done
Start a list of projects you’ve worked on. Not only will this help when updating your resume, but it’ll also give you real examples to talk about in future job interviews. If you worked on something cool, ask if you can keep a copy (as long as it’s not confidential, of course).
8. Grab Coffee and Network
Take the initiative to ask colleagues for a quick coffee chat (in person or virtual). People love talking about themselves, and you can learn a lot from their experiences. If someone doesn’t reply, don’t take it personally—try again later.
9. Ask for Feedback (Even If It’s Scary)
No one likes hearing criticism, but it’s how you grow. Ask your supervisor and coworkers how you’re doing and what you could improve. It’ll help you get better and show them that you’re serious about learning.
10. Reflect on What You Learned
At the end of your internship, take some time to think about what you gained from the experience. What did you enjoy? What skills did you develop? Even if you realize that this career path isn’t for you, that’s still a win—you’re one step closer to figuring out what you actually want.
At the end of the day, an internship is what you make of it. Show up, be curious, do your best, and make some connections along the way. Who knows? It could lead to something bigger than you ever expected.
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