Tips and Articles

How to be a Great Intern

Exerpts from article by Alexandra Shytsman

Posted September 2013 on www.FindSpark.com (external link) 

Be Committed. 

Although your internship may just be 3 months, act like you’re there for the long-term. Dedicate yourself to assignments, make friendly connections with coworkers, and make yourself a seemingly irreplaceable team member. You may find it hard to stay motivated knowing you’re not there for the long term, but make this your first priority.

Be Punctual.

Arrive on time every day and be sure to call or email your supervisor if you’re running late. Also know that deadlines are not suggestions – they are concrete. Meet them by whatever means necessary, even if it means staying an extra hour at the office, or enlisting the help of a fellow intern.

Ask Questions.

If you don’t fully understand an assigned task, do not hesitate to ask questions. You may think it’s best not to bother your boss, but he/she will be a lot more aggravated if you misunderstand and spend an hour (or a whole day) doing the wrong thing.

Go Above and Beyond.

If you spot a gap in a project, an unorganized bookshelf, or that there are no coffee filters left, offer to do the job yourself. Remember that no task is too big or small; the point is to always think about what you can contribute as long as it doesn’t interfere with your regular duties.

Be Polite.

With the advent of email and instant messaging many professionals have forgotten the rules of basic human communication. Don’t fall victim to it yourself. Despite their decline, these skills are still highly appreciated. Always smile and say hi when you come in or when you see someone in the hallway; Make small talk at the water cooler; wish colleagues a good weekend, etc People will remember you for being cordial.

Leave on a High Note.

When your internship is over, be sure to connect with your coworkers on LinkedIn, and don’t hesitate to ask for a recommendation either – especially from your supervisor(s). Also, set a meeting with your boss (or possibly a coffee date) to discuss your performance. During the evaluation, kindly ask what he/she thinks your strengths and weaknesses are. Ask for career advice, as well as to introduce you to their connections about possible future employment. And to really put the cherry on top, bring in some mini muffins or a cookie tray on your last day, as a thank you to everyone you worked with.