How to Get The Most Out Of Your Internship
When you think of the word “internship” paper filing and endless coffee runs may come to mind. Although this is the case for some, there are plenty of internships that want you to be more than a part-time barista and can help you become better prepared for your desired career. Internships can also help in figuring out what industry you are most passionate about and gaining real world experience that you can add to your resume. However, to take advantage of the benefits internships offer, it is important to maximize your time as best as you can. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your next internship!
Do Your Research
Start by choosing an industry you are interested in and search online for companies related to that field. Once you have narrowed down your list to a few organizations you should look into each company’s social media platform. This can be a great way to get a sneak peek into the company culture and discover whether or not it appeals to you. Does it look like the company would be fun to work for? If so, then there is a good chance you are going to enjoy your experience!
Be A Fly On the Wall
One of the best perks of an internship is getting to watch and listen to how employees interact and handle different situations. Although a conference call or board meeting may seem boring, they can be incredibly rewarding. Pay attention to how your boss approaches different topics and how employees discuss the opportunities/issues at hand. How do they prioritize? What questions are being asked? Who oversees what? How do they handle set-backs? All this information can help you become better suited for the workforce. Just make sure to stay alert and take notes when you can.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask “Why”
As an intern, learning as much as you can is crucial if you want to gather the skills necessary to land a job. One of the best ways to learn more in your internship is by asking “why”. More than likely, you will be asked to complete different tasks and will receive feedback on your work. If you happen to receive feedback that you are confused about don’t be afraid to ask why the changes are necessary. This simple question can help you get into the minds of those with more experience and understand how they would approach the task at hand. Granted, there is a time and place for this question and it shouldn’t be overused, however, it can help you to create better work in the long-run.
