Tips for a Successful Internship

An internship is the first step to beginning your career. Although they may seem intimidating, if you follow these tips, you can ensure a successful experience!

Treat it as an extended interview.

Dress for the part – If you want to be part of the team, you need to dress like the team. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Speaking the part – Always remember you are in a professional environment, be aware of the language you use, and how you present yourself. Refrain from using your phone and ensure you are listening – you may believe you are good at multitasking, but you want everyone to know that you value their time.

Acting the part – Be someone who you would like to work with. Ask for feedback and accept constructive criticism from your colleagues.

Take advantage of networking opportunities.

Take the time to learn about and connect with the people you meet over the course of your internship. Everyone you come in contact with will have a unique story and a unique set of skills that you could benefit from. It is important to build your professional network, you never know, they could present you with your first job opportunity.

Maximize your experience.

Internships have an expiration date, so make sure you take advantage of every opportunity that you can. Volunteer for projects that might be out of your comfort zone – you can learn from every experience and make sure throughout your internship to ask questions. No question is a dumb question. Remember to have fun; you are looking for a career that will last the rest of your life.