Her Campus is all about empowering college women for success, which is why we love Kate White. The former Cosmpolitan editor-in-chief is the author of I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This… Success Secrets Every Gutsy Girl Should Know, a guide to professional success. She’s passionate about helping women of all ages achieve their career dreams, whether that means finding a summer internship or making a big career move after years in the field.
Today, White gave the keynote address at the New York Women in Communications Student Career Conference in New York. Speaking to a room full of aspiring writers, news anchors, and publicists, she offered three tips for making the most of an internship.
“Go big or go home.” If success is your goal, simply doing what your boss tells you to isn’t enough, according to White. “If you’re not making your boss say, ‘Wow!’ on a regular basis, you’re not doing enough. Step back from everything you do and ask, ‘Is this as gutsy as it could be? Am I just doing things the way they’ve always been done?’ Don’t be afraid to break the rules.”
“Stop worrying if people like you or not.” Instead of worrying about impressing your fellow interns, the smartest move you can make is to focus on your own career — impress your boss, instead! If you’re too busy chatting up the other interns, you’ll miss out on big opportunities. “That annoying go-getter? Be like her,” White advises.
“Drain the swamp of alligators.” Think of your professional life as a swamp. Every week, set aside an hour to figuratively “drain the swamp” to make sure you’re staying on track with your goals. “It’s so important to be a relentless architect of your career,” White says. “Ask, ‘Am I where I want to be?'” This goes for your personal life, too — don’t neglect your happiness in the present while you chase your future.
Hooked on White’s advice? We are, too! Check out the exclusive interview she gave Her Campus last month detailing her 10 tips for career success.